Corporate Team
Pacifica Hotels Officers & Key Personnel
Dale J. Marquis, Chairman
Mr. Marquis is the founder and President of Invest West Financial Corporation, parent company of Pacifica Hotel Company. Mr. Marquis has been involved with the acquisition and development of over 130 real estate investment projects, including over 30 hotel projects, and has been involved with the formation and operation of many real estate and non-real estate related companies. Mr. Marquis is directly involved in the approval of hotel sites and hotel acquisition projects for the company. Prior to founding Invest West in 1970, Mr. Marquis was associated with Arthur Andersen and Company.
Matt Marquis, CEO & President
Mr. Marquis began his business career on Wall Street with Dean Witter Realty, Inc., where he was an analyst and asset manager on a diversified real estate portfolio valued at more than $1 billion. He subsequently joined Investcorp International to assist in the reorganization of its real estate department, working with senior management on the acquisition, disposition, and asset management of more than $700 million in real estate investments. In 1997 he joined Pacifica Real Estate Group as an asset manager responsible for the commercial real estate portfolio. In 2000, Mr. Marquis, along with his father Dale Marquis, activated Invest West Financial Corp as the family's primary business and acquired Pacifica Hotel Company from their partners. Today they work together in creating and developing a dynamic family business focused on real estate and hospitality investments for the future.
Mr. Marquis has a BA in Communications with a Business Minor from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Pepperdine's Graziadio School of Business. He also completed Harvard's Families in Business seminar. He has served on the boards of several community groups, including the United Boys and Girls Clubs, Autism Society of American, and Cold Springs School Foundation, and is also a member and past member of the board of the Young President's Organization (YPO).
Todd Moreau, Chief Operating Officer
Todd joined Pacifica Hotels in May of 1998 and through the years, his drive and dedication have risen him through the ranks. During this 17 year tenure with Pacifica, Todd has been actively involved in the expansion of the company’s portfolio and is responsible for the integration of all new assets into company culture and the operating formula. As COO of Pacifica Hotels, Todd oversees all aspects of corporate operations and the management of the company's portfolio of hotels and restaurants. Todd is committed to fostering a culture of providing exceptional hospitality experiences through the dedication of core values. Through Todd’s leadership, the operating company has developed a rich history and reputation of delivering high guest satisfaction and industry leading results.
Adam Marquis, Executive Vice President
Mr. Marquis joined the company in 2010 and is responsible for asset management, feasibility, and brand relations. In addition, Mr. Marquis is also involved in acquisitions, dispositions and strategic repositioning efforts. Formerly, he held a senior consultant position at PKF Consulting, located in Los Angeles, California. His areas of expertise include market feasibility, valuations, forecasting analysis, and operational planning for a variety of hospitality products. In addition, his consulting engagements include hotels, mixed-use resorts, conference centers, casinos and golf courses for clients and brands throughout the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. He has assisted in appraising nearly 100 full and limited-service hotels and resorts with asset valuations in excess of $500 million. Prior to his tenure at PKF, Mr. Marquis worked for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts as a Rooms Division Manager after having successfully completed the company's Corporate Management Program at the Grand Hyatt in Denver, Colorado. There he received key departmental training in finance, sales and marketing, yield management and food and beverage. Mr. Marquis began his career training as a Hospitality Host with Walt Disney World Resorts. He has a degree in Hotel Management from Utah Valley University.
Chris Marquis, Vice President
Mr. Marquis joined the company in 2015 and is responsible for coordinating the debt and equity for the entire portfolio. Mr. Marquis also oversees all of the commercial and private equity assets in addition to being involved in strategic positioning of the asset portfolio. Prior to his career at Pacifica, he worked for GE Capital’s Executive Leadership Program where he worked alongside GE executives in launching new commercial platforms, developing new business products, and managing the debt book for hotels, multi-family, and commercial properties through GE’s Commercial Real Estate Lending group. Prior to GE, Marquis was with Donahue Schriber, a private REIT specializing in retail shopping centers, where he underwrote new acquisitions and oversaw the budgets for their $2 billion portfolio. He also spent five years at Sperry Van Ness, a commercial brokerage firm, where he worked with the top retail team and closed over $350 million in transactions.
Mr. Marquis holds a MBA from the University of California, Irvine, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.
John Pedlow, Vice President of Revenue
Mr. Pedlow brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to Pacifica. He oversees all Pacifica revenue functions including marketing, revenue management, sales and distribution and is responsible for maximizing revenues for all PHC hotel properties. Mr. Pedlow joined the corporate team in 2002 after serving as the general manager at the company's Sommerset Suites and developed the Pacifica revenue management department. Since beginning his hospitality career in 1992, he has held increasingly responsible positions with a number of hotel companies and attended Mira Costa College.
