at the helm.

Liz Leonard is a hospitality leader based in New Jersey with over 10 years of experience shaping exceptional guest experiences and building high-performing teams. Renowned for her thoughtful, people-first approach, Liz is celebrated not only for her operational expertise but also for her ability to forge lasting connections and create impactful experiences.

Liz’s journey in hospitality is deeply rooted in her appreciation for meaningful relationships and storytelling. She earned her BFA from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University in Boston, where she discovered her love for animation and film, often drawing inspiration from her childhood. Early in her career, Liz honed her skills in television, working with major networks and in professional sports with the New York Football Giants. Her volunteer work on the board of a non-profit organization took her to Ghana many times, fueling her passion for cross-cultural connections and service.

In her pursuit of new opportunities, Liz transitioned into sales and business development roles within the video game publishing and entertainment industry in New York City. She worked with major companies like Nintendo, Capcom, EA Sports, and Viacom, traveling to China and Japan to develop and produce licensed video game products. Additionally, Liz represented artists and talent, many of whom have since been signed by major labels and media outlets.

In 2013, Liz found her true calling in the hospitality industry. She and her father co-founded Highline Lodge and Marble Bar, a luxury boutique hotel in Killington, Vermont, which they owned and operated for two years before successfully selling in 2015. 

Returning to New York City, Liz quickly secured a sales role at The London Hotel (now a Conrad), where her impact was immediate. Her ability to drive sales and inspire teams led her to key corporate positions at Interstate Hotels & Resorts. As part of the Global Sales team, Liz sold branded and non-branded properties across a portfolio of over 100 hotels, and she was entrusted with managing hotel openings and transitions on the taskforce team.

As Area Director of Business Travel and Leisure Sales for Interstate's Independent Luxury Division, Liz oversaw sales for three independent hotels in New York City, representing 2,000 keys. Her leadership and expertise played a crucial role in shaping the company’s success. 

Liz later served as Area Managing Director for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, where she oversaw operations in the Americas East region and contributed to the brand's growth and expansion.

In 2024, Liz took on the role of Vice President of Sales and Operations at The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort in Rhode Island, a luxury destination known for its unique offerings and experiences.

Beyond her work in hospitality, Liz is also a published, award-winning children’s book author. Drawing inspiration from her diverse life experiences, Liz writes whimsical stories, many based on true events from her childhood and travels. Her passion for storytelling continues to fuel her creativity.

In 2024, Liz founded Liz Leonard Consulting, bringing her wealth of experience to help hospitality businesses thrive with tailored sales, marketing, and operational strategies.