Tim Brown
Tim Brown
Regional Director of Sales
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After stumbling upon an entry level sales role in Atlanta, GA while in search of his “forever career”, Tim found his passion: Hospitality! He brings with him experience ranging from luxury full-service hotels to extended stay, with brands like Marriott, Hilton and Independent properties. Before joining Sandpiper, he held the role of Director of Sales and Marketing for an Independent Boutique hotel in Nashville, TN. During this time, he also served multiple sales teams as a Taskforce Director of Sales and Marketing. Tim is excited to about the endless opportunities within Sandpiper Hospitality and assisting his Team to exceed expectations.

Joe Chrien
Joe Chrien
Regional Director of Sales
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Joe has over 11 years of Hospitality experience and over 22 years management/sales experience and is an experienced, energetic, and motivating leader with proven ability to effectively manage both personnel and projects. Joe started his career at a boutique hotel as a front desk agent and ultimately was promoted to Front Office Manager. He then spent the next 11 years as Manager, Business Development Manager, and VP of Sales and Marketing in the Railroad Industry, when he realized that Hospitality was his true passion. He spent the next years as Director of Sales with Sonesta International before joining the Sandpiper Team in 2023.

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Grace Velez
Grace Velez
Senior Regional Sales Manager
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Grace’s career in the hospitality industry started at Westgate Resorts, where she worked for over 15 years. She began as a tour desk agent and worked her way up to Director of Specialty Sales. As a director, Grace oversaw specialty sales operations for all of Westgate Resorts nationwide. She is proud to say that the departments she managed were key in helping break a sales record of over $2,000,000 in specialty sales.

Grace then went on to work for the local CVB in Kissimmee, Florida, Experience Kissimmee. Experience Kissimmee is the official tourism authority for Osceola County. As a team, they developed sales, marketing, and communication programs that encouraged millions of overnight guests annually. As this area was known as the Vacation Home Capital of The World, she then ventured out and began her sales career.

Grace began her sales career as a Director of Sales for Oak Plantation Resort and The Days Inn at Oak Plantation (Wyndham). She knew she had found her place in the hospitality industry. Helping families and groups build life-long vacation memories was very rewarding. It was just as rewarding to be able to make families feel comfortable with the transition to temporary homes, no matter the reason. Creating the “home away from home” feel and the friendly treatment of all guests is what hospitality is all about.

As Grace enjoyed working with the Wyndham Brand, she went on to work as the first Sales Manager for Magic Village Views, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. It was a wonderful opportunity where she gained the experience of promoting a new build property and prospecting for new business. This in turn also helped families create wonderful new memories!

Grace has joined Sandpiper Hospitality as a Regional Sales Manager, and we are glad to have her on the team!

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Emily Crawford
Emily Crawford
Marketing Manager
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Emily discovered Sandpiper Hospitality at the Virginia Tech Destinations Career Fair in 2022, unsure of what she wanted to do with her Communications degree. Having interned at a resort the previous summer, Emily visited the career fair to see what opportunities were available. Emily connected with Donald Burke, and from there developed a relationship with the rest of the Sandpiper team. She began the Apprenticeship Program in June 2022, where she spent time in Pflugerville, TX and Reno, NV learning from the teams and discovering exactly where her interests lie. In January 2023, Emily began a more focused track with the sales team, where each member had a hand in shaping her journey. Since then, Emily has assisted with almost every brand in the Sandpiper portfolio and has met tons of incredible people along the way. As of 2024, Emily manages our growing portfolio of ECHO Suites by Wyndham.

Mark Jones
Mark Jones
Regional Sales Manager
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A decorated Navy Veteran with over 20 years of proven success in sales leadership, Mark Jones brings a disciplined, strategic, and results-driven approach to the hospitality industry. His career began as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator, where he quickly developed a passion for building relationships and driving revenue in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.

Through a commitment to continuous learning and performance excellence, Mark advanced into key leadership roles, including Director of Sales for multiple IHG properties and most recently serving as Area Director of Sales overseeing Hilton-branded hotels with Shamin Hotels. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered strong results by aligning sales strategy with market opportunities, mentoring high-performing teams, and cultivating long-term client partnerships.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys staying active on the tennis court and golf course. He also spends much of his free time with his four-legged best friend, Rafa—a spirited three-year-old Whippet with boundless energy who keeps him on his toes.

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Jacob Guerrero
Jacob Guerrero
Regional Sales Manager
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Jacob Guerrero is a Regional Sales Manager with Sandpiper Hospitality, supporting the growth and performance of the Everhome Suites portfolio. With a decade-long hospitality career that began in hotel operations and progressed through leadership roles in management, operations, and sales, he brings a well-rounded understanding of what drives both guest satisfaction and long-term revenue success.

 

Today, Jacob specializes in extended-stay sales strategy, corporate partnerships, project and crew lodging, and market development across multiple regions. He has played an integral role in new hotel openings, portfolio growth, and revenue generation efforts, helping establish strong relationships with businesses, government agencies, and long-term lodging partners.

 

Known for his relationship-focused approach and strategic sales leadership, Jacob has successfully generated significant revenue through negotiated business opportunities and long-term lodging agreements. In recognition of his contributions and performance, he was honored with both the Choice Hotels Everhome Suites Extended Stay Performance Leader of 2025 award and the Sandpiper Onsite Sales Leader of the Year 2025 award.

 

Jacob remains committed to helping hotels maximize performance, building lasting partnerships, and delivering exceptional extended-stay experiences for guests while supporting the continued growth of the Everhome Suites brand.

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Christina Tucke
Christina Tucke
Regional Sales Manager
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Christina Tucke brings 28 years of leadership experience, including the last 10 years in hospitality. Having worked her way up from the front desk, she now serves as a Regional Sales Manager with Sandpiper Hospitality. Christina is passionate about training, team development, and building strong community relationships.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, singing, exploring the outdoors, and expressing her creativity through all things artsy.

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Brandon Bellamy
Brandon Bellamy
Area Director of Sales
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Brandon began his hospitality journey back in 2011 working as a front desk agent for WoodSpring Suites (formerly known as Value Place) in Columbus, Ga. He worked his way up to property manager, and after a few years he found his calling with Sandpiper Hospitality in late 2013 in the role of General Manager for the newly constructed WoodSpring Suites Manassas, VA location. Throughout his journey with the hospitality company, he has been awarded numerous awards within the brand; these include WoodSpring Suites hotel brand champion, Mentor of the Year, and Sandpiper Cup Champion. Taking advantage of opportunities in the Atlanta, GA market, Brandon has transitioned from the General Manager role into the Area Director of Sales role.

Sara Gilliam
Sara Gilliam
Market Sales Manager
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Sara joined the Sandpiper family in November of 2020 as a General Manager after having a successful 20+ year career in the Hospitality industry. Sara experienced various roles within these hotels; Marriot, Sheraton, IHG brands including full service, select service and extended stay in North and South Carolina. Throughout her journey with Sandpiper Hospitality, Sara worked her way up to Property Trainer and then Area General Manager after a few years. Throughout her journey with Sandpiper Hospitality, Sara has received numerous awards; these include WoodSpring Suites hotel General Manager of the year 2021, New Hotel of The Year 2021, The Top FLOW Performer 2022, Sales Champion of the Year 2023, The Sandpiper Cup 2023 Hotel of the Year. Taking these opportunities into surrounding market areas, Sara has transitioned from various roles into the Market Sales Manager role.