Visionaries at Work

Kama Carter

Kama is the photographer. Her leadership is a unique blend of creativity, vision and meticulous attention to detail. Like every great photographer, Kama pushes boundaries and explores new techniques. An innovative leader with a precision approach, Kama sets high standards for herself and her Southall team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and experimental empowerment. Kama is known for her engaging presence and her passionate pursuit of picture-perfect work environments in all moments. She has a photographic memory – which in her work translates into never forgetting how things are supposed to be done. Kama leads her peers in creating impressive visual and experiential narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Kama Is Known to Say…
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Career Highlights

• The Breaker’s Resort | Food and Beverage General Manager, Rooms Division Manager
• Houston’s (Hillstone) Restaurants | Service Manager, Corporate Trainer
• Gaylord Hotels | Senior Manager, Conference Services
• Deloitte University Center for Leadership | Executive Director

Elyse Pirri

Elyse is the therapist. The heart and soul of Southall’s team, Elyse is committed to fostering harmony and happiness, creating an environment where people feel heard, valued and united. Elyse listens sincerely and intuitively, understanding not just the words, but the feelings and intentions behind them. She has an extraordinary talent for connecting people, helping individuals find common ground even when perspectives differ, ensuring that everyone moves forward with shared purpose and trust. In her leadership role here, Elyse offers gentle yet insightful guidance – empowering her team to resolve conflicts independently, align on objectives and maintain a positive, productive atmosphere. She doesn't settle for good enough. Elyse constantly seeks ways to elevate every experience, driving projects and people from good to truly great. Elyse’s empathy, combined with her proactive approach, transforms obstacles into opportunities and challenges into chances for growth.

Elyse Is Known to Say:
“I hear you. Let’s all talk about this.”

David Mishkin

David is our architect. He has the ability to envision and realize potential where others see only blank spaces. David builds ideas and innovation and thrives in transforming open fields, empty canvases and raw concepts into groundbreaking realities. He aspires to build projects with purpose, forward-focused functionality and anticipatory aesthetics. David’s visionary approach makes him an invaluable force in the realms of development and design, consistently pushing boundaries and delivering results that exceed expectations. His work isn’t just about constructing buildings or spaces—it’s about creating transformative experiences and lasting legacies. Under his guidance, teams find clarity in complexity, confidence in their capabilities and the courage to imagine bigger.

David Is Known to Say…
“I can see something better here.”

Chris Steffich

Chris is the referee. He looks intently for consistency, standards and the flow of the game. Chris knows a good referee must exhibit confidence, decisiveness and impartiality, ensuring that all players understand and respect the rules. He treats all people equally, creating a sense of fairness that upholds the spirit of competition in the game of hospitality excellence. He thrives in developing and growing people to be the best at their individual craft with a team mentality. Effective communication is another vital leadership quality for referees. Chris conveys decisions swiftly and clearly and maintains open lines of dialogue with all members on his team. As a great referee does, Chris demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence, reading the dynamics of his operation and adjusting his approach as needed. By role modeling respect and professionalism, Chris inspires peers to exhibit the same qualities, ultimately contributing to a positive and respectful culture.

Chris Is Known to Say…
“What if we move in this direction? What do you think?”

Career Highlights

• David Rubenstein Forum, The University of Chicago | Complex General Manager
• Benchmark Hospitality | Corporate Operations, Acquisitions, and Development
• SC Johnson, Wingspread Executive Center | Complex General Manager
• Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence | Director of Food and Beverage

Paul Flint

Paul is the historian. As the keeper of Southall’s truth, he leads with fact-based insight and insatiable curiosity for understanding the evolution of life, business and everything in between. Known for his passion for facts and details, Paul has a natural ability to connect the dots, bringing depth and perspective to each project by uncovering how things work and intertwine. His fascination with the intricacies of systems and history fuels his work, enabling him to draw meaningful lessons from the past and apply them to the present. His role as a knowledge keeper ensures that the team benefits not only from the information itself, but from a mindset that respects the power of learning and legacy, paving the way for progress.

Paul Is Known to Say…
“Here’s what we’ve learned.”

Career Highlights: 

• Director of Facilities and Development, Southall
• Director of Facilities, Southall

Caryl Hostetter

Caryl is the cyclist. She is the team member who moves ever forward with unyielding consistency and determination. Like a skilled rider leading the pack, Caryl sets the pace, pushing forward with strength and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her commitment to achievement is contagious, inspiring those around her to match her momentum and rise to their full potential. Caryl’s leadership is marked by her unflinching focus on results. She knows the path to success is paved with persistence and precision, and she exemplifies discipline and resilience. She doesn’t just lead, she motivates; guiding the team to new heights with every mile, every challenge and every goal met. Her influence is one of forward motion and focused ambition, encouraging everyone toward shared success.

Caryl Is Known to Say…
“We’ve got this, keep going!”

Career Highlights

• The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel | Director of Human Resources
• Pelican Hill Resort | Senior Director of Human Resources
• The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, MA | Human Resources Manager

Andrew Klamar

Andrew is the student. A passion for discovery and curiosity fuels his mastery of the culinary arts. A self-learner, Chef Andrew studies his craft, exploring flavors, techniques and cultures. His thoughtful approach reveals the joy he takes in learning about new flavors and textures, gaining insight through his dedication to cuisine crafted with a profound respect for ingredients and techniques. His kitchen isn’t just a workplace – it’s a space for exploration and transformation, where each team member is encouraged to reach their full potential. Through his quiet wisdom and relentless curiosity, Andrew fosters an environment where growth, excellence and passion come together to create unforgettable culinary experiences.

Andrew Is Known to Say…
“Let’s try this…”

Career Highlights

• McCradys Restaurant, Charleston, SC | Chef de Partie
• Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, TN | Executive Sous Chef
• Durham Hotel, Durham, NC | Chef de Cuisine

Matt Dickerson

My leadership style is that of a musician.

    •     He listens first. Great music starts with understanding the rhythm—just like great leadership starts with understanding your team.
    •    He know when to lead and when to let others take a solo. A band doesn’t work if one person drowns out the rest.
    •    He thrives on rehearsal, discipline, and feel—because excellence comes from practice, not luck.
    •    He embraces improvisation when needed, but always return to the core melody of our mission.
    •    He aims to create harmony between departments, personalities, and priorities—so every part of the team plays in sync.
    •    Most of all, he lead with emotion. Like any great performance, the goal is to make people feel something—to move them.

Leadership, like music, isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being in tune, on beat, and playing for something bigger than yourself.

Glenna Dent

Leadership Style: The Dancer

Glenna's leadership style mirrors that of a dancer.
    •   She lead with presence and poise, aware of every movement and how it affects those around me.
    •  She understands that great leadership—like great dance—is about rhythm, timing, and connection.
    •  She knows when to take center stage and when to support my partner. Leadership isn’t always in front; sometimes it’s beside.
    •   She embraces structure, but I’m not afraid to improvise when the music changes—because agility is everything.
    •   She stays grounded in discipline and practice, but I always leave space for joy, creativity, and expression.
    •   She moves with intention, knowing that every step—every action—sets the tone for the team.

Leadership, like dance, is an art. It’s not just about hitting the right marks—it’s about inspiring others to move with you, in sync, toward something beautiful.