Meet the Team - Hilton Columbus Downtown

Melissa King

DIRECTOR OF GROUP SALES

Melissa King

ABOUT ME:

I’ve been working in hospitality for 17 years after switching career direction a few years after college! I did not know anything about hospitality sales but once I started in the industry, I was hooked and couldn’t imagine doing any other job. I love talking to people and getting to know their stories. It’s great to have a huge network of friends and customers that spread all over the country.

I grew up in Central Pennsylvania and moved to the Baltimore area to attend Towson University with the plan of working in radio as a DJ. I quickly learned that was not the career for me and after floating around and trying various other career opportunities, my interest in event planning and catering landed me a job in a Hotel as a catering sales manager. I didn’t even know these positions existed so I had a lot to learn right away but the energy, the pace and the constantly evolving demands of the day drew me in.

I only expected my stay in the Baltimore area to last the four years of college, but close to 30 years later, I was still in Baltimore and enjoying great life with my husband, our dog and our wonderful friends we’ve developed over the years. The role of Director of Group Sales gave us our first opportunity to experience a new area with a move to Columbus to be on property with the team! We are excited to begin learning this new city and be on the ground floor of the massive growth that Columbus is experiencing right now!

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

I love how much I am able to travel in the course of my job and discovering so many places in the US that I would never have gone before. When I’m home again, I’m happiest when surrounded by friends and family! We love heading to local breweries or discovering a new locally owned restaurant. I’m an avid reader of fiction and can be found snuggled on the couch with our dog binge watching any of my favorite comedies to wind down.

COLUMBUS FAVORITES:

Being brand-new to Columbus, I am excited to start learning my favorites! Columbus has a great variety of local coffee roasters, breweries and distilleries to keep all of the weekends busy! I’ve had a lot of time to explore the Short North area surrounding the hotel while working remote for a year and a half and am usually found getting lunch at the North Market which offers so many great options (the Banh Mi and Ramen offerings are the best)! A trip to German Village and the Book Loft are always great ways to enjoy the city when I have some free time on my visits!

I’m excited to explore and experience the city with our Customers and visitors!

Lexie Boldish

DIRECTOR OF CATERING & EVENTS

My name is Lexie Boldish and I have been in the Events and Hotel industry for over 15 years! Originally from the Cayman Islands…

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Lexie Boldish

ABOUT ME:

My name is Lexie Boldish and I have been in the Events and Hotel industry for over 15 years! Originally from the Cayman Islands, I began my hotel career whilst still in High School when The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman opened. I then went on to college in Charlotte, NC at the Johnson & Wales University. After University, I returned home as a Manager in Training within the events department then shortly after that becoming and Event Manager. I then started relocating to various hotels from Grand Cayman to New York, Toronto, Half Moon Bay, and San Francisco. Prior to beginning at the Hilton Columbus my most recent position was the Associate Director of Meetings & Special Events at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. When I relocated to Columbus I was instantly drawn to the Hilton Downtown. It is a remarkable property and I could tell it was a special place. I feel lucky to be a part of such an incredible group of ladies and gentlemen. We continue to grow and evolve as a team, always keeping both our team members and clients top of mind!

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

I enjoy spending time with my family including my husband Kerry, my two stepchildren Juliana and Luke. However, I could never forget our fur baby and mini golden doodle, Bella. I love relaxing, reading, enjoying wine and working out.

COLUMBUS FAVORITES:

I have loved traveling and living in different countries and states over the past 10 years but now calling Columbus home has been the sweetest gifts. I love the restaurants and great variety of food offerings that the city has. Being from an island, getting to experience all seasons is always a highlight and something to look forward to.

