By Christine Cecchetti
Hello, Eastman!
When Leslie Moses and Lorie McClory asked if I would like to be featured in the “Eastman@Work” column in the spring/summer issue of Eastman Living my initial reaction was “No, thank you.” Then I realized it would be a great way for me to introduce myself.
I started in my position as Social Programming Team Leader (aka “Charlie’s Job” or “Ellen’s Job” depending on when you came to Eastman) last December, but I am no stranger to the community. My husband, Rick, and I have lived in Eastman for over 25 years. I have played on the Eastman women’s traveling tennis team, been a member at Eastman Golf Links, served as co-chair of the Recreation Committee, volunteered as a Peppermint Patty’s mentor, and take full advantage of all the amenities Eastman has to offer. I am also very fortunate to have my mom, Gretchen Fairweather, just one mile away.
I come to this position after 30+ years in the hospitality industry, with the past 22 at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT, where I was director of business development. My major focus was on sales and marketing with an emphasis on generating new business, whether it be corporate, social, or transient. However, I have also been known to make a bed or two, set-up a meeting room, bus tables, bartend, take reservations, wash dishes, and jump on a 4-wheeler to plow the ice. At a family-owned and operated resort, everyone pitches in to get the job done.
I started my hospitality career with the Baron Corporation, a Connecticut-based group that owned or had management contracts with country inns throughout New England. My first stop was The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm. I then joined their “opening” team and found myself in Lenox and Amherst, MA, and Stratton and Killington, VT. I left Baron in 1993 to work for the Quechee Club as sales coordinator, responsible for all outside sales and event coordination (member and non-member). After that I spent a few years at the Ascutney Mountain Resort as the sales manager, before heading to Lake Morey.
When this position became available at Eastman, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only do I work with an amazing team in a wonderful community, I am responsible for all things fun and am having an absolute blast! The other fantastic piece to my new adventure is my 90-mile, round-trip, daily commute has become 380 steps. I literally get to work in my backyard. I have been fortunate to meet many Eastman Members in my first few months and look forward to meeting everyone in the near future. If you find yourself at South Cove be sure to stop in and say hi.
Christine Cecchetti can be reached at christine@eastmannh.org or 603-863-6772.