Stephen Medel, Vice President of Business Development
Mr. Medel brings more than 15 years experience in the hospitality industry to Pacifica Hotels. He is directly responsible for the strategic expansion of the Wayfarer Hotel brand, in addition to the acquisition of third party management agreements of unique assets throughout the West Coast. His industry knowledge, contacts, and experience in owners relations and contract negotiation make him a welcome addition to the Pacifica Hotels family. Medel joins Pacifica after a 12 year tenure with broughtonHOTELS as Director of Acquisitions and Development where he played an integral role in the growth and expansion of the company spearheading the acquisition of over 20 hotels, assisted in the opening of new hotels and was a member of its executive committee. He joined Broughton in 2003 for his hotel operations experience after spending 3 years with the Five Diamond Simpson House Inn located in Santa Barbara, CA. Stephen received his degree in Business Administration from Chico State University. You will often find Stephen spending time with his high school sweetheart Carly and their two sons Jackson and Eli, as well as frequenting one of California’s many theme parks.
Matthew Kou, Vice President of Investments & Acquisitions
Matthew joins Pacifica Hotels with an extensive tenure in Investments & Acquisitions. Most recently, Mr. Kou served as Director at Sonnenblick-Eichner in Beverly Hills, CA, where he was responsible for investment and financing memoranda as well as financial analyses and market research associated with transactions. Prior to Sonnenblick-Eichner, Matt was an Associate at PKF Consulting in Los Angeles, CA. His consulting and appraisal engagements included hotels, mixed-use resorts, conference centers, casinos and golf courses for clients and brands throughout the United States. Mr. Kou graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a degree in Hospitality management. He is also a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of California and a member of the Urban Land Institute Young Leaders Group.
Alie Gaffan, Vice President of People & Culture
Ms. Gaffan joined the company in 1995 and is responsible for strategic workforce planning, defining human capital goals and objectives, and developing and promoting organizational culture. The talented Ms. Gaffan began her career at PHC working the front desk of one of the hotels and immediately advanced to the Front Desk Manager. After her role as Front Desk Manager she served as Southern Area Manager, supervising operations and sales efforts in six Los Angeles regional properties. Most recently, Ms. Gaffan oversaw and conducted training in core competencies (guest services, housekeeping, reservations, and sales) within all Pacifica Hotel Company properties as the Corporate Director of Training.
Shawn Highland, Vice President of Operations
A former United States Marine and Gulf War Veteran, Mr. Highland brings 18 years of hospitality experience to Pacifica Hotel Company. His hospitality leadership career began at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. He also held positions throughout Southern California that include The Luxe hotel Rodeo Drive, The Biltmore Hotel Downtown Los Angeles and The Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa prior to joining Pacifica Hotel Company in 2008.
Alan Hurd, Senior Director of Operations
With more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, Mr. Hurd brings a variety of experience to Pacifica Hotel Company. Starting as a bellman, he worked his way through the hotel industry in a variety of positions, including the front office, housekeeping, maintenance, hotel renovations & new construction and acquisition & development. After attending the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, Mr. Hurd worked as a general manager with many branded hotels, including Comfort Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Residence and Fairfield Inns. His experience with other brands also includes Radisson Hotels, Best Western, Marriott and Hilton brands. Before joining Pacifica Hotels, Mr. Hurd worked for Sterling Hotel Corporation, Sunstone Hotels, and Ocean Park Hotels. Most recently, he was the Regional Vice President for a privately held group of Hilton Garden Inns where he helped in the development of a Homewood Suites and an Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Todd Driscoll, CHA, Director of Quality Assurance
Mr. Driscoll received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Berkeley and achieved his Certified Hotel Administrator designation from the American Hotel and Motel Association in 1988. He has an extensive background in the construction and operations of full service and limited service hotel properties. He served as Vice President of Operations for Channel Islands Hotel Properties for over 10 years before joining the Pacifica Hotels' team in 1998. He has operating experience with Best Western, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Choice Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels, Ramada, Radisson, and independent hotels.
Lissa Dye, CHS, Corporate Director of Sales
Ms. Dye comes to Pacifica Hotel Company from a long career with Marriott International, where she conducted a wide variety of nationally based sales efforts; for all Marriott brands targeting a variety of markets. She demonstrated her strength as a project manager, reorganizing sales and service teams as well as strategically developing market group sales centers throughout the country.
