Meet the Team

Meet the TeamMeet the Team
<strong>Cindy Lee</strong> <br/>Director of Sales

Cindy Lee
Director of Sales

Cindy brings 25+ years of hospitality experience and is known for her client-focused approach, operational expertise, and creative problem-solving. She has a talent for anticipating needs, delivering successful programs within budget, and building lasting relationships with clients and colleagues.

Outside of work, Cindy enjoys dining at MF Sushi, exploring restaurants in New Orleans, and spending time with her pets, Mojo and Uni.
<strong>Jason Bailey</strong> <br/>Senior Group Sales Manager

Jason Bailey
Senior Group Sales Manager

A Dallas native who has called Houston home for 25 years, Jason grew up in a family restaurant business, making hospitality second nature. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin’s hospitality program, he is known for his thoughtful, personable approach and expertise in creating exceptional experiences for meeting planners.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys running in Memorial Park, camping, hiking, biking, and exploring Houston’s newest happy hour spots.
<strong>Lara Goerlitz</strong><br/>Senior Meetings and Events Manager

Lara Goerlitz
Senior Meetings and Events Manager

With 28 years at The Houstonian and 20 years in Sales and Catering, Lara is known for her expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional client service. A former Manor House General Manager, she has successfully managed events for executives, dignitaries, and industry leaders from start to finish.

Outside of work, Lara enjoys live music, floating the Guadalupe River, visiting dog parks with her husband Mickey, and making the most of every adventure.
<strong>Tina Milanesi </strong><br/>Senior Corporate Sales Manager

Tina Milanesi
Senior Corporate Sales Manager

Tina is a familiar and friendly face who has been in the hospitality industry for over 37 years. Her primary focus over the years has been corporate business travel and luxury leisure sales for National and International Markets. Tina has called The Houstonian home for 18 years. If you ask Tina what her favorite thing about working in the industry is, it will always be building client relationships all over the world that have turned into deep friendships.

Tina's passions include teaching yoga, cheering on UH and Penn State, and life at home with her husband Jon, and children, Dante and Sydney.
<strong>Joan McKnight</strong><br/>Senior Catering Sales Manager

Joan McKnight
Senior Catering Sales Manager

Joan is a native Texan and a graduate of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at The University of Houston. She began her career 12 years ago at The Houstonian as assistant director of restaurants, then was promoted to general manager of the Historic Manor House, which finally led her to her dream job- catering sales.  Joan’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail have become her greatest strengths in planning any event. She loves getting to know her clients and helping their dreams become reality.

In her free time, you can find her taking her daughter on mini adventures, reading a book, planning her next vacation, or just hanging out with her friends and family.

<strong>Amber Slovensky</strong><br/>Group Sales Manager

Amber Slovensky
Group Sales Manager

Amber discovered her passion for hospitality early and is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. With 13 years of industry experience and a decade at The Houstonian, she is known for her passion, creativity, and dedication to creating memorable events.

Outside of work, Amber enjoys cooking, exploring Houston’s restaurant scene, traveling, and spending time with her two rescue pups.
<strong>Juliana Menjivar</strong><br/>Group Sales Manager

Juliana Menjivar
Group Sales Manager

Born in El Salvador and raised in Houston, Juliana brings more than 16 years of hospitality experience and a passion for building meaningful client relationships. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and helping clients find the ideal solutions for meetings, events, and group accommodations.

Outside of work, Juliana enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, exploring Houston’s food scene, and creating lasting family memories.

<strong>Tina Nguyen</strong><br/>Catering Sales Manager

Tina Nguyen
Catering Sales Manager

Tina's passion for travel inspired her career in hospitality. A graduate of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, she is known for building strong client relationships, delivering exceptional service, and embodying The Houstonian’s signature Southern hospitality.

Outside of work, Tina enjoys exploring Houston’s restaurant scene, reading, and spending time with her pup.

<strong>Meliza Rodriguez</strong><br/>Meetings & Events Manager

Meliza Rodriguez
Meetings & Events Manager

Meliza has been part of The Houstonian family since 2008, building her career from The Houstonian Club to Conference Services. Known for her warm personality, dedication, and can-do attitude, she excels at creating memorable experiences for meeting and event clients.

Outside of work, Meliza enjoys spending time at home with her dogs, Biggie and Bibi.
<strong>Carolina Mata</strong><br/>Meetings & Events Manager

Carolina Mata
Meetings & Events Manager

Carolina began her hospitality career in 2015 and has a passion for creating exceptional experiences for clients and guests. Known for her attention to detail, warm personality, and personalized approach, she enjoys helping clients bring their vision to life through thoughtfully planned events.

Outside of work, Carolina enjoys running and hiking with her husband, cheering on her favorite sports teams, spending quality time with family, reading, and traveling to discover new places.
<strong>James Dadia</strong><br/>Rooms Liaison

James Dadia
Rooms Liaison

James brings over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, building his career on delivering exceptional service. He is frequently described by clients as highly accommodating, consistently attentive, and deeply committed to ensuring that every guest feels valued and enjoys an outstanding stay.

Outside of his professional life, James enjoys exploring Houston’s dynamic dining scene and dedicating his time to volunteer efforts that enrich the local community.

Kayla Galkowski
Catering Sales Manager

Kayla is a Houston native who attended the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management and began her hospitality career in 2022. She is known for her attention to detail, dedication to delivering exceptional events, and her strong relationship with clients. 
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys practicing yoga, testing new recipes, and hanging out with her friends and family. 

Madison Milton
Catering Sales Manager

Madison Milton is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is known for her passion behind planning and executing events. With her attention to detail and bubbly personality, she makes every guest feel seen.

Outside of work, Madison enjoys sunny lake days, reading, Mahjong, and live music with friends!

Meeting Request Form (RFP)

Arrival Date:

Departure Date:

Do you require sleeping rooms:

Tell us about your function so we can assist you:

How did you hear about us?

* Required fields