SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 21, 2025) – Located 10 miles from San Diego International Airport on 36 acres of waterfront property in Chula Vista, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center [1] is introducing its veteran leadership team at the helm of the project, opening May 15. An integral part of the pre-opening phase, Director of Group Sales Joy Lynch has overseen group business for the resort since 2022, with Director of Sales and Marketing Russ Mitchell joining the same year to Spearhead pre- and post-opening marketing strategies, and Scott Siebert
tapped as general manager in 2024, following previous Gaylord management experience.
“With substantial, combined experience in the hospitality industry, Scott, Joy, and Russ bring a wealth of knowledge and talent to this landmark West Coast opening for Gaylord Hotels,” said Johann Krieger, vice president and managing director of Gaylord Hotels at Marriott International. “Their guidance, leadership, and expertise continue to play a pivotal role as we gear up to debut the largest new build to date in Southern California, and we look forward to having them at the forefront to ensure pre- and post-opening success.”
Scott Siebert, General Manager
As General Manager of Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, Scott brings over 35 years of hospitality experience, including key leadership positions across Marriott International. Most recently serving as hotel manager at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Tennessee, his insight into large-scale resort operations seamlessly blends with essential knowledge rooted in the Gaylord brand, offering expertise in guest and staff satisfaction and overall financial performance. Before his time in Tennessee, Siebert also held roles including food and beverage director at Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort, resort manager at JW Marriott Hill Country San Antonio, and various titles with JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
Joy Lynch, Director of Group Sales
Demonstrating exceptional leadership with over 30 years of sales experience in the hospitality and events industry, Joy is a Marriott International veteran who’s played a pivotal role for the West Coast market and has a proven track record in driving results throughout her career. Joy was the Senior Market Account Executive Leader for Marriott’s Western Mountain Pacific (WMP), before she moved to the Philippines to open the largest Marriott ballroom/convention center in Asia Pacific as Director of Convention Sales. Lynch returned from Manila
to join the Gaylord Rockies pre-opening team and to lead sales following the opening. Her deep passion for the brand and her experience would ultimately lead to her current role as Director of Group Sales for Gaylord Pacific. She holds the prestigious Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation and earned a Bachelor of Vocational Education from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Russ Mitchell, Director of Sales and Marketing4
A seasoned industry professional, Russ has spent over 30 years shaping and further elevating San Diego as a one-of-a-kind destination. With a passion for collaboration, strategic planning and delivering high quality guest experiences, he has become an expert in the local market, serving as director of sales & marketing for a variety of iconic San Diego hotels & resorts, including The Westin Gaslamp, The U.S. Grant, and Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Following his most recent role with Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Mitchell looks forward to
Redefining the next generation of West Coast hospitality.
Headshots are available here [2], and property renderings for Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center are available here [3]. For more information on the hotel, please visit its website here [1].
About Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
Opening May 2025, the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center redefines West Coast hospitality as the newest member of the Gaylord Hotels brand, part of the esteemed Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Nestled along the stunning San Diego Bay and Chula Vista Marina, the resort showcases 1,600 elegant guest rooms, 477,000 square feet of event space, and 12 dining venues celebrating the region’s coastal flavors. Highlights include a stunning glass atrium, the award-winning Relâche Spa & Salon, and a 4.25-acre water park, creating a dynamic destination where relaxation meets entertainment.
About Gaylord Hotels
Gaylord Hotels, part of the Marriott portfolio of brands, welcomes guests to more, with extraordinary environments, diverse dining options, full-service spas, pools, top-notch entertainment, shopping, and More. Locations include Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida; Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine,
Texas; Gaylord National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland; Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, Colorado; and – making its debut this May – Gaylord Pacific in Chula Vista, California. For more
information, please visit www.gaylordhotels.com [4].
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