As we continue strategizing on ways to successfully operate RRI West at the highest level and get the results we need and want, we have been fortunate to be able to utilize our internal strengths among the RRI West team in new ways in 2025! CONGRATULATIONS to the following people who deserve this outstanding recognition!
Tamara Ross: Our new Director of People & Culture!
While sometimes a title change is just that… a title change… not the case when it comes to our resident Carolina native and all things People & Culture! Tamara has been with us since 2015 and while her Carolina Panthers have not exactly been a driving force in the NFL 😉, she certainly has been a driving force among the leadership team, and P&C Team and her influence has been instrumental in the culture we have built at RRI West.
In stepping into a director level position, Tamara will be owning the compliance piece of RRI West, as it relates to our most valuable asset, our people! So, labor posters, fair wages, employment laws at the federal and state level, unemployment, workers compensation, employee documentation, are all pieces to our overall compliance puzzle. Her passion for balancing the employee experience with employee relations and compliance, ensuring our teams are hired into the best culture at RRI West, is only the beginning of what has kept Tamara proudly supporting RRI West for almost 10 years! Go Tamara Go!
Jeremy Allen: our new Regional Vice President of Operations and Compliance
Effective performance tracking is essential to our success at RRI West. By monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), we gain valuable insights into our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that data is presented clearly and accurately to our leaders, partners, and Field Managers.
Jeremy’s strong analytical skills and his passion for a data-driven approach to business have made him an invaluable asset. Since re-joining us in 2021 (after a brief two-year absence that we won’t discuss 😉), his expertise in business analysis has played a critical role in strengthening our Operations team. His deep understanding of compliance and reporting has positioned him as a subject matter expert in Operations Compliance.
While Enter the Sandman is one of Jeremy’s favorite songs… he knows the hospitality industry never sleeps and we have no fear that leveraging Jeremy’s experience, knowledge, and analytical abilities will help drive the financial success of RRI West. You are the best Jeremy!
David Gossard: our new Director of Strategic Systems (and newly created Region 5 Supervisor)
David is truly a jack of all trades since he joined us in 2018… and many of us know this from first-hand experience. He is the first to volunteer, sometimes to a fault, for just about any project if it is for the betterment of the organization. Over the past year, however, David has really honed his skills to focus on the systems of the company and how best to utilize these systems to our advantage.
David was a key player in the Hotel Key conversion, acting in partnership with Training to make sure our inns did not miss a beat (where we could). He assisted with the Digital Tipping Program rollout, was the “pioneer” of the now Brand-wide Google review program and has helped Operations with just about any outside vendor program we use, including Safemark, Soujourn, Fresh Air and others. With David’s new position, he will now be able to continue analyzing our business needs and make influential recommendations on products, services and systems in the future to help further establish us as the best franchisee in the Brand. And to complete his jack of all trade’s status, he’s also the key driver of the current renovation at our Ohio State property. More to come on that later this year! Thanks for all you do David!
Becky Hudson, newly promoted General Manager in Mt. Pleasant, NC
Congratulations are due to Becky Hudson, who was internally promoted at the beginning of 2025 from the Front Desk to General Manager at our Mt. Pleasant location! If Becky’s passion for Red Roof and RRI West is ever in question… her employment dates tell a different story of someone who just can’t stay away! She was hired in 2004 and over the past 20+ years, she has held a position with us for at least 15 of those years.
Her passion for guest service and her comradery with her team will undoubtedly serve her well in her new role. Additionally, Becky owned her own business, Browders Painting, for 7 years, giving her valuable business owner/operator experience that will allow her to successfully move the needle at her property. Becky will head to the Boston market to train with Holly Young in Framingham and then work with Michelle Ward to complete her training and give her the RRI West-specifics skills to complete her promotion! Congrats again Becky!
Karli Zelaya Romero: Our Newly Appointed Assistant General Manager at Columbus Downtown and OSU
Join us in celebrating Karli’s promotion to Assistant General Manager of both the Columbus Downtown and The Ohio State University locations. Karli originally joined the Columbus Downtown team in 2021 as the Executive Housekeeper, bringing over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Throughout her career, Karli has worked in various roles, demonstrating her ability to staff and manage hotel operations effectively while ensuring high standards of service and guest satisfaction.
Before joining us, Karli’s work included time with Doctors Without Borders, where she contributed to global humanitarian efforts—a testament to her leadership under pressure and her commitment to excellence in challenging environments. Her diverse background has played a key role in shaping her approach to management, always with a focus on teamwork, efficiency, and empathy. Karli is known for her hands-on leadership, holding her staff accountable while offering the support and guidance needed to succeed. She never asks anyone to do something she herself wouldn’t do, and her commitment to leading by example has earned her the respect of her colleagues. We are excited to see what’s next for Karli!
And finally, back by popular demand…
Juan Marroquin, newly rehired General Manager, Laredo TX
Juan was first hired in 2018 as the GM in Austin, TX. He successfully ran that location for 6+ years until the end of 2024, when it was unfortunately moved out of the RRI West portfolio. While he intended to stay in Austin and continue working for the Brand, fate had a different plan. The Laredo property had a GM opening and with our wish to see Juan’s management strengths return to RRI West, balanced with Juan’s desire to stay with us … we were able to make this happen! Juan will be commuting to Laredo weekly in the immediate future; but plans on looking at relocation opportunities to be in the Laredo area with his family. Welcome back Juan!
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