Alison Brown

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

I’ve been in the events industry for almost 20 years! I was born and raised in small-town Granville, Ohio, about 25 miles outside of Columbus. I attended Miami University (Go Redhawks!) where I studied Psychology and Family…

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Alison Brown

ABOUT ME:

My name is Alison Brown, and I’ve been in the Events Industry for almost 20 years! I was born and raised in small-town Granville, Ohio, about 25 miles outside of Columbus. I attended Miami University (Go Redhawks!) where I studied Psychology and Family Studies and upon graduation, I returned to Central Ohio to begin my career in Hospitality / Events (go figure!). I started as an intern at a small boutique hotel, and eventually moved onto planning weddings and events at larger hotel properties. I was fortunate to join the Hilton team during pre-opening in June of 2012, and loved being a part of such a special and rewarding process of opening a brand new hotel. As time has moved on, I have found my niche in the Large Group market, and I love tackling the challenge of managing the many moving parts of a large convention, as well as managing an amazing team of Event Managers!

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

When I am not planning fabulous Hilton events, I love spending time with my family and friends. On the weekends, you can find me hanging with my husband and four kids at their various activities or brunching with girlfriends.

COLUMBUS FAVORITES:

Some of my favorite things to do in Columbus are to explore the amazing Columbus Metro Parks (my favorite is Innis Woods Metro Park in Westerville!), check out Festivals downtown (they are making a comeback in 2022!) and to dine out at the numerous unique restaurants Columbus has to offer. I have a sweet tooth and a few of my weaknesses are brandied banana brule at Jeni’s Ice Cream in the Short North, buckeyes at Winan’s Chocolates and macarons at Pistacia Vera, both in German Village.

I look forward to connecting with you and planning an amazing experience at the Hilton Columbus Downtown!

Jody Unger

SENIOR CATERING SALES MANAGER

I bring over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to my current role. I began my hospitality career as a Server while I pursued my degree in Hospitality Management at The Ohio State University. After graduating, I progressed through various roles including Banquet Manager, Director of Events and most recently to Senior Catering Manager at Hilton Columbus Downtown...

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Jody Unger

ABOUT ME:

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

In my leisure time, I cherish moments with my husband, Bill and our Bernese Mountain Dog, Rooney. I am an avid sports fan and take great pleasure in supporting my favorite teams!

COLUMBUS FAVORITES:

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, I have an enormous passion for this city! Residing near Bridge Park in Dublin, I enjoy the lively and diverse restaurant scene. I enjoy the great variety of food offerings in both the suburbs and the city, particularly in the Short North which is at our doorstep at Hilton Columbus Downtown.

Lauren Seeholzer-Smith

SENIOR CATERING SALES MANAGER

I’ve been making magic happen in the Events Industry for about 8 years. Hailing from Sandusky, Ohio, right off the shores of good ol’ Lake Erie, I bring a bit of that lakeside charm to everything I do. I earned my stripes at Bowling Green State University, where I studied Hospitality and Event Management…

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Lauren

ABOUT ME:

Hi there! I’m Lauren Seeholzer-Smith, and I’ve been making magic happen in the Events Industry for about 8 years. Hailing from Sandusky, Ohio, right off the shores of good ol’ Lake Erie, I bring a bit of that lakeside charm to everything I do. I earned my stripes at Bowling Green State University, where I studied Hospitality and Event Management. Go Falcons! Talons up! My hotel career began with a whirlwind tour through various departments, including front office, housekeeping, and reservations. This hands-on experience gave me a well-rounded foundation in the hospitality world. As I made my way to the vibrant Columbus hospitality market, I found my true calling in event management, specializing in small to mid-sized corporate and social events. In 2022, I proudly joined the Hilton Columbus Downtown team, where I continue to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

When I’m not orchestrating events, you can find me exploring new places with my spouse and animals, enjoying a good book, or attending any and all concerts.

COLUMBUS FAVORITES:

When it comes to dining, Columbus boasts a plethora of unique restaurants. My favorite area is definitely the Short North, with North Market being my top choice for its incredible variety of food options. It’s a foodie’s paradise! For entertainment, make sure to check out the concerts and shows at the many different venues Columbus has to offer. There’s always something exciting happening in the city. Lastly, if you’re a book lover, don’t miss the Book Loft in German Village. It’s a bookworm’s dream come true with its cozy nooks and endless shelves of books.

Let’s make your next event a memorable one!