The DKN Team

Ana Almada

With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I currently lead the team at DKN Hotels. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management and Tourism and an MBA with an emphasis in Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego.

In 1998, as a hotel management student from Brazil, I began an internship at the Comfort Inn Sea World – a DKN Hotel at the time. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary event would be the beginning of an extraordinary career that would see me hold a number of positions in the company and now lead the future of DKN as CEO. I am proud to have helped establish systems, programs, and processes that have made DKN Hotels a company where passion, innovation, and, most of all, people are our foundation, allowing us to make impactful change in the hospitality industry as we have grown and evolved.

Kiran Dahya

My responsibility starts and ends with making a difference. Whether it’s ensuring our DKN culture and values permeate our entire organization or that we continue to grow and create, my work is to always move us in the direction of our vision. I started in accounting and quickly decided that I did not like the career path I had chosen. I jumped ship, took the risk of managing family finances, and got into the hotel business by acquiring two hotels. Since 1984, we have bought, sold and developed 40+ hotels. I firmly believe that we’ve gotten to this place because of our culture and our people.

Devon Davidson

I have always had an affinity for numbers, and consider myself lucky to have found a career that allows me to immerse myself in a discipline so relatable. I have been in the hospitality industry for over 10 years, working my way up from my first position as a Front Desk Agent to now the Director of Revenue Management for DKN Hotels. In my time in this industry, I have had the opportunity to work in a diverse group of travel markets. While each market has been a unique experience, I have found one thing to be true - that there is always data that provides insight to aid in maximizing a property's revenue potential.

I bring an innovative approach to analyzing and interpreting data to uncover opportunities so that each property within our portfolio is positioned as a market leader. Even more fulfilling, though, is the opportunity I have to collaborate with such an amazing group of people at DKN, who, through their hard work and diligence, help impact the overall financial success of our portfolio.

Vanessa Magana

If you had asked me two decades back about my career path, I would have confidently declared myself the head honcho of my own restaurant. Armed with a bachelor's in culinary management from the Art Institute of San Diego in 2006, my journey kicked off as a sous chef at the Marriott La Jolla. But hey, life's all about those plot twists, right? So, I sautéed my way through various roles, from charming guests at the front desk to sales coordinator, strategies as a sales manager and beyond.

In 2020, I embarked on a fresh adventure with DKN, spearheading the sales frenzy as the Director of Sales for SpringHill Suites Carlsbad and now proudly the Regional Director of Sales.

My gig? Fanning the flames of passion, sprinkling mentorship magic, and serving up support to our hotel sales superheroes. I live by the motto: work hard, play harder, and keep that laughter meter cranked to max. Because let's face it, a little fun makes everything taste better, especially success!

Shanna Davis

What do you get when you combine creativity, critical thinking, analytical skills, a notorious passion for writing, and a sharp focus on growing top-line revenue? You get me! I am the DKN Hotels marketing maestro, and I am the driving force behind innovative strategies and creative campaigns meant to make an impact and produce tangible results. As part of the revenue generation team, I work closely with sales and revenue management to ensure optimal financial performance for each hotel in our portfolio. Thirteen years into my foray into the world of hospitality marketing, I can honestly say that my enthusiasm for the industry is boundless. The joy I derive from DKN every day is the opportunity to build strong relationships with my fellow team members as we work our way toward our shared goals.

Darrell Buettner

The hospitality industry has always been my calling. After my first job at In N Out Burger while I was still in high school, I spent the first half of my career focused on Food & Beverage working in different capacities and at various restaurants, bars and night clubs. In 2006, I made the leap to lodging as a Guest Service Agent and worked my way up through operations to where I am today. I joined the DKN Hotels family in 2013 and currently support the General Managers of our properties on their own roads to success. I get so much joy out of helping guide and mentor fellow team members in the progression of their hospitality careers as well as meeting interesting guests on property and being able to share in the experiences they are creating. Since the first day I started with DKN, it was evident that there was commitment to living the company’s values that I have never experienced before. Driving performance through a people-first mindset has defined DKN through almost 40 years of existence and has us positioned for long term success in the years to come.

