Beth Barnes, General Manager

Beth joined the team at Best of Boston as General Manager in the fall of 2007.  She comes to us with a 25 year background in the hotel business, 10 of which as General Manager of 4 significant properties in Baltimore, Houston, and a three-season resort in Bend, Oregon.  In Boston, she was Director of Operations for the Omni Parker House.  Beth earned her bachelors degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management from Michigan State University and her Masters degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the University of Massachusetts.  There she was hired as an Adjunct Professor, teaching and lecturing extensively to up-and-coming hospitality professionals.  In addition to her General Manager responsibilities, Beth has held positions as Director of Sales, Director of Food & Beverage, and Director of Training.  Beth's expertise in business and hospitality management, and supreme passion for exceptional customer service is a perfect fit for Best of Boston.

Aman Said, Operations Manager

Aman Said comes to the Best of Boston team as an Operations Manager from Boston Coach. His experience in dispatching multiple national cities has made him exceptional in multi tasking. His depth, understanding and knowledge of  major cities and landmarks like Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco makes him an excellent addition to the Operations Department. He graduated from Northeastern University, with a Business Management Major and has been a Marketing Manager at a Start up local company, a Cooperate Trust Administrator at State Street Bank, and an Assistant Manager in Sales and Service for Fleet Bank in Boston.  Aman enjoys spendoing his free time with wife and daughter.    

Carolyn Smith, Director of Client Services

Carolyn Smith comes to Best of Boston from Lake George, New York where she spent the last several years as the Marketing and Sales Director for a large cruise company, restaurant and nightclub complex.  Carolyn prides herself on having excellent client service skills and an attention to detail that is flawless.  She received her BA in Business Management/Marketing from Adelphi University; as well as, a degree in Vocal Performance.  In her free time, Carolyn, along with her husband and two miniature dogs, enjoys exploring Boston.

Darlene Johnson, Sales Manager

Darlene Johnson first came to Best of Boston to assist with special projects.  Her background of twelve years in the meetings, event and incentive industry where she created, managed and implemented over two thousand programs was a perfect fit.   Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is expert on all Boston has to offer and enthusiastically shares her knowledge with her clients to assure that the Boston experience is everything that her clients expect. 

Darlene's commitment to her two children, volunteering for the yearly St. Jude Hospital fund raising event, and traveling are her favorite activities in her personal life.

Jamie Johnston, Operations Manager

Jamie joined the Best of Boston staff after working operations in the gas service industry for six years.  He also worked in construction for over ten years.  Before that he was in the US Army serving over seas in Oman and Haiti, and traveling throughout the country.  Jamie has coached high school football and baseball for over ten years, stressing teamwork, self-motivation, pride and dedication.  Jamie is the proud dad of a beautiful little girl, Paige

Katherine Boles, Sales Manager

Katherine joined the Best of Boston team in the spring of 2006. A graduate from the International Institute of Culinary Arts, she has spent the last six years managing upscale restaurants and catering to her guests' special occasions. Her creativity, uncompromising attention to detail as well as her desire to exceed guests' expectations are what make her a true asset in the event and destination management industry. Having relocated to Boston from San Diego , she is eager to utilize her hospitality and event management skills in our exciting city. In her free time, Katherine enjoys exploring Boston and its surrounding areas. Trying new restaurants as well as their wine lists and enjoying the sunshine whenever it's available, top Katherine's list of favorites! 

 

Laura Estee, Product Development Manager

Laura joined the Best of Boston in the Fall of 2006, entering the Destination Management Industry after having developed significant expertise in marketing and graphic design. In her prior role as a marketing manager, she was responsible for planning corporate events and the creative design of all promotional materials on behalf of her company as well as its clients. Through this experience, Laura garnered strong marketing and desktop publishing skills, a keen focus on client satisfaction, and meticulous attention to detail, all of which make her a valuable addition to the proposal writing team.

Born and raised in the Boston area, she has an intimate knowledge of the city with an unflagging enthusiasm for constantly exploring and experiencing it to the fullest. Her fresh perspective enhances her ability to create proposals and products which are innovative and cutting edge. Laura received a Bachelors degree in Communication from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst .  In her free time, Laura enjoys music, traveling, movies, photography, food and spending time with family and friends.

 

Linda Peters, Director of Product Development

Linda Peters has been a creative Proposal Writer with the Best of Boston for five years. Her combined experience includes more than ten years of hospitality sales experience where she worked within both the Corporate and Social markets.  Her unique perspective allows her develop proposals and products which are both innovative, creative and create experiences for your guests that they continue to remember.

Linda's career began in the hospitality industry as Sales Manager for an upscale banquet facility in Sarasota, Florida.  After relocating back to New England, she accepted a position as the Catering Manager for the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Her subsequent position as Sales Manager for one of Boston's premier caterers allowed her to design creative and innovative events from inception to completion. Linda's expertise did not go un-recognized she was named the top sales person for two years in a row.

Linda received a Bachelors degree in Marketing from Bryant College in Rhode Island.  During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, including her new baby daughter.

Liz Turner, Product Development Manager

Liz joined the Best of Boston product development team full time after working as a contract staff member for just over a year.  During her experiences on site, she gained a strong understanding of the industry and knew that she would find a career within it. As a native of Boston, Liz enthusiastically promotes the city and all of its charming intricacies. Starting her professional career in the travel industry, Liz worked at Logan Airport for Jetblue Airways as a training liaison and customer service representative.

 

Liz graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she majored in Sports Management and Italian Studies.  She gained valuable experience studying abroad in Florence Italy and backpacking throughout Europe for 4 months. In addition to traveling, her interests include movies, music, cooking, culture, languages and spending time with her family and friends. 

 

Melanie Carlson, Sales Manger

Melanie joined our sales team in the winter of 2006 and comes to us with a background that is rich in the event planning industry. Previously Melanie worked in the Events and Promotions department of Comcast Spotlight.  It was during this two-year stint that Melanie came to realize that event planning was her true passion. In addition to her full time career, Melanie has continuously worked several part time jobs including a position at Open Kitchen Catering, where she was promoted to Event manager and Sony Music as the Promotions/Event Representative.

These experiences have molded her vision for successful events by combining her knowledge of event planning, entertainment, and instinctive taste for great food and drink. Melanie graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a BA in Communications and a Certificate in Film Studies. In her free time, Melanie enjoys entertaining friends, snowboarding, and interior design, including her recent project of decorating her contemporary condominium!