Meet Our Team at The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
“Many companies say their people are the key to their success and in hospitality, it really is all about the culture we create by having associates that truly care about serving others and going that extra step to make guests feel at home,” says Craig Stechman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Shamin Hotels. “We take pride in promoting from within whenever we can. Our CEO grew up in our company from line level positions and this is promoted and encouraged within our Shamin family culture. We are very proud of our Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront team as they are great examples of our mission.”
Virginia Beach, VA – Shamin Hotels is proud to announce the hiring and promotion of five distinct associates at two of its premier oceanside properties, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. In keeping with the company’s commitment to superior guest service and experience, Shamin Hotels is thrilled to welcome new and existing team members into roles essential to the growth of both hotels.
Stepping into the role of General Manager of the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel is Martino DeStefano. Having served as the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s Hotel Manager since 2015, DeStefano was a key player in transitioning the property to new management in 2018 and as General Manager will continue in his commitment to the growth of the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. DeStefano’s duties as General Manager include efficiently directing day-to-day operations of the hotel as well as managing training and integration of new policies and overseeing the management of the property’s signature restaurants and bars: Catch 31, Salacia and Sky Bar. He began his career in hospitality nearly 30 years ago as the Director of Security for The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club in Virginia Beach. From there he grew to take on the roles of Beverage Director and Food & Beverage Director, eventually becoming the General Manager for the iconic property.
Succeeding Martino DeStefano, Jay Agustin was recently hired to step into the role of Hotel Manager at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. A new addition to the Shamin Hotels family, Agustin most recently served as General Manager for Harmony Hospitality and Investments’ properties. He currently works alongside DeStefano to maintain daily functions of the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel.
Carlene Sharkey, the newly promoted Director of Restaurants is no stranger to the team. Sharkey held a variety of positions at Catch 31 and Sky Bar for the past 11 years, prior to being promoted to this position. She brings a unique understanding of the food and beverage industry to the team and is responsible for all front-of-house and internal restaurant operations at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront properties ensuring the highest quality service and food production. Sharkey began her career in the restaurant industry as Assistant General Manager at Calcutta’s Restaurant and Bar in Virginia Beach prior to being Restaurant Manager at Hometown Heroes.
Additional promotions include Sara Sanders as Marketing Director for both the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, as well as Nancy Caparelli as Front Office Manager of the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Sanders formerly served as the Events Marketing Manager for both properties where she was responsible for overseeing promotional events. Her extensive marketing and management experience gained through previous positions at Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, Brand Builders, and Planet Wellness give her a strong background for the Marketing Director role. Transitioning from her previous role as hotel night manager, restaurant supervisor for Catch 31 and Salacia, Nancy Caparelli now serves as Front Office Manager and assists the hotel’s front office, bell and valet teams in providing exceptional guest experiences.