In her role as the Corporate Director of Sales for Pacifica Hotels, she works closely with the revenue management and marketing teams. Ms. Dye leads Pacifica's Sales Team to achieving revenue goals, through comprehensive sales training, strategic planning and successful execution. Ms. Dye received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Chico State University.
Christy Edson, Corporate Director of Risk Management
Ms. Edson joined Pacifica Hotel Company from Corrigan & Company where she began as an underwriter. Gaining increased responsibility, Ms. Edson’s most recent role as Vice President of Client Services included management of a $250 million portfolio of clients including the implementation, administration, and compliance of non-qualified benefit plans. She has her California life and health insurance license and is a member of both the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Risk Management Committee and the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Safety & Security Committee. Ms. Edson brings over 20 years of financial client service experience to the role and she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an emphasis in Financial Services with a minor in Statistics from Brigham Young University.
Jorge Sanchez, MCSE, Corporate Director of IT
Mr. Sanchez joined the Pacifica Hotel Company in July 1998. He received his Bachelor of Computer Engineer from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in 1993. Through his career, he has also received a variety of certifications such as CNA, CNE, MCSA & MCSE.
Prior to joining Pacifica Hotel Company, Mr. Sanchez was the Regional IT Manager for Grupo Sidek-Situr for 8 years where he managed, administered & supervised all IT & Telecommunications infrastructure for Mexico Northwest Region & USA Properties (Hospitality & Retail, Time Share Hotels, Marina & Golf Course Resorts developments and acquisitions).
Mr. Sanchez is responsible for Systems & Telecommunications infrastructure for all hotels within the Pacifica Hotel Company portfolio.
Ari Fresques, Director of People Services
Mrs. Fresques joined Pacifica Hotels in 2015. She brings over 10 years of hotel experience to her role. She began her career in hospitality with Tarsadia Hotels, and has previously held positions with Evolution Hospitality, Rim Hospitality, and Interstate Hotel & Resorts. She oversees People Services and continues to work closely with the team to guide and manage support, policies, and programs.
Brandon Burtis, CRME, Corporate Director of Revenue
Mr. Burtis comes to Pacifica Hotels with more than 12 years of hospitality background primarily in the independent & boutique segment. Starting out as a Front Desk Agent, and working through Operations management and into Reservations & Revenue Management, Mr. Burtis quickly rose the ranks to Regional and then Corporate level oversight of revenue functions and strategy. His previous experience includes mTm Luxury Lodging now Benchmark Hospitality’s Personal Luxury Collection, Woodmark Hotel Yacht Club & Spa, Coast Hotels, and most recently, Viceroy Hotel Group. Mr. Burtis received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and was recognized in Seattle’s 425 Magazine “Thirty Under 30.”
Kate Morgan, Corporate Director of Marketing
Mrs. Morgan recently joined Pacifica Hotels bringing over 10 years of marketing experience in brand development, multi-channel strategy, CPG, and more in a variety of industries. Mrs. Morgan comes to Pacifica Hotels with a strong background in the foodservice industry among others having started on the advertising agency side in her early career working with global clients such as LG Electronics, Neutrogena, Luftansa, and FOCUS Brands, then transitioning to the brand side as Director of Brand Marketing for Cinnabon, a global multi-channel snack brand. She is responsible for development and implementation of Pacifica Hotels marketing, branding, and public relations strategies that will continue to elevate and support the portfolio’s long-term evolution and growth objectives.
Mac Gregory, Corporate Director of Food & Beverage
Thomas (Mac) McFarland Gregory III is a top executive in the international food & beverage community as well as a master mixologist, certified advanced sommelier, speaker, educator, columnist, beverage consultant, and competition judge. Gregory is an esteemed industry veteran and visionary executive of 25 years and has developed, launched and managed hundreds of locations for the world’s most elite luxury hospitality brands. As Starwood Corporate Director of Food & Beverage, he was responsible for overseeing 1,200 bar and restaurant venues across 489 unique properties. In 2014, Gregory was named CEO of Saint Marc Holdings where he developed and introduced the Japanese company to business in the United States markets of Los Angeles & Orange Counties with two full service restaurants in Century City & Huntington Beach. In 2017, Mac joined Pacifica Hotels team to direct the development and operations of the expanding food & beverage portfolio.
Doug Pflaumer, Regional Director of Operations
Mr. Pflaumer brings 20 years of hospitality experience to Pacifica Hotel Company. His tenure began in New York working for the Sheraton Centre & Towers where he held several different front office positions. He has been a Rooms Division Manager at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel in addition to being the Director of Front Office Operations at the Plaza Hotel. Mr. Pflaumer has also held General Manager positions for Capstar Hotels at the Seaport Suites in lower Manhattan. He relocated to Southern California to join Sunstone hotels and most recently was the General Manager for Residence Inn by Marriott Hotels prior to joining Pacifica Hotel Company.
