Our dynamic team of seasoned professionals brings decades of global event experience to every event at Old Edwards Inn and Spa. We understand the unique needs and requirements of creating extraordinary and personalized gatherings and we work tirelessly to ensure your occasion goes exactly as you envisioned. Allow our team's vast experience to ease your mind and let you focus on what's important - enjoying the day.
Melissa has excelled in the hospitality industry for the past 26 years, having worked at prestigious properties such as Fearrington House Inn, another Relais and Chateaux property, and Sea Island prior to being named Director of Sales at Old Edwards Inn and
Spa in 2009. She has been the driving force in shaping the many venues of Old Edwards into the award-winning destinations they are today.
Originally from Ormond Beach, Florida, Jessica graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management and Marketing. To gain experience from a leader in hospitality, Jessica entered an internship at Old Edwards Inn
& Spa in 2012. She found Highlands and Old Edwards the perfect life for her. After graduating in 2013, Jessica moved to Highlands and began her hospitality career at Old Edwards.
For nearly 20 years Callie has been a driving force in the Hospitality Industry. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a degree in Culinary Arts, she began her career at the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta. She continued to gain
knowledge and experience with Rosewood Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, and the Jupiter Hotel in Portland, Oregon. In the Fall of 2016, Callie moved to Highlands to join the Sales Team at Old Edwards Inn & Spa. After three wonderful years, she and her husband were offered an opportunity for a new adventure in Carmel, California. They soon realized how Highlands truly is their home and Callie along with her husband, Michael and their precious daughter, Annabelle returned. She was honored to take on the role of Senior Sales Manager at Old Edwards.
Gabby was born and raised in South Florida, but spent many of her summers in Macon County. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. She worked for both her university’s alumni association
and athletic association in their events department and quickly fell in love with the industry. In 2018, Gabby moved to Franklin with her young son, and realizing she missed the events industry, she took a role at a local venue, but immediately jumped at the opportunity when Old Edwards Inn & Spa offered her a position. In her free time, Gabby enjoys playing and watching sports, taking her son on adventures, and traveling.
Sarah joined us from Cary, North Carolina. As a child she visited her grandparents, and it was from those visits that she fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains. She attended Western Carolina University where she studied Studio Art with a concentration in
Photography. Sarah grew up around the hospitality industry as her parents worked in hotels and resorts, and it was her exposure to the industry that motivated Sarah to follow the same career path. She wanted to stay in WNC, which is how she found her way to Old Edwards Inn & Spa. Sarah applies her art and photography background to assist with managing weddings and events social media for the resort. She enjoys creating treasured memories for guests working with the Weddings and Special Events Team at Old Edwards. Since moving to Highlands, she’s enjoyed exploring the area and fallen in love with the unique town she now calls home.
Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Marina developed her love of hospitality from her grandparents, who came over from Greece to open a successful restaurant in Mississippi which focused on incorporating Greek recipes into American cuisine.
Marina loved visiting the family restaurant and always left feeling inspired by her Pappous immense passion for the restaurant industry. From there her interest in hospitality took her to Auburn University where she graduated with a bachelor's in Hospitality Management and minor in Business Management, plus her level 1 Sommelier certificate. While in Auburn, she worked at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, where she helped run the recreation department. Weddings have always been her main passion in hospitality, as she loves creating a day dedicated to a love story. Marina started interning with a luxury wedding planner which is how she came upon Old Edwards Inn & Spa. She packed up her dogs to move to the mountains and has loved it here ever since.
Rina was born in Honduras to an American father and Honduran mother. After the family returned to the USA in 2002, they lived in LA for years and eventually found their way to North Carolina. Before joining the Old Edwards Inn & Spa team in 2017,
Rina worked as a tax preparation software specialist for Drake Software. Growing up bilingual and multicultural has provided her with a unique skill set that includes acute attention to detail, a strong sense of organization and a gift for customer satisfaction. After beginning as a front desk agent for both Old Edwards and 200 Main, Rina quickly rose through the ranks to a supervisory position. While serving as concierge, she built up her knowledge of resort operations and guest expectations and enjoys sharing all she has learned. Rina's love of hiking and budding photography skills have provided a deep familiarity with the attractions available in our beautiful mountains and support her ultimate goal of providing the best experience for our guests.
Graham earned his diploma in Resort Management in British Columbia, Canada and worked in Banff, Alberta, at the Rim Rock Resort before joining Old Edwards Inn & Spa’s Special Events and Sales Team in 2022 as an intern. Graham brings international
hospitality experience with him, and he enjoys being in our unique mountain town and exploring all the wonderful trails and waterfalls our area has to offer.
Born and raised in the small town of Pittsboro, NC, Sophie is no stranger to the hospitality industry. Growing up with parents who worked in the hotel business, she spent a lot of time sneaking around kitchens and hiding out under
tablecloths. Sophie started her career working in various positions at The Fearrington House Inn, another Relais and Chateaux property. After graduating from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she worked for a year in elementary education, but was unable to resist the gentle tug of an opportunity to return to hospitality. In 2014, Sophie moved across the state to Highlands, NC, and joined the Old Edwards Inn & Spa Food & Beverage team. She worked initially as a Banquet Captain before moving into the Banquet Manager role, and in 2017, accepted the position of Assistant Director of Food and Beverage. After several years managing all things Food and Beverage, Sophie transitioned to the Weddings and Special Events team as Catering and Events Manager. From simple and elegant dinners for two, to extravagant celebrations joining families together, Sophie loves the fast paced, ever-changing environment of hospitality, but more importantly the excitement and enjoyment of creating a memorable experience for those visiting Highlands. Sophie welcomes you to the Highlands Plateau and hopes that your experience here in the mountains is as magical for you as it has been for her!
Sarah originally from Dublin, Georgia, moved with her family to the Northeast Georgia Mountains. She attended the University of North Georgia, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Sarah started her career in the hospitality
industry at The Dillard House and was quickly promoted to Sales Manager. After 4 years, Sarah made the move to Old Edwards Inn & Spa, and has loved every minute since!
Ashley brings many years of food and beverage experience to her new position at Old Edwards Inn & Spa. She has joined us from the Maggie Valley Club and Resort where she was the Food & Beverage Director. Her successful career has earned her
recognition both locally and nationally, and she is delighted to be part of the world-class catering and events team at Old Edwards. “I love making everyone feel special and putting smiles on their faces”, she says. In her free time, Ashley enjoys deep sea fishing, playing golf, and doing anything outdoors with her family. She looks forward to her future with her new team and going above and beyond in setting high standards for a great experience for guests at all of Old Edwards Hospitality’s properties.
Margo moved to Western North Carolina at just two weeks old and has been right at home in the mountains ever since. She graduated from Montreat College in 2017 and went straight into the Hospitality Industry at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
no Resort, working there for the next five years, before joining the Old Edwards Family in October of 2021. As a meticulous and detail-oriented person, she takes pride in making sure that everything is just so when it comes to rooms for corporate events and weddings. She lives in Franklin with her two cats and reads 52 books a year.
| Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm (appointments recommended) Address: 41 Church Street Highlands, NC Phone: 828-787-2610 |
