Meet Kaitlyn: A Day with OHM’s Director of Public Relations and Brand Partnerships
Oliver Hospitality prides itself on having a team of experienced and creative individuals who encompass the values and mission. Together, they work to invoke thoughtful and unrivaled experiences for our clients across all of our locations.
Under the spotlight this time?
Enter Kaitlyn, Director of Public Relations and Brand Partnerships, who plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Oliver Hospitality and its unique properties, while fostering brand partnerships outside of the OHM portfolio.
Her journey through various industries equipped her with a keen eye for creativity and a knack for telling compelling stories, which led to a natural skill in building lasting partnerships. Follow along to learn about Kaitlyn's innovative spirit and how her dedication fuels unforgettable moments for guests and partners alike.
Kaitlyn’s Path to OHM
Kaitlyn’s professional journey began with a unique academic foundation, earning a BS in Criminal Justice and a BA in Communications/Journalism.
Her passion for storytelling took flight during her internship at Alison Brod Marketing and Communications, where she worked with renowned lifestyle and beauty brands, including:
Popeyes
Urban Decay
L’oreal
Aviation Gin
Frida Baby, and more!
From there, Kaitlyn transitioned to Nashville as a hospitality publicist at Hannah Schneider Creative (HSC), now known as BRND House, managing PR efforts for notable clients like Egg Shop and Bobby Hotel. After making a mark in the industry, she joined the Fairlane Hotel as the Marketing and PR Assistant, quickly rising through the ranks to become the Marketing Manager.
Home at Oliver Hospitality
When Oliver Hospitality took over Fairlane Hotel in March 2020, Kaitlyn seamlessly transitioned to the corporate side, leveraging her expertise to shape OHM’s public relations strategy.
Initially, Kaitlyn envisioned herself in the fashion PR world, but the hospitality industry opened up a world of diverse opportunities she never anticipated.
“I feel in the hospitality industry you get to cross between many different industries and co-collaborate which keeps it fun and exciting,” Kaitlyn says.
Kaitlyn’s role has allowed her to excel in brainstorming unique, out-of-the-box, activations and events that garner awareness of the Fairlane property. Not to mention, her multiple promotions and recognitions have helped confirm that she’s in the right place doing the right thing.
A Peek into PR: Kaitlyn’s Week
Each morning at 9 AM, Kaitlyn begins with daily check-in calls with corporate, covering updates across departments, addressing outstanding items, and tackling any urgent “fire drill” issues at the properties.
Mondays are her designated planning days. With no calls on the schedule, she maps out the upcoming 30 days, plans pitches, and meets with Jake to strategize merchandising.
From Tuesday to Friday, Kaitlyn dives into SMR (Sales, Marketing, Revenue) calls for 1 to 2 properties per day. These discussions cover media opportunities, influencer collaborations, PR campaigns, press kits, and partnership possibilities.
On Fridays, OHM team members send weekly reports that compile wins, completed tasks, and any property research coverage. Kaitlyn reviews them to make sure nothing was missed to keep things on track.
Throughout the week, Kaitlyn carves out 30 minutes to an hour daily to evaluate influencer inquiries, often receiving about 10 a day. She carefully vets each to identify high-impact partnerships and see if they’re worth pursuing.
Bi-weekly, she conducts hour-long check-ins with OHM’s PR firms—Tuesdays with J.Wade Public Relations (for Lodge at Marconi) and Thursdays with LHG (OHM’s overarching PR firm). These calls focus on evaluating opportunities, refining strategies, and aligning the firms’ efforts with both OHM’s overarching brand and individual property needs.
In the nooks of her schedule, Kaitlyn finds moments for 2 to 4 partnership and advertising conversations weekly to strengthen existing relationships and explore new opportunities.
Beyond the Office
Aside from being a valuable addition to the OHM team, Kaitlyn is a proud mother of three boys and the wife of a college football coach. Living in Greenville, NC, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with family.
“Football season is my favorite time of year,” she shares, highlighting her love for family gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
What’s Next For OHM’s PR Director?
There are a lot of hotel deals that are pending for OHM in the pipeline. For Kaitlyn, this means figuring out PR plans and projects for hotel openings or hotel takeovers.
Kaitlyn and her team develop storylines that connect OHM’s growing portfolio while creating campaigns and partnerships that reflect the boutique and luxury ethos of the brand.
The goal?
To elevate OHM’s visibility and brand awareness, ensuring the public recognizes its diverse collection of properties, from Hotel Clermont to The Oliver Hotel, as part of the same innovative family to create long-lasting partnerships with customers and visitors around the U.S.
How Kaitlyn is Pursuing Growth in this Season
Kaitlyn is leaning into professional growth by seeking out PR conferences and masterclasses to stay ahead in her field. She’s also exploring opportunities to step into thought leadership roles through panels, interviews, and podcasts.
While public speaking isn’t her natural comfort zone, she’s determined to push herself, starting with smaller or virtual engagements to build confidence. This personal growth will strengthen OHM’s brand by showcasing the leadership behind its success.
A Testament to OHM's Team-Led Success
As Kaitlyn continues to elevate the Oliver Hospitality brand with her creativity and dedication, we extend our heartfelt thanks for her invaluable contributions to the team. Her creativity and dedication have played a significant role in elevating our brand and enhancing guest experiences across all our properties.
If you’re interested in following her journey, connect with Kaitlyn on LinkedIn and Instagram for her latest updates.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights into the incredible lives of the OHM team members!