Visalia Convention Center Hotel Promotes Groover to General Manager

VISALIA, CA--(Marketwire - May 23, 2011) - Familiar to staff and guests of the Visalia Marriott hotel, Carrie Groover has been named General Manager of this premier Visalia Convention Center hotel, stepping up from her former position as Director of Sales and Marketing.

No stranger to operations at the Visalia Marriott, Groover came to Visalia, CA in 2006 with the Presidian hotel management and development company. She played an integral part in opening the Visalia Marriott hotel by developing and implementing the hotel's sales and marketing plan. She was also responsible for meeting revenue goals, planning client conferences and conventions, and overseeing recruitment, training and development of the sales management team.

"Carrie was a natural choice to lead the Marriott-Convention Center Hotel! Her well rounded Operational and Sales experience, coupled with her local knowledge is a true benefit to take the hotel to the next level," said Mark Kucera, president/COO of Presidian.

Prior to her service in Visalia, Groover served as Assistant General Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn, Rancho Bernardo, CA, where again, she was on the organizational team responsible for opening the hotel and sharing in overall operational responsibilities.

A 1998 honors graduate of California State University, Groover holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies with an emphasis on interpersonal/organizational communication. She spent her first 10 years in the hospitality industry working for Marriott International, Inc. at hotels in Long Beach, San Diego and Pasadena, CA. Her extensive work history and successful experiences within Presidian and the Marriott family of hotels are reflective of her choice as a leader for this impressive hotel near the Heritage Complex in Tulare.

Having covered many hourly and management positions in both operations and sales since beginning her career in 1994, Groover brings hands-on experience to the Marriott, a distinctive choice among hotels near Kings Canyon National Park. In addition to offering gracious hotel accommodations, the Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center hotel is also an exceptional venue for corporate meetings, professional business events or social gatherings -- with over 115,000 square feet of flexible event space and elegant banquet halls in Visalia.

Since moving to Visalia, Groover, a native of the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California, has become involved in community organizations, volunteering with various entities including the Valley Oak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for which she was recently elected secretary of the board of directors. She and her husband share their home with two rescue dogs from the Valley Oak shelters.

About the Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center Hotel
The Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center Hotel is located in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley, just a short distance from popular attractions such as Kings Canyon National Park, Crystal Cave, the International Agri-Center Heritage Complex and the Fox Theater. Guests are greeted with stylish accommodations, exceptional service and an offering of on-site amenities that includes a heated, year-round swimming pool; whirlpool; fully equipped business center and the ever-popular Zhuo restaurant.

About Presidian
Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, Presidian is an award winning developer and hotel management company. The company's portfolio consists of upscale full service, select service, independent hotels and condominiums. Brands represented include Hilton, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Marriott and aloft by Starwood. For more information on Presidian, visit www.presidian.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information.