2025 holds great promise for Georgia lakeside resort, Lanier Islands, and the ever-growing number of individuals, couples, families, and companies it serves throughout the Southeast. To aid in the ongoing evolution of the travel and tourism destination poised on the shores of Lake Lanier, the resort is proud to announce the addition of five new members to its leadership team.

“Whether here for business or pleasure, we are always examining ways to enhance our guest experience,” said Lanier Islands President Matthew Bowling. “The addition of our newest leadership team members – all seasoned veterans in their respective fields – helps us ensure an exciting season of change at the Islands. Each will have a hand in catapulting us to entirely new levels of hospitality and service. From renovations and menu changes to the introduction of new events and the addition of a beautiful new event venue, my team and I can’t wait to watch 2025 unfold.” 

The newest additions to the Lanier Islands Resort staff include:

Robert Holsten – General Manager: With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry and a personal commitment to excellence, Holsten has developed a robust and diverse career working with IHG hotels and conference centers as well as independent properties. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership roles, all of which have provided him with extensive expertise in managing operations, optimizing revenue, and enhancing guest experiences across a wide range of hospitality settings. Most recently, Holsten served as Lanier Islands’ Director of Rooms, where he oversaw daily operations and strategic initiatives to ensure the resort remains a premier destination for guests. Under his leadership, Lanier Islands Resort has continued to thrive, driven by his dedication to providing exceptional service and cultivating a positive, high-performing team environment. In his new role as General Manager, he will continue to shape the future of Lanier Islands Resort, ensuring memorable experiences for all who visit.

Nishant Chaudhary – Food & Beverage Director: Chaudhary is a dynamic and creative individual with a strong passion for hospitality, food, and beverage. His unique perspective sets him apart in the industry, and his love for travel and discovering new food and beverage trends has both shaped his career and fueled his creative drive. He is deeply committed to positively impacting people's lives, whether through his work with guests or by empowering his team. Chaudhary’s journey began in a small village in India, where he developed a desire to travel the world. This aspiration led him to pursue a career in hospitality. He further honed his skills with an MBA from VATEL in Nîmes, France, before moving to Greece to work at the renowned Sani Resorts. He then ventured to New Zealand before arriving in the United States through the J1 program, where he worked at several prestigious properties across the East Coast, including The Balsams Grand in New Hampshire, Mountain View Grand, Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain, Cheeca Lodge in the Florida Keys, and Ocean House in Rhode Island. Throughout his career, Chaudhary has held various executive roles, culminating in his position as the Director of Operations at Chateau Elan Resort and Winery. In his new role at Lanier Islands, he will continue to build on his expertise, make meaningful contributions to the hospitality industry, and help evolve the guest experience.

Lisa Jo Meredith – Director of Human Resources: Meredith brings 20 years of hospitality industry expertise in people management and organizational development to Lanier Islands Resort. Raised in South Florida, she previously served as the Assistant Director of People and Culture at Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah, Georgia, where she played a key role in enhancing employee engagement and fostering a positive workplace culture. Meredith also held the position of HR Manager at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, excelling in recruitment, training, and employee relations. She is passionate about creating inclusive, high-performing teams and looks forward to bringing high standards and building employee morale to drive success and growth at Lanier Islands.

Hakan Hendekli – Director of Rooms: Originally from Turkey, Hendekli brings an authentic global approach to the guest experience at Lanier Islands. After pursuing higher education in Switzerland – earning a Swiss Higher Diploma in Hotel Management, he relocated to the United States, where he attended Johnson & Wales University. There, he earned an associate’s degree in restaurant management and a bachelor’s degree in hospitality. His first internship was in the Public Relations department at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul. He gained even more hands-on experience in Food & Beverage operations at other renowned hotels in Istanbul. Hendekli joined the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort team in 2004. He spent the next 13 years progressing through diverse roles that spanned from banquets and kitchen operations to front desk and housekeeping. He ascended to the role of Director of Rooms. Hendekli brings his well-rounded expertise across a variety of hospitality disciplines to Lanier Islands.

Stephen Rudomanski – Director of Finance: With over 25 years of professional experience in the hospitality, restaurant, retail, and real estate industries, Rudomanski has held positions as CFO, Director of Finance, and Controller for different management companies, hotels, and resorts across Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, and Massachusetts including Hilton Hotels and other major brands.  His most recent experience before joining Lanier Islands was opening a 5-star luxury resort in Franklin, TN. His love of travel and family makes him a natural fit for Lanier Islands.

To learn more about Lanier Islands and make a reservation at the lakeside resort, visit www.LanierIslands.com or call 770-945-8787. To stay on top of upcoming events at this Metro Atlanta destination that promises “A Different World, Close to Home,” follow Lanier Islands on Facebook @lanierislands, Instagram @lanierislands, Twitter @lanierislands, and LinkedIn @Lanier Islands.