OUR TEAM

From the moment you join the Columbia Hospitality team, you will see that we have a genuine respect for each other and are committed to bringing enthusiasm and passion to our work. Each individual team member is empowered to use creativity to improve guest experiences and has accountability for all of his or her actions. We are dedicated to creating a culture at Columbia where people feel comfortable being themselves. We allow innate honesty and sincerity to guide everyday decisions and guest responses.

Our team members say it best...

I joined Columbia Hospitality five years ago because I saw a unique opportunity to work for a company with a true entrepreneurial spirit. My career began as Director of Operations for Bell Harbor International Conference Center after an extensive interview/courting process (two years) with John Oppenheimer and Bret Matteson. I remember being asked what success would look like one year from my date of hire and I said I wanted to be involved in setting the strategy for the company. Five years and two promotions later, I can honestly say that not only have I been involved in setting the strategy, I'm truly part of the strategy! Other rewarding aspects include the encouragement to take risks, living our values, and the opportunity to work with wonderful people every day. The culture of Columbia Hospitality rewards taking calculated risks to raise the bar in all aspects of the business. This has defined my success and has given me gratification about coming to work every day. The company values provide the framework by which we do great work. I tell my team to think of our values when making decisions on the job and they can't go wrong.

The final and perhaps most compelling reason I’ve enjoyed my time at Columbia Hospitality is the incredible family of people I work with each day and the work we do as a team to deliver great service to our guests. This is something I never take for granted. It's the foundation for our success and the reason our brand is recognized in the industry. I look forward to the next five years and eagerly await the opportunities it will bring for Columbia Hospitality.

John Murphy
General Manager
Salish Lodge & Spa

I joined Columbia Hospitality 12 years ago because a co-worker at another property incessantly raved about working at Bell Harbor. I took his word for it and interviewed for a banquet server position and the rest is history! I am amazed and inspired by all the growth opportunities I've been afforded over the years. Starting as banquet server and captain at Bell Harbor, then food and beverage manager at Talaris, I have literally come full circle in my growth with this company and now find myself back at Bell Harbor, first as the director of food and beverage and most recently promoted to Director of Operations. As I see it, the sky is the limit to how far I can take my career at Columbia.

Barbara Rush
Director of Operations
Bell Harbor International Conference Center
World Trade Center - Seattle