About Us >Regional Directors

Before joining The Hamister Group she was the Chief Operating Officer of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a not-for-profit organization in Niagara County which provides a variety of residential, vocational, recreational, and family support services to disabled adults and children.

Mrs. Dekker has a BS in Nursing with a minor in Business Administration from Niagara University and an AAS in Nursing from Niagara County Community College.

She is an active member of her community and is a member of or has participated in the following community organizations: Lockport Rotary Club, 2005 Leadership Niagara graduate, Parish Council, St. Vincent DePaul Society, former board member for the Niagara County Community Services Board, Parish Feasibility Committee, and United Way Volunteers.

As Regional Director of Operations, Pennsylvania, Kelly Serventi is responsible for overseeing the operations of Hamister Hospitality's Pittsburgh area hotels. She has 19 years of hotel management experience and unparalleled enthusiasm for providing exceptional hotel services.

Mrs. Serventi began her hotel career in 1987 with the Hilton International chain in Pittsburgh , holding several management positions in both Rooms Division and Food and Beverage. She then joined another major hotel management company as a Director of Sales and was subsequently promoted to the position of General Manager of the Pittsburgh Cranberry Township Hampton Inn.

After working at the Hampton Inn for over six years, Mrs. Serventi was transferred to the Cranberry Township Residence Inn, where she served as General Manager for seven years until her promotion to RDO with Hamister Hospitality.

She has a bachelor's degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Pennsylvania State University.

Mrs. Serventi believes that focusing on excellence in customer service is an absolute necessity, not a goal. This focus has earned many "Outstanding Customer Service" awards with both Hampton Inn and Residence Inn franchised hotels.

Bill Caraway has 10 years of successful hotel sales experience, including 3 years of multiple property selling experience. He was General Manager of the Pittsburgh Greentree Hampton Inn for one year before being promoted to Regional Director of Sales.

Mr. Caraway has a BA in Speech Communications/Media from California University of PA. After graduating he worked as a professional radio disc jockey. The superb speaking and communication skills he developed as a radio professional add significant value to the Hamister Group team.

Mr. Caraway is actively involved in The Rotary Club, Pittsburgh Business Travel Association, The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, The Board of Directors Three Rivers Regatta, The Board of Directors SKAL International, and The Board of Directors PA Tourism and Lodging Association.

As Regional Director of Operations, Michelle Head-Shumate is responsible for the Tennessee and Kentucky business group and oversees our hotel portfolio throughout the Nashville, Knoxville, and Louisville regions. Michelle has over 10 years of experience working in the hotel industry with a strong background in management and sales, as well as an eternally positive attitude for providing customer satisfaction.

Michelle began her hotel career in 2000 when she joined the Gaylord Springs in Nashville, TN where she worked for nine years as the resort's group, catering, and membership Sales Manager. Michelle joined The Hamister Group, Inc. in 2010 as Area Sales Manager for the TN/KY region and was promoted to Regional Director of Operations in August 2011.

Michelle earned her degree from Draughons Jr. College in Clarksville, TN as well as several certificates from Gaylord University and Volunteer State Community College in Nashville, TN.

Her positivity and motivational leadership have created success for her properties and Hamister Hospitality.