First Female General Manager Hired At The Don CeSar

ST. PETE BEACH, FL – The iconic Don CeSar hotel, managed by Davidson Resorts, has hired its first female complex general manager.

Barbara Readey will oversee the St. Pete Beach hotel and its sister property Beach House Suites, according to a news release.

She will look after daily hotel operations, programming, sales and marketing efforts, budgets, and more.

Readey most recently served as hotel manager for Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott Water Street, where she led the team to earn the highest guest satisfaction score in the JW portfolio.

During her 20 years in hospitality as a general manager, she also oversaw the Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club. There, she navigated a three-year, $58 million redevelopment project.

She’s also held general manager positions at a number of Marriott properties, such as Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, Denver Marriott Tech Center, Renaissance St. Louis Hotel-Airport and Romulus Marriott Hotel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Barbara to The Don CeSar, as she brings passion and a strong work ethic to this role,” Thomas Fraher, area vice president of operations for Davidson Hospitality Group, said. “It’s an exciting time at The Don as we celebrate our 95th year, which she will lead the team through and on to the next milestone!”

Readey has been active in hospitality leadership positions outside of her professional roles, serving as a member of Marriott International’s General Manager Advisory Council, chair of the Marriott Tampa Bay Business Council, vice president of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, as well as serving the on the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce and as a founding member of the St. Pete Economic Development committee.