Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, is scheduled to take the main stage at the 2023 Hunter Hotel Investment Conference as the keynote speaker on March 22 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
Johnson established her footprint into the hospitality industry by purchasing 340 acres in Middleburg, Va., that became the site of the equestrian-inspired Salamander Resort & Spa. Johnson now oversees a portfolio of properties centered around unique destinations, including Hotel Bennett in Charleston, S.C.; Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, Fla., which is host to the annual PGA Tour Valspar Championship on its Copperhead Course.
In 2022, the company grew its portfolio by adding Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club in Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla; Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, Colo.; and the newly branded Salamander Washington, D.C.
Johnson built a career spanning several industries well before establishing herself as an entrepreneur in the hospitality space. She supports several organizations focused on education, the arts and fighting global poverty.
“We couldn't be more excited to welcome Sheila to the main stage at Hunter this year," Lee Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, said in a statement. "While many recognize Sheila for her notable career in production, sports entertainment and philanthropy, her entrepreneurial accomplishments in the hospitality industry alone have been incredible to witness. Sheila has an impactful story that will inspire the hospitality leaders of today and those for generations to come.”