Five Hilton hotels, one local Asheville team since 1989

Chief Operating Officer

Asheville Hotel Group LLC

Brenda Durden

Brenda is a native of Asheville, NC and loves being in tourism in her hometown. Her philosophy on running our company is simple: build a solid, dedicated team who care about each other and our guests, and always support development and growth. Brenda has worked in hospitality since graduating high school.

Community responsibility is important to her personally and is an integral part of our company. Brenda leads her team to be responsible, helpful and resourceful with many community partners. It is her belief that in helping others you find deep joy and satisfaction.

A great lover of animals, she enjoys time with her two dogs, and treasures time with friends and family, interesting dining, wine and entertaining.

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier." — Mother Teresa

Director of Sales

Asheville Hotel Group LLC

Ray Anderson

Ray joined Asheville Hotel Group in July 2000, after four years working in hospitality and property management in Jackson Hole, WY. Born and raised in Richmond, VA, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor's degree in Property Management. As Director of Sales, Ray brings a knowledgeable, dependable and helpful approach to his many group and corporate clients.

Family is the most important aspect of Ray's life. With his wife Laura, they enjoy traveling, dining out and seeing live music, and he is a proud father to two wonderful children he adores.

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." — Babe Ruth

Director of Operations

Asheville Hotel Group LLC

Teddy Roque

Teddy joined Asheville Hotel Group in April 2021, bringing more than three decades of diverse hospitality experience spanning hotel operations, new hotel development, brand innovation, and international leadership. Born and educated in Europe, Teddy moved to the United States in the early 1990s and found his professional calling in hospitality — a natural fit for his love of people, culture, and meaningful connections.

Beginning his career as a Guest Service Agent in Tampa, Florida, Teddy quickly advanced to General Manager before opening and leading the highly successful Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor City. His work in the historic district earned him the unofficial title of "Mayor of Ybor City." He later joined Hilton Worldwide as Director of Innovation — International, helping shape global prototypes, standards, and branding for Hilton's focused-service brands across markets around the world.

Teddy later returned to hotel operations as an Area Director of Operations, supporting a 14-hotel portfolio across Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and IHG brands. Today, he brings his broad operational experience, global perspective, and passion for hospitality to Asheville Hotel Group. Outside of work, Teddy enjoys spending time with his three children, friends, and his Great Dane.

Director of Engineering

Asheville Hotel Group LLC

Brad Durden

Brad is a native of Twin City, GA and has lived in the Asheville area for 30 years. After attending the University of Georgia he spent several years traveling with various music groups and eventually recorded a major-label album. He started in hospitality 23 years ago in an entry-level position and rose to become Director of Engineering across our hotel properties. He enjoys being part of our team and the atmosphere created by our community service, as well as delivering an outstanding experience to our guests.

An avid sports fan and life-long Georgia Bulldog, Brad still plays shows and the occasional studio session, and can often be found smoking various meats to share with friends and team members. He is also a 14-year cancer survivor, and will always be grateful to the doctors, family and friends who supported him through that time.

"Enjoy every day to the fullest. Strive to be your best, because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Respect and earn the respect of others."

Sales & Operations Specialist

Asheville Hotel Group LLC

Lori Brady

Lori is a native of Asheville. She worked for Asheville Hotel Group part-time while in high school, then spent 20 years in the automotive industry, and is now back home.

Her favorite hobby is travel, so being on the other side — helping others enjoy their travels — is the perfect fit. Family is the most important thing to her; when not at work you'll find her with her husband and son and their golden retriever, Izzie. Her other favorite pastimes are hiking, trying new restaurants, spontaneous adventures, and quality time with friends and family.

"True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Executive Assistant

Asheville Hotel Group LLC

Christian C. Denman

Christian C. Denman — a.k.a. "C." Her favorite phrase is "choose your attitude." Life is way too short to be crabby; she chooses to be happy and upbeat, a glass-half-full kind of girl all the way.

In her teens and early twenties she was a dance instructor and loved it, but knew it wasn't her career. In April 1992 she was hired as a desk clerk at the Hampton Inn — Biltmore Square in Asheville, and soon found the fit was great. She loved the people and the work — the career and company she'd been searching for, a place to grow up with and grow old with. Now one of the Executive Assistants and part of HR, she couldn't be happier.

In December 1995, C married the love of her life, Neil, and they've been happily married ever since — doing everything together, with trips on the Indian Motorcycle their favorite. They have a daughter, Isabelle, a University of Tennessee graduate now with the NCSBI forensic unit. As the years fly by, a few things never change: her love for her family, for hospitality, and for this company.

"Life is too unpredictable! Never let a harsh word be the last thing someone hears from you."

