Doug Pender
GM at Hilton Durham | Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor | Builder of Teams, Culture, and Results
- Role
- Board Member at Discover Durham
- Location
- Durham, NC, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Doug Pender
I’ve been in hospitality for over 20 years, working across nearly every department — from guest-facing roles to the heart of house. Along the way, I’ve helped turn operations around, built high-performing teams, and driven results that matter to both ownership and guests.What’s kept me going is simple: I enjoy creating exceptional experiences. For guests. For team members. For the business. I believe in the purpose Conrad Hilton laid out — to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality — and that mindset still guides how I lead, even as the industry evolves.Right now, I’m focused on taking Hilton Durham near Duke University to its highest potential. We’re currently ranked #1 out of 68 hotels in Durham on TripAdvisor, exceeding revenue targets, and consistently hitting key KPIs across service, operations, and profitability.Certified in Rooms Division through AHLEI and currently working toward my CHA. Always learning. Always improving. Open to connecting with others who are passionate about leadership, performance, and building strong hotel cultures.
Experience
Board Member
Jan 2026 — Present · Durham, NC, US
Board member of Discover Durham’s Tourism Development Authority, representing the lodging community and supporting strategic direction, governance, and stewardship of Durham’s visitor economy.
Education
Northwood High School
High School Diploma, General Studies
1998 — 2001
Skills
- Food & Beverage
- Customer Service
- Customer Satisfaction
- Training
- Pre-Opening
- Lodging
- Organizational Development
- Revenue Management
- Restaurants
- Hiring
- Property Management Systems
- Personnel Management
- Front Office
- Team Building
- Management
- Pre-Opening Experience
- Hospitality
- Financial Reporting
- Job Design
- Responsible Service of Alcohol
- Hotel Management
- Employee Training
- Onq
- Employee Relations
- Hotels
- Revenue Analysis
- Hris Database Management
- Training & Development
- Hospitality Industry
- Process Management
- Human Resources
- Sales
- Yield Management
- Rooms Division
- Hospitality Management
- Resorts
- Payroll
- Payroll Administration
- Haccp
- Banquets
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