Matt Baca

Being a scholarship athlete, I have always enjoyed taking on new challenges. I have always brought a competitive, winning attitude to every company I've worked with in the past. Take a chance on start-up, I entered the world of hospitality 8 years ago with zero knowledge of the industry. I quickly realized that I was in the space I wanted to be in for the rest of my career. At DKN Hotels, I am the Director of Business Development and work to bring new hotel partners into the DKN family. I work every day to demonstrate to our prospective partners that our DKN values will not only help grow their business but drive guest satisfaction and team member engagement. 

Javier Urrutia

In 2014, I helped open the Springhill Suites in Anaheim with DKN. A year after that, I was offered a position at the Support Center in general accounting, where I learned the ropes from my colleagues. Another year later, I took over as Accounting Manager and eventually as Controller where I now oversee accounting for the company. My background is in business, with a focus in accounting, where I received my bachelors from CSUF. One of the reasons I choose to be a part of DKN is because of teamwork. There was a huge difference between when I helped open up a previous hotel to when I helped open a DKN hotel. It’s only with DKN that the owner of the company was on property helping out until late at night right alongside the rest of the team. At DKN, we are all equals, and we treat each other as family.

Bhalesh Gandhi

As the Controller here at DKN, I am responsible for managing our finances. I received my accounting degree in India and started my career by managing general accounts. Here at DKN, I am able to manage this fund like it is my own and that trust is invaluable.

Monica Cruz

I have 18 years of experience in human resources management in the insurance, construction, manufacturing, and now hospitality industries. I obtained my MBA with a concentration in HR from Keller Graduate School. In my current role at DKN Hotels, I manage all HR functions. My goal is to be a strategic and innovative HR partner who helps translate our vision and values at DKN into HR initiatives that improve performance, team member engagement, and help us retain our most valuable asset - our team members. What I love the most about being in this role is that I get to meet every single team member. It’s great to work for a company like DKN where you get to work with team members who are so passionate about what they do and where they work! 

Felipe Rodriguez

Over the years, I've developed a passion for exploring and implementing cutting-edge technologies, always keeping an eye out for innovative solutions that can propel us forward, while simultaneously ensuring the security and integrity of our systems will always be on the forefront as well. I firmly believe that in today's world, safeguarding sensitive data is paramount, and I'm dedicated to implementing robust security measures to achieve that goal.

However, throughout my decade long career in technology, I discovered it is not just about Hardware, Software and AI. It's about people. That's why I'm committed to maintaining a human connection and approachability within the IT department. I strive to bridge the gap between complex technical explanations and everyday users, ensuring that everyone feels supported, and empowered here at DKN.

Emerson Huff

At DKN Hotels, I took an unconventional path that has taught me invaluable lessons. Titles are insignificant; teamwork, customer service, and financial success are paramount. Collaborating with frontline teams and Support Center Leadership has been instrumental in my growth. This experience highlighted the profound value of the way we work and the significance of the three-legged stool approach. As the Director of Product Management, I bring these insights to drive success through collaboration, customer satisfaction, and financial excellence. It's an honor to be part of a company where success is a collective effort. Here, we are more than colleagues; we are the DKN Family.

Paul Frechette

With over 30 years of hotel experience, I have a flare for a challenge and a passion for people. I have been lucky enough to work for some unbelievable mentors throughout my years, which has only fueled my ambition to become a teacher and motivator. My career began back in 1989 at Howard Johnson’s Anaheim by Disneyland as a Pool Attendant. Back then, working at a hotel was just a way to pay for school. With a major in Kinesiology and a passion for teaching, my goal was to coach sports and teach, but I fell in love with the hospitality industry and have never looked back.

