Debbie Kelleher
Franchise Partner
Division: Hospitality
Location: Nevada
Debbie Kelleher
Franchise Partner, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality Division | Nevada
Phone: 847-867-1369 | Email: debbie.kelleher@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-kelleher/
About Debbie
Debbie Kelleher is a hospitality recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Nevada market. Debbie’s focus: Hotels, Resorts, Extended Stay, Country Clubs, HOA, Lifestyle, and Senior Living in Nevada. Debbie was featured in Skift’s Women Leading Travel & Hospitality Member Spotlight (December 2025): https://wlt.skift.com/2025/12/22/member-spotlight-debbie-kelleher-franchise-owner-gecko-hospitality/
Background & Experience
More than three decades as a hospitality executive across luxury clubs, prominent hotel brands, and extended-stay properties; expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and guest and member satisfaction; Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Hotel/Restaurant Management from Central Michigan University.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Director of Operations and Rooms Division leaders; Food & Beverage and Sales leadership; Executive Committee and senior hotel leadership; multi-property and regional leaders.
Markets served: Nevada.
How Debbie Evaluates Talent
Once I establish that a candidate possesses the job-specific skills, has the experience, and fits the compensation parameters set by the client, then it moves to the more intangible characteristics. Does the individual express themselves confidently? Do they portray leadership qualities? Is this person enthusiastic and energetic? And what is their motivation for making a career move: is it for increased income? To move away from a no-growth situation? For better work-life balance? The answer to this one is important in the match-making process, because one hotel may pay its team members top dollar but not offer much growth potential. The hospitality industry is still driven by the overriding goals of exceeding guest expectations, providing consistently high customer service, and delivering memorable experiences to those who choose to spend their time and money with us. If the candidate does not have that mindset, it is not likely going to be a good, long-term fit. And then there is the daily grind. Priorities pivot all the time. The ability to multi-task is a must. Jumping in to help, or even do, someone else’s job is routine. Working long hours is a given. Is this part of the candidate’s DNA? These characteristics do not show up on a resume, but I spend a lot of time with candidates trying to extract this to find the right match.
Debbie’s Market Perspective
Obviously, the hospitality industry in Nevada is unique, with so many gaming properties. And specifically, here in Las Vegas, we have mega casino hotel resorts, with outstanding restaurants, nightly shows, high-end spas, pools, and sports book offerings. This town is in a constant state of re-invention. The Entertainment Capital of the World is always upping its game! According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas has approximately 150,300 hotel rooms, and the city welcomed 38.5 million visitors in 2025. The competition is fierce, but the opportunities are great. I tell my candidates to make sure they keep their resumes updated and ready to go.
Advice
For employers: When I huddle with employers, I recommend they define the top five most important traits or skills they consider non-negotiable and be prepared to compromise or be flexible in other areas.
For candidates: Do your homework on the companies, people, culture, and specific positions you are seeking. By the time I am collaborating with candidates, I am locked in on what clients are looking for, and I do my best to guide them through the interview process so there are no surprises.
In Debbie’s Words
“What is most rewarding to me is that every day, I’m focused on helping enhance the professional careers and personal lives of my candidates, and at the same time working to find the best management talent for hotels, casinos, resorts, private clubs, and my other hospitality clients here in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.”
Testimonials
“We had the pleasure of working with Debbie on an extremely challenging and highly confidential CFO search. What we initially expected to be a difficult recruitment process turned into a year-long search. Throughout the entire process, Debbie remained dedicated, professional, and determined. She consistently delivered qualified candidates and secured multiple interviews, despite facing a very selective executive team that was committed to finding the perfect fit and unwilling to compromise on their standards. What impressed us most was Debbie’s resilience. Even when the search became lengthy and complex, she never gave up. She continued to refine the candidate pool and maintain a positive, solutions-oriented approach. Her work ethic, responsiveness, and commitment to our success never wavered. Recruiting for executive-level positions is never easy, but Debbie’s perseverance and dedication were instrumental in helping us navigate the process. We are incredibly grateful for her partnership and would highly recommend her to any organization seeking a recruiter who is tenacious, professional, and truly invested in achieving the right outcome.”
Sara P. (Satisfied client)
“Debbie Kelleher was great to work with. I became her client, and she went on the hunt until she located a suitable opportunity. Debbie was professional, attentive, prompt, responsive, and everything that I could have hoped for in working with a recruiter or headhunter. I have recently been placed in a role thanks to Debbie Kelleher’s efforts. I believe that she sourced the right candidate with the right skillset to allow for a proper match for her end client’s needs, wants, and desires. I look forward to a long and prosperous opportunity with my new organization, and I have Debbie to thank for the connection. Top marks for Debbie Kelleher and Gecko Hospitality all around!”