Administrative Assistant

Asheville Hotel Group LLC

Michael Horvath

Michael grew up in Asheville from the mid-1970s, enjoying everything Western North Carolina had to offer, and got his first taste of the hotel business in the mid-'80s.

After moving around the Southeast in his 20s and 30s, Michael returned to Asheville to be closer to family and was reintroduced to hospitality as an Executive Administrative Assistant with Asheville Hotel Group in 2005. He is a newly appointed member of the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board and looks forward to a productive two-year term.

Michael loves his interaction with the entire staff; making the team feel comfortable and welcome is essential to him. Giving back matters to him too, and he treasures the local community partnerships he's built over the years. He's very happy to have found his way back to beautiful Asheville.

"If you can't laugh through life, you're doing it wrong."

General Manager

Homewood Suites by Hilton Tunnel Road

Troy Ferguson

Moving to the mountains of Western North Carolina in middle school, Troy fell in love with the peaks and valleys of the Southern Appalachians and the laid-back air about them. He came to know the hiking trails, waterfalls and long-range views, and knew the Asheville area was where he'd call home.

Still in high school, Troy found his passion for hospitality working at a historic bed and breakfast. He started at the front desk of the Hampton Inn and worked his way up to general manager in 1999, leading his team to high guest-service scores and multiple Outstanding QA inspections — earning a Pinnacle Award from Hilton Hotels Corporation in 2001 when his property ranked at the top of the brand. Now at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, his team continues to earn Outstanding QA inspections and high scores. He believes his team is the key to success, and has mentored several members to promotions across our properties.

Away from work, Troy loves time with family and friends — walking the dog, hiking a favorite trail, or riding a curvy mountain road on his motorcycle. For years he has volunteered at a local toy store during the holidays for families in need and contributes to the area's toy runs.

"The sky is the limit!"

General Manager

Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Area

Cassie Pressley

Cassie's love affair with the mountains started young. Camping trips to the Great Smoky Mountains as a kid convinced her she'd move to the area one day, and she made good on that promise. After earning her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Western Carolina University, she landed in Asheville in 2013.

She started at the Hampton Inn Biltmore Area at the front desk, and over the years worked her way up through Assistant General Manager and Administrative Assistant roles before becoming General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Area in 2019. More than a decade into her hospitality career, she's learned the job is part revenue strategy, part logistics, and part reading a room, knowing what each guest and team member needs before they have to ask.

Outside the hotel, Cassie's happiest spending time with her husband and daughter, exploring zoos and enjoying the outdoors that first drew her to Asheville.

"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." — Albus Dumbledore

General Manager

Hampton Inn Tunnel Road

Jessica Bell

Jessica was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, where she was instilled with the value of community, connection, and a strong work ethic. She attended Catawba Valley Community College, building the foundation for the professional path that would lead her to where she is today.

Jessica currently calls West Asheville home. She is the proud mother of two grown sons and two crazy cats. Outside of work, you'll most likely find her in the garden growing vegetables, spending time with loved ones, or on the hunt for vintage treasures. She loves blending the old with the new, and believes that every item — and every person — has a story worth sharing.

General Manager

Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Airport

Celia Worley

Born and raised in North Carolina, Celia has a deep love for the mountains of Western North Carolina. With a passion for hospitality and leadership, she has dedicated her career to creating exceptional guest experiences and fostering strong, empowered teams.

Celia graduated from Western Governors University with a bachelor's degree in Sales and Marketing in 2006. She began her hospitality journey in 2012 as a breakfast attendant at a small Hampton Inn in her hometown, quickly working her way up to Assistant General Manager — first at the Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Area, and ultimately to her current role as General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Airport.

Beyond work, Celia loves traveling, baking, reading, and the company of family, friends and her beloved dogs. She believes great hospitality comes from teamwork, dedication, and a commitment to continuous growth.

General Manager

Hilton Garden Inn Asheville South

James Ryan Fender

Born in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and raised in the Lowcountry, Ryan developed a deep appreciation for Southern hospitality, strong community ties, and the importance of genuine connection. Ryan attended the College of Charleston, where he earned a degree and built the foundation for a career centered around people and service. As a self-proclaimed Southern gem, Ryan believes a warm smile, positive attitude, and sincere conversation can make all the difference in someone's day.

Today, he proudly calls Asheville home and, as he says, has the privilege of serving as General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Asheville South. Outside of work, you'll most likely find Ryan spending time with his toy poodle, Gatzby, exploring the beauty of Western North Carolina, or searching for unique gems, minerals, and crystals to add to his collection. He's always been fascinated by the beauty, individuality, and stories behind each stone — much like the people we meet every day. Ryan believes that positivity is contagious, community is everything, and the best experiences are built through authentic connections. Whether welcoming guests or supporting his team, Ryan strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and right at home.