THE LAKE ESTATE ON WINNISQUAM ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE'S MOST ANTICIPATED LUXURY RESORT & SPA AHEAD OF SUMMER 2025 OPENING

The resort's executive leadership team combines a vast array of hospitality expertise, with deep local connections to New Hampshire.  Their combined experience spans decades of leadership at premium and luxury properties, world-class spas, and acclaimed restaurants throughout New England. This blend of industry excellence and intimate knowledge of the local area positions the resort to deliver an authentic yet sophisticated experience that celebrates the natural beauty and character of New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

The Lake Estate on Winnisquam Executive Leadership Team:
 Ed Rocco, General Manager & Patti Rocco, Estate Manager - This accomplished and dynamic husband-and-wife hospitality team bring their combined expertise to lead a diverse team of 130-150 employees across full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions. Ed brings more than 35 years of hospitality experience to his role as General Manager and will manage all Food & Beverage operations, including restaurants, bars, and banquet services. Patti brings both local expertise and extensive hospitality management experience to her role as Estate Manager and will oversee Front of House operations, Housekeeping, and The Spa.

Ed holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Throughout his distinguished career with Marriott International, Ed held multiple senior leadership roles, most recently serving as General Manager for the 415-room Boston Marriott Long Wharf. His expertise spans hotel operations, sales, revenue management, and P&L oversight across mid-size and large-scale hotels.

A native of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Patti was born and raised in Laconia and Gilford, NH. Her career includes serving as Event and Program Specialist at Marriott International and Director of Sales for the opening team at Stouffer Bedford Glen Hotel (MA). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore School of Business Administration. Both Ed and Patti are passionate leaders and are committed to delivering memorable guest experiences and fostering a collaborative culture at The Lake Estate on Winnisquam. Ed and Patti reside in Gilford, NH.

 Chef Chris Viaud, Director of Culinary Arts - Two-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee and Bravo TV Top Chef alum Chef Chris Viaud brings a unique culinary perspective rooted in his Haitian ancestry and New England upbringing. A 2024 James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year finalist and 2022 Emerging Chef Award semifinalist, Chef Viaud also competed on season 18 of Top Chef. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, he spent his formative years at Boston's award-winning Deuxave before opening Greenleaf in Milford, NH, and Pavillion in Wolfeboro, NH to great acclaim. He lives in Belmont, NH with his family.

 Joe Ouellette, Director of Sales & Marketing - Joe Ouellette brings nearly 30 years of sales, marketing, and brand building experience to his role as Director of Sales & Marketing. Having worked alongside industry leaders at some of New Hampshire’s most historic and iconic properties including Mill Falls at the Lake, Joe applies his knowledge through a customer-centric approach focused on one-to-one engagement and building high-performing teams that create unforgettable guest experiences. Joe resides in Laconia, NH with his family.

 Elaine Obregon, Director of Food & Beverage - Elaine Obregon brings more than 35 years of experience in hospitality, customer service, and business management to her role as Director of Food & Beverage. A dynamic entrepreneur, she has successfully owned and operated multiple businesses, including The Devens Grill (MA) and Main Street Café (MA). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics with an Accounting minor from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. Elaine resides in The Lakes Region with her family and enjoys continuing to uncover the area's natural beauty.  
 

 Martha Zyla, Director of Spa & Wellness - With 20+ years of experience in the spa and hospitality industries, Martha Zyla is a consummate spa and wellness expert. She previously owned and operated a chain of retail stores throughout New Hampshire for more than 20 years and served as Spa Director for Cascade Spa at Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith, NH for more than 18 years. Martha is a member of the International Spa Association for 18 years and brings a holistic approach to spa and wellness leadership. A lifelong New Hampshire resident, Martha lives in Tilton, NH with her husband.

 John Kiely, Director of Finance - John Kiely brings more than 40 years of financial operations experience to his role, with extensive expertise both within and outside the hospitality industry. Prior to joining The Lake Estate, John spent 20 years as partner and CFO for Collegiate Hospitality Capital, LLC, which leased and managed two hotel properties for Harvard University. He also held the position of Corporate Controller for Fidelity Investments’ BostonCoach Company. His extensive hospitality career includes financial leadership positions with Sheraton Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels, and Destination Hotels & Resorts.

 Pam Ouellette, Human Resources Manager  - With 30+ years of comprehensive human resources experience, Pam Ouellette's distinguished human resources career spans diverse industries. Most recently, she served as Director of Human Resources at McLane Middleton, New Hampshire's largest law firm, and previously as VP of Organizational Development and Human Resources at New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. She holds a Master of Science in organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the New England Human Resource Association. Pam is a resident of Belmont, NH.

 Laura Steenbeke, Front Office Manager - A native  of New Hampshire, Laura Steenbeke brings a blend of hospitality and travel expertise to her role leading the front office. Her career has taken her from Vail, CO to hospitality training on cruise ships and back to New England working for the Cliff House in Maine, among other properties. Through her experiences, she developed exceptional customer service skills and deep understanding of the hospitality industry. A certified travel agent, Laura has visited six continents and nearly 100 countries, giving her invaluable insights into different cultures and hospitality standards. Laura resides in Concord, NH.

About The Lake Estate on Winnisquam
The Lake Estate on Winnisquam represents a new standard of luxury hospitality in New Hampshire's celebrated Lakes Region. The $90 million development features 114 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, a 5,000 square foot spa, multiple dining venues, and extensive recreational amenities designed to showcase the natural beauty of Lake Winnisquam and the surrounding area. With its commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail, the resort’s design seamlessly blends modern luxury with classic New England character, offering guests an unparalleled combination of modern amenities and quintessential New England charm set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Winnisquam's pristine waters in one of New Hampshire, and New England’s, most scenic locations. 

 

The resort is strategically located to offer year-round appeal, with summer activities including boating, swimming, and hiking, while winter months provide opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy fireside relaxation.The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is in the east-central part of the state, south of the White Mountains Region, a scenic 90-minute drive north of Boston, MA. It is named for the numerous lakes in the region home to no fewer than 273 bodies of water, the largest of which is Lake Winnipesaukee. The region has long been a traditional summer retreat for wealthy New Englanders. Today, the Lakes Region is evolving into an exclusive year-round destination offering a plentitude of activities to keep luxury travelers entertained through all four seasons. For more information about The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, visit www.thelakeestatenh.com or follow on @thelakeestatenh.

EDITOR NOTE - HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES AVAILABLE: Professional high-resolution headshots of executive team members are available via this link and high-resolution renderings of The Lake Estate on Winnisquam are available via this link.