John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts Appointment

　　John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts today announced Robert Henley"s new appointment as general manager of the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mo. The 26-year hospitality veteran will be responsible for overseeing operation of the upscale hotel and connecting convention center, as well as the Springfield Expo Center, combined representing approximately 150,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Henley will report to John Pasley, one of five regional vice presidents of operations overseeing John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts" national award-winning portfolio of 78 hotels in 24 states, including 5.4 million gross square feet of meeting and convention space. Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels in the United States.

　　Most recently, Henley served as general manager of the 262-room/suite Holiday Inn Joplin Convention Center and Spa in Joplin, Mo., operated by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. John Q. Hammons" Holiday Inn and 114-suite Residence Inn in Joplin are located in the same hospitality complex, a location that served as the heart of emergency relief efforts after the deadly tornado in 2011 and also as temporary housing for residents displaced by the storm. Henley has been instrumental in bringing business to Joplin and in collaborating with community leaders and residents on rebuilding efforts.

　　"I greatly enjoyed my time in Joplin and really appreciate the way the whole community welcomed me and my family. It"s a special place. We are going to miss our friends and colleagues in Joplin, even as we look forward with excitement to this new opportunity in Springfield," Henley said.

　　"Robert"s experience and fresh ideas will propel the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center forward in 2012," said Jacquie Dowdy, CEO for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. "We are excited to have him back in Springfield. We also want to publicly thank Bob Pottberg for his tremendous service at University Plaza and wish him the best in his new assignment with the company."

　　Henley"s first general manager position was opening the conversion of the Doubletree Hotel Springfield. From there he returned to John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, where he had previously worked in multiple capacities, including as assistant general manager of the Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown. Recent service with the company includes appointments as the opening assistant general manager of the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center and general manager of the Residence Inn Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown both in Oklahoma.

　　"Robert"s performance results with our company have been impressive," Pasley said. "His extensive experience operating market-leading hotels and conference centers make him an ideal fit for the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center."

　　John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is currently studying plans for improvements to the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, designed to maintain the hotel"s position as the first-choice destination for travelers and meetings in Springfield.