corporate team

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John and Lori Guertin

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John Guertin is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built a successful career in real estate, spanning hands-on construction to managing hotels, resorts, and marinas. His diverse experience reflects a deep commitment to excellence in every facet of the industry.

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Together with his wife, Lori, John has dedicated himself to giving back to the community. In gratitude for the care he received as a child at Massachusetts General Hospital, which restored his ability to walk, the couple has provided generous support to the MGH Fund. In 2007, the hospital honored their contributions by naming its pediatric orthopedic waiting room after them. Driven by his personal journey, John begins each week by climbing the 294 steps of Boston’s Bunker Hill Monument—a testament to his determination to embrace the mobility he once thought impossible.

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John and Lori also partner with the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center to sponsor the “Mattress a Month for Vets” program, ensuring veterans’ families receive comfortable bedding to support their well-being.

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stephen leonard

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Driven by a passion for the hospitality business, Stephen Leonard has been with New England Hospitality since 2016.  

Stephen began his career in hospitality as a dishwasher at a family restaurant at the age of 14. He attended Newbury College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to study Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration. After college, Stephen began his career with Marriott in revenue management, transitioning to roles as Director of Sales & Marketing & General Manager with multiple Hyatt & Hilton brands in the Greater Boston area. 

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Stephen is an avid sports fan, spending evenings and weekends at the hockey rink and the baseball field cheering on his sons, Conor and Cameron.  Stephen previously coached for many years and dedicated his time to Little League, sitting on the Board of Directors. 

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Belief in hiring an employee for their personality traits and training them on systems is what makes our hotels a special place to stay and work.

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SHELLEY MURPHY

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Shelley grew up in small-town New Hampshire, but her hospitality journey began as a front desk clerk at a Marriott hotel in Orlando, Florida. That role unveiled a vibrant world of hospitality, sparking a lifelong passion that continues to drive her career.

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Her connection to the industry runs deep. Shelley’s great-grandfather, Aymer Vinoy Laughner, built the iconic Vinoy Park Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her grandfather served as the hotel’s assistant general manager, where he met her grandmother who worked at the hotel’s gift shop—a family legacy that subtly shaped her path.

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Shelley has built a long career, refining her expertise at Marriott, Radisson, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, and independent hotels. In 2001, after a decade away, she returned to her beloved New England.

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Now living in central New Hampshire with her husband, their two English Mastiffs, and a flock of chickens, Shelley spends her days exploring New Hampshire’s forests, foraging for mushrooms, and immersing herself in both fiction and non-fiction books.

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renee vacca

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Renee Vacca, Chief Financial Officer of John Guertin's real estate company Cardinal Development, brings over 30 years of expertise in finance and operations. Starting as a staff accountant in 1990, she swiftly advanced to Vice President of Operations at a mid-sized firm, building a robust foundation in financial management and strategic leadership.

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As an entrepreneur, Renee co-founded an accounting firm, initially holding a 25% stake before orchestrating a strategic buyout to become sole owner. Under her guidance, the firm flourished, gaining acclaim for its exceptional financial consulting, accounting, and payroll services. A Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Renee empowered businesses to optimize their financial systems and achieve sustainable growth.

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Now at Cardinal Development, Renee oversees all financial operations, from planning and reporting to compliance. Her entrepreneurial insight and operational acumen drive efficiency and innovation across the organization.

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Renee earned an Associate of Science in Accounting from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her husband of 32 years and their two adult children.

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general managers

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KATHY HITCHINGS, ESSEX STREET INN​

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Kathy joined Essex Street Inn and New England Hospitality in 2005 as a part-time front desk clerk, balancing life as a single mother. Back then, the inn comprised just two buildings with 19 guest rooms. Over the past two decades, Kathy has grown alongside the property, contributing to its expansion into a three-building, 37-room destination now known as Essex Street Inn & Suites, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels.

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A proud mother of three adult children, Kathy shares her home with two beloved cats, Cammie Lou and Sasha Lee. She has pursued studies in Business Management at Northern Essex Community College and enhanced her skills through Newburyport Adult Education courses in marketing and social media.