Ruben Garza, Regional Director of Operations
Mr. Garza brings over 22 years of experience working in the hotel industry. With a career start at Decatur Hotel Corporation, which owned and operated a collection of boutique hotels throughout the historic French Quarter and New Orleans Central Business District, Mr. Garza worked his way up to General Manager at the Chateau Dupre Hotel, and then the Pelham Hotel. After relocating to Southern California in 1999, Mr. Garza served as General Manager with both Trigild Hotels team and Pinnacle Hotel Group before joining Pacifica Hotels. After 12 years at the helm of key Pacifica property Blue Sea Beach Hotel in San Diego, Mr. Garza was promoted to Regional Director of Operations bringing his wealth of knowledge and expertise to support the field.
Gregg Pearson, CHA, Regional Director of Operations
Mr. Pearson joins Pacifica Hotels with over 30 years of hospitality experience. After studying hotel and restaurant management at Brigham Young University – Hawaii, Mr. Pearson began his career working at the Pacific Island Club, a 5-star resort in Guam, and was later assigned to the opening team of the Pacific Islands Club resort on the island of Saipan. He spent several years in Southern California working at the Hyatt LAX, the Holiday Inn Downtown LA as well as the Sunset Marquis, Mondrian, and Le Park hotels in West Hollywood. In 1999, Mr. Pearson Joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and held multiple positions including General Manager, Regional Director of Operations, Senior Director, Franchise Operations and Master Black Belt, Six Sigma for the Northern California Region. Over the course of his career, Mr. Pearson has worked with several brands including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Starwood as well as luxury boutique independent hotels. Most recently, Mr. Pearson was working with Triyar Hospitality as Regional General Manager overseeing a portfolio of Aloft Hotels.
Mark Frances, Regional Director of Operations
Mr. Frances comes to Pacifica Hotels most recently following a role as Global Director of Operations for Radisson RED and Corporate Director of Operations for owned & managed properties at Carlson Rezidor. Born and raised in Africa, Mr. Frances is fluent in 5 languages. He holds a BS in Hotel Management from Durban University of Technology, and a Masters in Hospitality Administration from University of Cape Town. With an early start, his first job was dressing as a Ninja Turtle to entertain children at a beach resort in South Africa. He brings experience as both General Manager and Regional Director at island resorts in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean as well as multiple PGA golf resorts in the UK.
Jak Hu, Regional Director of Operations
Mr. Hu’s experience includes over thirty years in the field of hospitality, with a strong background in hotel management and operations. With a humble beginning in the Housekeeping department and a degree in Physics, Mr. Hu worked his way up through every department in the hotel business. Previously, he oversaw the operations of seven hotels, with a total of 2,600 rooms in the active tourist destination of Waikiki, Hawai’i for Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i. Taking on the role of Regional Director of Operations, he now oversees all Hawaiian properties within the Pacifica portfolio.
Melissa Colón, Regional Director of Sales
Mrs. Colón has had a career in both branded and boutique hotels for over 16 years. Prior to joining Pacifica Hotels in 2017, she piloted successful group sales strategies with Starwood Hotels, including a focus on the downtown portfolio to include US Grant, W San Diego, Westin Gaslamp, and Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. With the Catamaran and Bahia Hotels, she successfully restructured the sales team to increase productivity and increase ADR year over year. Mrs. Colón earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from San Diego State University, in addition to earning her Level 2 Sommelier Certification. In her current role with Pacifica, she supports the Central Coast hotels with sales-related efforts as well as acting as the face of Pacifica Hotels immersing herself in the San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and Cambria communities.
Christine Dieu, Regional Director of Sales
Mrs. Dieu joined Pacifica Hotels in 2014 as the Director of Sales for The Belamar Hotel. Prior to joining Pacifica Hotels, Mrs. Dieu brought 14 years of branded hotel and sales experience working for Marriott Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, and Radisson Hotels & Resorts. Throughout her career, she has directly managed a variety of market segments to include: Social, Military, Education, Religious & Fraternal (SMERF) Group, Association, Corporate Group, Citywide/Convention Groups, and Government with her strength and favorite segment being Corporate Business Travel. As Regional Director of Sales, she works alongside our Los Angeles hotel sales teams to maximize revenue generation and carry out Pacifica Hotels’ strategic and results-oriented sales mission. Mrs. Dieu is also responsible for developing and maintaining key relationship accounts to build brand awareness for Pacifica Hotels.
