Marriott Syracuse Downtown has a new GM, DSM

SYRACUSE — As the clock ticks toward the Marriott Syracuse Downtown (the former Hotel Syracuse) turning 100 in August, the venue has a new general manager (GM) following the promotion of Melissa Oliver to the role. 

Additionally, the hotel has promoted Lindsey Cole-Branca to serve as its director of sales & marketing (DSM). 

About Oliver

Oliver has worked at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown for five years, progressing from director of sales & marketing, to hotel manager, to executive director, and now GM.

She succeeds Jon Matthews, the former GM who took on a task-force role with Crescent Hotels & Resorts (Marriott’s management company) to travel and assist other properties, Caitlin Pacilio, marketing and social-media manager at Marriott Hotels, tells CNYBJ in an email. 

Oliver has 15 years of hospitality leadership experience in director of sales & marketing and general manager roles through multiple brands including Marriott, IHG, and Independent Properties. 

Beyond her duties at the hotel, Oliver also serves on the board of directors for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

“As a key member of the Executive team at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, Melissa has demonstrated significant growth from Sales and Marketing, to Operations, allowing her to assume the General Manager position in leading us as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the original opening of this property, formerly Hotel Syracuse,” Ed Riley, owner of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, said in a news release. “With our centennial year, we also Congratulate Melissa as the first woman to lead this Hotel. We wish her congratulations on her accomplishments, with confidence in her leadership abilities which will ensure the excellence in hospitality the Hotel has become noted for.” 

About Cole-Branca

Since first joining the Marriott Syracuse Downtown as a pre-opening employee in 2016, Cole-Branca has served as a sales manager and the director of catering, as well as a member of the hotel’s executive committee. 

Specifically, she oversaw event sales, catering services, and programs from planning to execution. They included weddings, galas, and special hotel events. Cole-Branca has now been promoted to DSM.

Prior to Marriott, Cole-Branca worked as a guest-experience manager at Walt Disney World, where she worked in all areas of hospitality including restaurants, catering, festivals, and private VIP events.

Following her appointment as DSM at Marriott Syracuse Downtown, Cole-Branca said, “The hotel serves as the place to be when it comes to events and I am so proud of what our team has been able to accomplish over the last 7 years. I look forward to this new chapter in my career and making the Marriott Syracuse Downtown better than ever!”

“Lindsey has been a member of the Executive Team here for many years and has been absolutely vital to the success of our property. Her commitment, passion, and love for our beautiful building and her dedication to its success are unparalleled,” Oliver said about Cole-Branca in the release. “I have no doubt that in her new role Lindsey will continue to grow and help us grow, and there is no one more deserving of her promotion and recognition.”