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In her free time, Kathy crafts homemade jewelry, attends concerts, camps in the great outdoors, and cherishes moments with her family.

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For 20 years, Kathy’s dedication has been the heartbeat of Essex Street Inn & Suites. She takes pride in its growth and delights in welcoming new and returning guests to the charming Newburyport, Massachusetts, area.

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KATerina tourville, mountain edge suites

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Katerina’s roots run deep in New Hampshire, with her family’s history in the region spanning over two centuries. Raised in Sunapee, she explored life up and down the East Coast before returning to her beloved hometown to raise her family.

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With a background in horticulture and retail management, Katerina discovered her skills naturally translated to hospitality. She thrives on delivering exceptional customer service while sharing her passion for the area’s stunning lakes, mountains, and vibrant community.

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Katerina lives on a small farm in nearby Goshen. A creative spirit, she enjoys gardening, crafting stained glass, and working with pottery, among other pursuits. Above all, she cherishes time spent with her mother, daughter, and granddaughter—moments that light up her life.

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​​​gary purington, black bear inn

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Gary brings over 20 years of management expertise to New England Hospitality, with 16 years in big-box retail, alongside experience in multi-unit management and hospitality. Born and raised in Gardiner, Maine, Gary honed valuable skills working in his father’s business, which seamlessly shaped his professional journey. Though his career has taken him across the country, Maine remains his heart’s home. Now, he channels his extensive travel experience into delivering exceptional service, ensuring guests enjoy memorable stays. Thrilled by his transition to hospitality, Gary looks forward to a long future in the industry.

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Residing in Orrington, Maine, with his wife, Emilia, and their three children, Mason, Makayla, and Maxon, Gary takes immense pride in being a devoted father. He cherishes family time, watching his children grow and thrive.

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A passionate traveler, Gary has explored numerous states and enjoys trips with Emilia to Mexico and Canada. Deeply involved in the billiards community, he’s played organized amateur billiards since childhood. Committed to giving back, Gary eagerly anticipates engaging more with his community as his children participate in organized activities.

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aria rowley, comfort inn

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Aria joined New England Hospitality and the Comfort Inn team as the Front Desk Manager in 2024. Prior to that, she worked seven seasons at hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine, gaining valuable knowledge about the area and hotel industry.

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Her love of travel started young; as she was able to visit several locations on the East coast during family trips and discovered the joys of solo-travel at the age of nineteen after planning a trip to Chicago. Since then, she has explored several European countries, enjoying her time in the U.K. and Greece the most.

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Aria recently purchased her first home in Sullivan, Maine, where she resides with her two dogs, Nymeria and Shoto, and her Maine Coon, Remus.

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TANJA GRINDL, 1875 HOUSE

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Tanja Grindl grew up in the suburbs of Frankfurt, Germany, where her family’s deep roots in the hospitality industry set the stage for her future career—whether she knew it or not. While pursuing her degree in Dental Hygiene at the German University of Martin-Beheim in Darmstadt, Germany she spent her college years working at a local golf course and tennis club, providing attentive service to members and discovering that hospitality was more than just a job—it was her natural element.

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In 2002, Tanja moved to the United States and made her home in Springvale, Maine, where she raised her three now-adult children. Although her European degree didn’t transfer to the U.S., her passion for people, dedication to excellence, and talent for creating memorable guest experiences paved her path forward in hospitality.

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Over the past 30 years, Tanja has built a dynamic career, working her way through nearly every facet of the industry—from front desk operations to sales and marketing, operations management, and ultimately general management. She has led restaurants, bars, and both well-known brands and independent boutique hotels, bringing a steady blend of leadership, warmth, and just the right amount of German efficiency.

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When she’s not managing teams or elevating guest experiences, Tanja enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren, caring for her cats, and creating artisan food baskets that could double as works of art. She feels most at home by the ocean or exploring new destinations—preferably with a suitcase in hand and a good beach nearby.