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| 13 | SOCIETY OF CHAIRS · 2018 GALA Sally Mackesy, catering sales manager for The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, has a long history in the food and beverage industry — from working in restaurants as a server to developing the Westin Kierland’s catering department. She’s now spent 15 years at the resort, helping to grow the catering department into what it is today. “I found a home at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa where I developed the catering department from pre-opening days through opening of the resort,” she said. “Through my 15 years at this iconic property, I’ve very much enjoyed the path afforded to me as I’ve grown with the catering department and watched it blossom into the success that it is today.” During her time on the property, she’s held multiple positions including director of the catering department to a member of the business travel sales team, ultimately returning to where her heart is — catering. “I have always enjoyed working in the food and beverage industry,” she said. “Fortunately, Scottsdale has a thriving tourism interest ripe with a multitude of culinary offerings, innovations, influences and more.” Mackesy attributes her growth from traditional food and beverage to a more expansive role in catering to opportunities she’s been afforded at the resort. “One of the things that is so wonderful about this resort and the team with whom I work is to have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “We are all empowered to really craft our own adventure, and that is such a special element woven into the fabric of our resort.” She also credits her involvement in the community, which keeps her connected to her clients and their event needs. “I’ve found staying connected within the community has been quite impactful,” she said. “It offers perspective on the overall landscape and allows me to really put myself in my clients’ shoes while also actively being a part of the area’s evolution and growth.” However, what’s most rewarding to Mackesy is her ability to collaborate with the client and her team at Westin Kierland to deliver the perfect event. “It’s so imperative to build that trust with the client and to ensure they know you to intimately understand their vision and goals,” she said. “Like any relationship, we must give great care to our relationships with our clients as a means of supporting them so they — and as a result, their event — may thrive.” Meet Our Host: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa