Hyatt Regency Austin Appoints Jeff Donahoe as General Manager
Hyatt Regency Austin, located on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, has named Jeff Donahoe as general manager.
"I am thrilled to join the incredible team at Hyatt Regency Austin," said Jeff Donahoe, general manager. "First and foremost, my goals are built on the foundation of Hyatt's purpose of caring for people so they can be their best. This property is iconic to the downtown Austin skyline and has a history of performing very well. My goal is to ensure that the operation continues to perform at a high level while also addressing the changes in the city's competitive environment with the addition of new hotel supply. "
Donahoe became interested in the hospitality industry at a young age when his grandfather regaled him with stories of owning a social club in Pittsburgh, Pa. in the 1950s and 1960s. Donahoe wanted to follow in his grandfather's footsteps by pursuing a career in hospitality and enrolled in Mercyhurst University, in Erie, Pa., where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in hotel management in 2002.
Immediately following his college graduation, Donahoe was accepted into Hyatt's Corporate Management Training (CMT) program where he learned about the overall operation of a hotel, from housekeeping to front desk management. After his time in the CMT program, Donahoe was hired as sales manager at Hyatt Regency Savannah.
Donahoe was quickly promoted to various positions including associate director of sales, director of sales and marketing, and vice president of sales. He has worked at the company's headquarters office in Chicago, as well as on site at properties throughout the country including Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Hyatt on Capital Hill in Columbus, Ohio, Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio.
As general manager, Donahoe will be responsible for overseeing and providing direction to the hotel's team members including its leadership committee, engaging with the property's owners, and ensuring the optimal on-site experience for hotel guests.
Throughout his tenure working with Hyatt, Donahoe has received multiple awards and accolades including being part of the company's "Sales Team of the Year" in 2006, 2008, 2013, and 2016. He moves to Austin with his wife Jen, his 12-year-old daughter Lucy, and his 10-year-old son Ben.