Tara Brossa

Background

About Tara Brossa

I’m a hospitality executive, educator, and workforce advocate with over two decades of diverse leadership experience—spanning boutique hotels, luxury resorts, cruise tourism, editorial research, and community development. What ties it all together is a passion for service, people, and purpose-driven leadership. Currently, I am transitioning two of Boone, NC’s top-performing hotels—Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Courtyard by Marriott—as a leadership development consultant. In this role, I focus on guiding operational transformation, strengthening leadership teams, and enhancing revenue strategies to ensure sustainable growth and excellence. Previously, I served as Area General Manager for these properties, specializing in authentic leadership, mentorship, and results-driven management. I rebuilt leadership teams, drove consistent STAR metric growth, and fostered award-winning service cultures. My leadership style was shaped well before stepping into GM roles. I’ve managed teams in Alaska's rugged interior as a Cruise Tour Director and directed operations during the Democratic National Convention. I've led editorial research for national publications, coordinated opening teams for major hotel renovations, and served as a frontline peacemaker across brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Carlson. These experiences taught me adaptability, cultural fluency, operational grit, and above all—how to lead with empathy in any environment. Outside of hotel walls, I’m deeply invested in workforce development and education. I serve as an Adjunct Instructor in Hospitality Management at Caldwell Community College and lead internship/apprenticeship programs in partnership with ApprenticeshipNC, Appalachian State, and local high schools. Many of my students are first-generation learners—just like I was—and I’m committed to helping them find their path. Community leadership is core to who I am. I currently serve as: Chair of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Vice-Chair of the High Country Workforce Development Board, Board Member for the TDA, Watauga Schools Business Advisory Council, Boone Sports Commission, and more With a Master’s in Executive Leadership, a passion for growing people, and a rare blend of frontline experience and strategic oversight, I thrive at the intersection of hospitality, education, and community impact. Every chapter of my career—from luxury resorts and court mediation to cruise ships and classrooms—has shaped me into a leader who values resilience, relationships, and results.