Over the years, I have worked for Marriott, Hilton and several boutique hotel companies, both full and focused-service brands. I became a certified service and operations trainer and eventually worked my way up to General Manager and part of a hotel opening task force. My DKN career started in 2016 as the opening General Manager of the Doubletree by Hilton San Bernardino. Currently, I wear many hats and work at the Support Center as an Area Manager and the Director of Training and Development. By setting the right example and doing the right thing, whether it is working the “front lines” or just spending time with a team member to teach them something, I have learned that, as a leader, you are only as good as your team.

Patty Cunning

In 2014, I was given the wonderful opportunity to work at one of the DKN Hotels in the Sales & Catering Department. Several years later, a unique opportunity opened up in Revenue Management, and I was excited to take on the challenge and learn another intricate part of this industry. I enjoy working alongside our Director in assisting the hotels with revenue management tactics such as monitoring rates & implementing pricing strategies. I feel very lucky & fortunate to be a part of the DKN Family!

Corina Morales

In my role in Accounts Payable, I get to make hotel general managers and vendors happy by getting accounts paid so they’re able to keep focusing on their day to day. When I first started at DKN, we were a new team, and over the last few years, we’ve created a synchronous, collaborative and trusting environment within our department.

Nathan Trotter

With a strong background in hospitality and a solid foundation in Information Technology, my experience in these two amazing industries has led me to DKN Hotels, where I can blend these two disciplines to deliver on DKN’s values. My journey in hospitality began at 15 in the restaurant industry, where I established a strong work ethic and, eventually, a high-end service culture in hotels. As a means of adding to this blossoming passion for service, I simultaneously attended the University of Arizona, originally to study Biology. This changed, however, as my interest in IT instead led me to obtain a certification from the leading technology company, Cisco, for computer network architecture. As an IT Support Specialist for DKN, I find immense satisfaction in the constant novelty and resolution of technical concepts, which trickles down to the everyday operations of our hotels, a familiarity that resonates with me.

Ashika Keshav

I have the privilege of leading an innovative, values-driven team in sourcing real estate opportunities, capitalizing on them, and energizing those spaces through design. My background within DKN is in design and construction, and in my time leading the department, we have entitled and permitted more than 8 hotels, as well as overseen 3 ground-up projects and numerous large-scale renovations. I am excited to now be overseeing the beginning of the project lifecycle with real estate and financing.

 
Although what we do is pretty standard stuff, I’ve got a pretty extraordinary team to do it with.

Sona Dahya

Hospitality is an interesting industry in that most people don’t strive to be in it, but rather have some exposure, fall in love with it, and don’t look back. For me it was a little bit different. I grew up in a hospitality family, meaning a lot of exposure, and had decided early on that I wasn’t going to be involved in hotels. I graduated from USC’s Marshall School of Business and quickly realized that hospitality had a warmth I wasn’t finding in other industries and that few companies empower their team quite like DKN.

At DKN Ventures, I have the really exciting responsibility of exploring new and existing markets, sourcing interesting deals and opportunities, analyzing them down to the nitty gritty, and then pursuing the ones that pen. Along the journey, I get to meet fascinating people and see all the ways hospitality fosters a sense of belonging, creating communities amongst strangers.

Julie Nguyen

With a solid foundation in construction documentation and administration coupled with a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Washington State University and certification as an NCIDQ accredited designer, I not only bring creative flair to the table but also a meticulous approach to overseeing design and construction.

As part of my responsibilities, I take the lead in coordinating with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless communication throughout the entire process. From initial concept development to final implementation, I'm there every step of the way, ensuring that the design vision remains intact while meeting all practical and regulatory requirements. My role goes beyond just envisioning beautiful spaces; I'm also responsible for managing budgets, timelines, and resources effectively. By carefully overseeing the design and construction phases, I ensure that every detail is executed to perfection, from the selection of materials and finishes to the placement of furnishings and fixtures.

With a wealth of experience under my belt, including collaborations with respected brands like Hilton, Marriott, Stations Casino, and many others, I bring a depth of expertise to every project I undertake.

Whether it's a multi-million-dollar resort expansion, a guestroom renovation project, or the creation of a brand-new hospitality experience, I take pride in delivering results that not only meet but exceed expectations.