Kelsey Jones
Executive Recruiter
Division: Hospitality
Location: Virginia
Kelsey Jones
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality Division | Virginia
Phone: (434) 337-3439 | Email: kelsey.jones@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-jones-ab14753b/
About Kelsey
Kelsey Jones is a hospitality recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Virginia market. Kelsey’s focus: Hotel operations and leadership recruiting (Virginia); major-brand background.
Background & Experience
Over two decades of hotel operations and leadership experience; worked with Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Disney; progressed from Front Desk Agent to General Manager and Director of People; opened new properties, built high-performing teams, and implemented training programs; holds Marriott and Hyatt GM credentials and Disney Leadership training.
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: Virginia.
How Kelsey Evaluates Talent
When I evaluate a hospitality leadership candidate, I look beyond their title and resume to understand the true scope of their experience and the results they have delivered. I assess their operational knowledge, P&L responsibility, team size, ability to develop and retain talent, and how they have performed in challenging or high-pressure environments. I also look closely at their leadership style and whether they are the right cultural and operational fit for the property and organization. Having personally worked my way from the front desk to General Manager, I know what it takes to be successful at each level, and I look for leaders who can both drive results and build strong teams.
Kelsey’s Market Perspective
The Virginia hospitality market continues to have a strong need for experienced, quality leadership, but employers are becoming more selective about the people they bring into their organizations. I’m seeing a greater emphasis on finding leaders who can not only operate the business, but also build strong teams, improve retention, and adapt to changing business needs. At the same time, strong hospitality candidates are being more thoughtful about their next move and looking for opportunities where the culture, leadership, and long-term potential are the right fit. I believe the best hiring outcomes come from taking the time to understand what the property truly needs and matching that with a candidate’s experience, leadership style, and career goals.
Advice
For employers: Before starting a search, be clear on the non-negotiables for the role, the type of leader who will succeed in your culture, and what you are prepared to offer to attract that person.
For candidates: Be prepared to demonstrate not only what you have done, but the scope of your leadership, the results you have achieved, and how you have developed the people and operations around you.
In Kelsey’s Words
“I don’t just recruit for hospitality, I understand it. I’ve lived the industry from the front desk to the executive level, and I use that experience to connect the right people with the right opportunities.”
Testimonials
“The way everything was handled in a timely and professional manner was very impressive.”
John H. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Great follow up and care during the entire process.”
Pablo S. (Successfully placed candidate)
“It was great. The following up was great. The communication was excellent.”
Wilfred D. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Using a recruiter was a genuinely pleasant experience, especially in a job market that can feel incredibly frustrating. From the beginning, I immediately trusted Kelsey. She asked direct questions, got straight to the point, and demonstrated a level of professionalism that truly stood out. Kelsey even shared her own background in hospitality, and knowing that she understood the industry allowed me to clearly explain my needs, expectations, and goals without feeling like I had to over-explain or justify them. That shared understanding made the process feel efficient and personal. Kelsey was transparent, supportive, and clearly invested in finding the right fit. She checked in frequently before interviews, during the decision process, and even after I accepted the position, which made a huge difference. I can confidently say I would not have gotten the job without Kelsey. She helped me land a job I had been dreaming of, and I felt much more confident moving forward because of Gecko’s involvement. I would highly encourage any serious employer to use the services at Gecko.”
Jess P. (Successfully placed candidate)
Kelsey Jones
Executive Recruiter
Division: Hospitality
Location: Virginia
Kelsey Jones
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality Division | Virginia
Phone: (434) 337-3439 | Email: kelsey.jones@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-jones-ab14753b/
About Kelsey
Kelsey Jones is a hospitality recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Virginia market. Kelsey’s focus: Hotel operations and leadership recruiting (Virginia); major-brand background.
Background & Experience
Over two decades of hotel operations and leadership experience; worked with Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Disney; progressed from Front Desk Agent to General Manager and Director of People; opened new properties, built high-performing teams, and implemented training programs; holds Marriott and Hyatt GM credentials and Disney Leadership training.
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: Virginia.
How Kelsey Evaluates Talent
When I evaluate a hospitality leadership candidate, I look beyond their title and resume to understand the true scope of their experience and the results they have delivered. I assess their operational knowledge, P&L responsibility, team size, ability to develop and retain talent, and how they have performed in challenging or high-pressure environments. I also look closely at their leadership style and whether they are the right cultural and operational fit for the property and organization. Having personally worked my way from the front desk to General Manager, I know what it takes to be successful at each level, and I look for leaders who can both drive results and build strong teams.
Kelsey’s Market Perspective
The Virginia hospitality market continues to have a strong need for experienced, quality leadership, but employers are becoming more selective about the people they bring into their organizations. I’m seeing a greater emphasis on finding leaders who can not only operate the business, but also build strong teams, improve retention, and adapt to changing business needs. At the same time, strong hospitality candidates are being more thoughtful about their next move and looking for opportunities where the culture, leadership, and long-term potential are the right fit. I believe the best hiring outcomes come from taking the time to understand what the property truly needs and matching that with a candidate’s experience, leadership style, and career goals.
Advice
For employers: Before starting a search, be clear on the non-negotiables for the role, the type of leader who will succeed in your culture, and what you are prepared to offer to attract that person.
For candidates: Be prepared to demonstrate not only what you have done, but the scope of your leadership, the results you have achieved, and how you have developed the people and operations around you.
In Kelsey’s Words
“I don’t just recruit for hospitality, I understand it. I’ve lived the industry from the front desk to the executive level, and I use that experience to connect the right people with the right opportunities.”
Testimonials
“The way everything was handled in a timely and professional manner was very impressive.”
John H. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Great follow up and care during the entire process.”
Pablo S. (Successfully placed candidate)
“It was great. The following up was great. The communication was excellent.”
Wilfred D. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Using a recruiter was a genuinely pleasant experience, especially in a job market that can feel incredibly frustrating. From the beginning, I immediately trusted Kelsey. She asked direct questions, got straight to the point, and demonstrated a level of professionalism that truly stood out. Kelsey even shared her own background in hospitality, and knowing that she understood the industry allowed me to clearly explain my needs, expectations, and goals without feeling like I had to over-explain or justify them. That shared understanding made the process feel efficient and personal. Kelsey was transparent, supportive, and clearly invested in finding the right fit. She checked in frequently before interviews, during the decision process, and even after I accepted the position, which made a huge difference. I can confidently say I would not have gotten the job without Kelsey. She helped me land a job I had been dreaming of, and I felt much more confident moving forward because of Gecko’s involvement. I would highly encourage any serious employer to use the services at Gecko.”
Jess P. (Successfully placed candidate)