Justin L. (Successfully placed candidate)
Debbie Kelleher
Franchise Partner
Division: Hospitality
Location: Nevada
Debbie Kelleher
Franchise Partner, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality Division | Nevada
Phone: 847-867-1369 | Email: debbie.kelleher@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-kelleher/
About Debbie
Debbie Kelleher is a hospitality recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Nevada market. Debbie’s focus: Hotels, Resorts, Extended Stay, Country Clubs, HOA, Lifestyle, and Senior Living in Nevada. Debbie was featured in Skift’s Women Leading Travel & Hospitality Member Spotlight (December 2025): https://wlt.skift.com/2025/12/22/member-spotlight-debbie-kelleher-franchise-owner-gecko-hospitality/
Background & Experience
More than three decades as a hospitality executive across luxury clubs, prominent hotel brands, and extended-stay properties; expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and guest and member satisfaction; Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Hotel/Restaurant Management from Central Michigan University.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Director of Operations and Rooms Division leaders; Food & Beverage and Sales leadership; Executive Committee and senior hotel leadership; multi-property and regional leaders.
Markets served: Nevada.
How Debbie Evaluates Talent
Once I establish that a candidate possesses the job-specific skills, has the experience, and fits the compensation parameters set by the client, then it moves to the more intangible characteristics. Does the individual express themselves confidently? Do they portray leadership qualities? Is this person enthusiastic and energetic? And what is their motivation for making a career move: is it for increased income? To move away from a no-growth situation? For better work-life balance? The answer to this one is important in the match-making process, because one hotel may pay its team members top dollar but not offer much growth potential. The hospitality industry is still driven by the overriding goals of exceeding guest expectations, providing consistently high customer service, and delivering memorable experiences to those who choose to spend their time and money with us. If the candidate does not have that mindset, it is not likely going to be a good, long-term fit. And then there is the daily grind. Priorities pivot all the time. The ability to multi-task is a must. Jumping in to help, or even do, someone else’s job is routine. Working long hours is a given. Is this part of the candidate’s DNA? These characteristics do not show up on a resume, but I spend a lot of time with candidates trying to extract this to find the right match.
Debbie’s Market Perspective
Obviously, the hospitality industry in Nevada is unique, with so many gaming properties. And specifically, here in Las Vegas, we have mega casino hotel resorts, with outstanding restaurants, nightly shows, high-end spas, pools, and sports book offerings. This town is in a constant state of re-invention. The Entertainment Capital of the World is always upping its game! According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas has approximately 150,300 hotel rooms, and the city welcomed 38.5 million visitors in 2025. The competition is fierce, but the opportunities are great. I tell my candidates to make sure they keep their resumes updated and ready to go.
Advice
For employers: When I huddle with employers, I recommend they define the top five most important traits or skills they consider non-negotiable and be prepared to compromise or be flexible in other areas.
For candidates: Do your homework on the companies, people, culture, and specific positions you are seeking. By the time I am collaborating with candidates, I am locked in on what clients are looking for, and I do my best to guide them through the interview process so there are no surprises.
In Debbie’s Words
“What is most rewarding to me is that every day, I’m focused on helping enhance the professional careers and personal lives of my candidates, and at the same time working to find the best management talent for hotels, casinos, resorts, private clubs, and my other hospitality clients here in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.”
Testimonials
“We had the pleasure of working with Debbie on an extremely challenging and highly confidential CFO search. What we initially expected to be a difficult recruitment process turned into a year-long search. Throughout the entire process, Debbie remained dedicated, professional, and determined. She consistently delivered qualified candidates and secured multiple interviews, despite facing a very selective executive team that was committed to finding the perfect fit and unwilling to compromise on their standards. What impressed us most was Debbie’s resilience. Even when the search became lengthy and complex, she never gave up. She continued to refine the candidate pool and maintain a positive, solutions-oriented approach. Her work ethic, responsiveness, and commitment to our success never wavered. Recruiting for executive-level positions is never easy, but Debbie’s perseverance and dedication were instrumental in helping us navigate the process. We are incredibly grateful for her partnership and would highly recommend her to any organization seeking a recruiter who is tenacious, professional, and truly invested in achieving the right outcome.”
Sara P. (Satisfied client)
“Debbie Kelleher was great to work with. I became her client, and she went on the hunt until she located a suitable opportunity. Debbie was professional, attentive, prompt, responsive, and everything that I could have hoped for in working with a recruiter or headhunter. I have recently been placed in a role thanks to Debbie Kelleher’s efforts. I believe that she sourced the right candidate with the right skillset to allow for a proper match for her end client’s needs, wants, and desires. I look forward to a long and prosperous opportunity with my new organization, and I have Debbie to thank for the connection. Top marks for Debbie Kelleher and Gecko Hospitality all around!”
Justin L. (Successfully placed candidate)