Who Are We?

Scott leads Ground LVL with a wealth of tactical project execution and enterprise level program management experience. His unique background in hospitality ownership and his asset manager’s mindset inform his strategic and insightful perspective. Most recently, he ran DiamondRock Hospitality’s Design & Construction program of creative repositioning's, renovations, building infrastructure investments and capital planning that facilitated a strategy of value-add acquisitions and up branding repositioning's. Prior to joining DRH, Mr. Hammons served in leadership roles with RLJ, HHM, and Hilton Worldwide. Twenty-eight years ago, he discovered his love for experiential hospitality at Mohonk Mountain House and eventually a career in operations led to project management while working with Kimpton Hotels. He also speaks fondly of experiences working on landmark projects in New York City and Washington, D.C. such as the Waldorf Astoria New York, New York Hilton Midtown, Washington Hilton, and the famed Gramercy Park Hotel.

John recently established JML Advisors and serves as a trusted consigliere to Ground Level and HEI Hotels. John is a forty-year veteran in the hospitality industry with extensive experience in hotel planning, design, construction, repositioning, and renovation. Most recently John was recruited by the Intercontinental Hotel Group in Atlanta to restructure the companies in house design and construction team. Prior to joining IHG John held leadership positions at both Marriott International and Hilton Hotels. In his 30-year tenure at Marriott he ultimately was responsible for the design and construction of all full-service hotels in North America, working closely with prominent developers, ownership entities and lenders.

Lou Chol has deep roots in the hospitality industry providing a strong belief in major pillars of project management from the balanced lens of the ownership. Hailing recently from Park Hotels and Resorts and Hilton Worldwide, Chol was responsible for the Southeast U.S., Caribbean and South American significant owned assets leading their repositioning in critical markets. His work focused on responsible capital expenditure; value-add renovations, ground up developments and whole property conversions within the Hilton branded family. Before joining Hilton Worldwide, Chol began his career in the late 80’s as an architectural designer for McFaddin Ventures and quickly moved into the project management side of hospitality with RWG Construction Management and Faithful and Gould overseeing projects such as the Orlando development for Hilton Grand Vacations.

Sal oversees significant projects throughout the portfolio and coordinates and supervises internal and external resources engaged to build or reimagine hotel assets. Sal is a Senior Construction Executive with over 30 years of experience. Prior to joining Ground LVL, Sal oversaw the development of design and project management strategies to facilitate capital investment objectives throughout the US & Caribbean as Vice President, Head of Project Management & Capex at L+R Hotels, served as the VP of Project Management at Fulcrum Hospitality, and led the development of restaurants & mixed-use properties for Stonebridge Companies.

Tom oversees significant projects throughout the portfolio and coordinates and supervises internal and external resources engaged to build or reimagine hotel assets. Tom is a licensed architect with expertise in design and construction management for hospitality. Prior to joining Ground LVL in October 2022, Tom was Principal of Places Discovered, where he supported the design, construction, and opening of hotels and resorts in the U.S. and the Caribbean, served as Vice President of Design and Construction with Marriott International and developed large-scale mixed-use developments for Hines.

Dunia oversees significant projects throughout the portfolio and coordinates and supervises internal and external resources engaged to build or reimagine hotel assets. Her design and procurement management in retail and hospitality led to an interesting niche in hospitality project management in the Caribbean and Latin American region, where nothing is easy! Prior to Ground LVL, Dunia’s project management experience with Marriott International, Gencom, and as an independent consultant spanned premium select service, full service, and luxury hotels.

A 16-year company veteran, Toni-Ann has been an integral member of the Asset Management, Facilities, Partnership Accounting, and Design& Construction initiatives. She has supported our company and its capital partner investments with contract administration, effective project cost controls, accurate reporting, and fiduciary review of all funding/payable requirements. Her hallmark is open and transparent communication with ownership groups.

Tom is an experienced Cost Professional with over 30 years of experience with ground-up and renovation projects throughout the hospitality Industry. Tom has overseen estimating, quantity surveying, and cost services for all aspects of interior and exterior renovation including façade, building infrastructure, public space, function areas, back of house areas and guest rooms/guest bathrooms. Tom has completed projects for all the major brands as well as independent projects in the luxury, full service, select service, and timeshare properties throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Central/South America. Tom’s background, attention to detail and team communication skills make him a valuable member of the project team.

Jeffrey supports Ground LVL with over 27 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in project management and construction management across a diverse range of sectors, with a focus on hospitality. Prior to joining Ground LVL, Jeffrey has managed an impressive portfolio encompassing 25 hospitality properties. Most recently he served as a Senior Project Manager at L+R Hotels. His efforts in the sector were recognized with the prestigious "Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites Renovation of the Year 2008" award for the Marriott North property in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Jesse leads a number of various project types for Ground LVL with an enthusiastic approach, abundant energy, and dedicated mindset. Prior to joining Ground LVL, Jesse was a Project Manager with Balfour Beatty, a national builder. His 6 years of working in these environments has allowed him to develop a unique combination of strategic planning, problem solving and analytical skills.

Sydney supports many of Ground LVL’s active projects as well as acting as team lead for select projects. Prior to joining GLVL in the fall of 2022, Sydney completed her Master’s in Real Estate from Georgetown University, focused heavily on Hospitality’s unique positioning as Real Estate-as-a-Business. Sydney’s experience lies at the intersection of hospitality, real estate, and design. She has performed in hospitality, multifamily residential and corporate office products, working for the award-winning Hickok Cole Architects, Baskervill, and The Bernstein Company, a DC based hospitality real estate owner.

Amanda supports many of Ground LVL’s active projects as well as acting as team lead for select projects. Prior to joining Ground LVL in 2023, Amanda worked for the NYC office of Vocon - a multi-disciplined commercial architecture firm where she helped lead a range of projects. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston Massachusetts, in 2018.

Lauren supports the Ground LVL team administratively as well as acting as Assistant Project Manager for select projects. Prior to joining Ground LVL in 2023, Lauren worked for BCT Design Group as Executive and Studio Assistant and was a Community Specialist for the industry leading IT consulting firm, MicroHealth LLC.

Jasmine supports the Ground LVL team as Project Accountant. Prior to joining the team, Jasmine was an Accounts Receivable Specialist for Global Partners, and worked as an Accounts Payable and Administrative Assistant at Crown Food Management.