Career Spotlight: Hospitality & Tourism

The hospitality and tourism industry offers a wide range of jobs and careers in Flint & Genesee – whether you are interested in working in a hotel, at one of the many arts and culture facilities in the area, or would like to work directly with the public in some way. Here are just three of the many wonderful career paths in these exciting industries:

Sheryl Champine, director of sales at Hilton Garden Inn Flint-Downtown
I started in the hospitality industry as a restaurant server and worked throughout several departments before I realized I wanted to work in hotel sales and catering.   

After watching my team members assist corporations execute flawless meetings and events, making a bride’s wedding day truly special, and partner with on-profit organizations to raise money for their mission, I knew this was the direction I wanted to take. 

As a director of sales for the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown, I build relationships with our guests and clients, negotiate contracts for group stays and conferences, analyze market trends, and implement sales strategies to promote the hotel effectively in our community. 

There’s the thrill of negotiation, the opportunity to connect with people, the joy of creating unforgettable experiences, and the satisfaction of helping businesses thrive.

It’s truly a rewarding position and I love the career path I have taken. 

Anne Mancour, marketing manager, Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium

I am the marketing manager for Michigan’s newest world-class discovery museum, Sloan Museum of Discovery, and Michigan’s largest planetarium, Longway Planetarium. My staff includes an extraordinary graphic designer, a very creative marketing assistant, and a passionate community engagement coordinator. Between the four of us, we listen to the public to effectively communicate the nonprofit mission, brand, services, events, and educational programs of Sloan and Longway throughout Genesee County and Mid-Michigan with inbound marketing, outbound marketing, publicity, and grass-roots connections to the communities we serve. After working in the corporate world of advertising and then healthcare marketing, I was looking for a non-profit with an educational focus after my job was eliminated during the COVID-19 pandemic. I love working here because the rock-star staff is committed and focused, and I witness every day how the educational exhibits and programs in history and science inspire kids and spark their imaginations while they’re having a blast.

Amari Steward, executive director, Explore Flint & Genesee

Hospitality and tourism offer diverse careers, from hotel management and sales to marketing and frontline roles at restaurants and attractions. Each position plays a vital role in delivering exceptional experiences, driving tourism, and enhancing Flint & Genesee County’s reputation. Whether leading operations, promoting the region, or providing outstanding service, professionals in this industry help shape positive perceptions and support local economic growth through memorable, visitor-friendly experiences.

If you have an interest in working with the public and helping to spread the word about the amazing things to see, do, and experience in Flint & Genesee, a career in the hospitality industry might be perfect for you. Another great way to get involved and bolster your career is the Certified Tourism Ambassador program, which promotes the region and the many great things there are to do and see. Find information about the program on the Explore Flint & Genesee website.