About Alma
TEAM ALMA
Alma’s unique and engaging environment, and our refreshing approach to hospitality, is a direct reflection of the talent and enthusiasm of our people. We have gone to extraordinary lengths to build a team of experts who are committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations. We invite you to meet them, and hope you’ll feel free to call on them if there is anything you need. They are delighted to welcome you.
Ted Gaisford
Associate Director Hotel & Conference Services
As our team leader, Ted’s personality and professionalism colour all things Alma, from décor and menus to human resources and client relations. With extensive operational and management experience at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and as a past Regional Director for Les Clefs d'Or Canada, Ted is brilliantly qualified to steer the the day-to-day operations of Hotel Alma.
Amy Turner
Operations Manager
Over the past decade, Amy’s hospitality career has included several key administrative and supervisory roles, most recently with Calgary’s Sheraton Suites Eau Claire and the Fairmont Banff Springs. She joined U of C’s Hotel & Conference department in 2007. In her new management role, she will be responsible for all aspects of the guest experience.
Jill Blackie
Food & Beverage Manager
After a diverse career including roles as a café owner and a caterer and costume designer for the film industry, Jill joined the University of Calgary’s Hotel & Conference Services department in 2007. She is responsible for the development, management and delivery of outstanding catering and banquet services for all conference venues, including Hotel Alma.
Tarah Blum
Marketing Sales Manager
Tarah joined the University of Calgary’s Hotel & Conference Services as Marketing Sales Manager in 2007. She brings a wealth of hotel-industry knowledge to Hotel Alma, having graduated from the Hotel and Resort Management program at the U of C’s Haskayne School of Business, as well as working in the industry for a number of years.
Elena Sinitsyna
Group Sales Manager
Elena’s passion for service excellence has earned the respect of both clients and peers. She has held a number of customer-focused positions, and gained hospitality experience at the Banff Centre. Over the past seven years, her skills have earned her several promotions within the University of Calgary’s Hotel & Conferences department.
Heather Keen
Event Planner
Prior to joining Hotel Alma, Heather served as Convention Services and Catering Co-ordinator for Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser Hotel. Over the course of her 20-year career, she has created, marketed, and managed special events for many leading corporations and arts organizations, while gaining a thorough understanding of the hospitality industry.
