John Graf, Vice-President & Director of Operations – Priory Hospitality Group:
One of the owners of the Priory Hospitality Group, John has been with The Priory and Grand Hall full time since 2002. John is responsible for the day to day operations of The Priory Hotel, Grand Hall at the Priory, and Priory Fine Pastries, as well as overseeing The Priory’s real estate acquisition and development activities. Prior to joining the Priory Hospitality Group, John was a practicing attorney for over 12 years.
In addition to his duties with Priory Hospitality Group, John serves on the boards of directors of the North Side Chamber of Commerce (Immediate Past President), North Side Cultural Collaborative (President), the National Aviary, the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association (Western Pennsylvania Chapter), the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, and Union Dale Cemetery. His is also a member of the Community Advisory Board of WQED Multimedia, and is President Emeritus of Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 32. In the hospitality industry, John is a member of Skäl and Meeting Planners International.
Walter Czapliewicz, General Manager – Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at the Priory:
Walter Czapliewicz, General Manager of Pittsburgh's Grand Hall, boasts 33 years of experience in the hospitality industry both in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Walter joined the Priory family in 2001. Prior to his tenure with the Priory, Walter served as catering director for Bidwell Food Services, overseeing events at venues like the Carnegie Science Center and other prominent locations. Walter also served as Banquet Manager for the much-loved Christopher’s Restaurant on Mt. Washington.
Tim McGlothlin, General Manager of the Priory Hotel, returned to The Priory family in 2007 after an 11 year hiatus. During his first tenure, Tim served as night auditor, front desk associate, and assistant manager at The Priory Hotel. Tim has also worked in operations for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and at the University of Pittsburgh Housing Services. Overall, Tim brings more than 14 years customer service experience to The Priory Hotel and its guests.
Gene Lucente, Sales Manager, Corporate and Group Sales – Priory Hospitality Group:
Gene Lucente, who has been with Priory Hospitality Group since 1997, oversees group and corporate event sales for The Priory Hotel and Grand Hall. Gene began his career in the travel industry in 1974, working for a number of travel agencies in the Pittsburgh area, including Simon International Travel and Your Man Tours. He migrated into the restaurant and catering industry in the 1980’s as bar manager and banquet bartender for Holiday Inns. Gene is well schooled in handling and planning events of any size and type – from the formal corporate dinner to the family reunion party to an all day sales seminar.
Rebecca Lazeration, Assistant General Manager – Priory Hospitality Group:
Rebecca Lazeration is The Priory’s newest team member, joining in December 2008. Rebecca’s duties include assisting in hotel operations and overseeing events in both The Priory Hotel and Grand Hall. While new to The Priory, Rebecca is an old hand in the field of hospitality, bringing with her more than 16 years of experience in event planning and supervision. Before joining The Priory, Rebecca served as Clubhouse Manager for Longue Vue Country Club in Verona, and prior to that she acted as Director of Restaurants for the Pittsburgh Hilton. Rebecca was awarded her associates degree in hospitality and travel management from Sawyer Business School in 1993.
Heather McDowell, Wedding Sales Coordinator – Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory:
Heather, who joined The Priory team in 2001, is the resident expert on all things wedding at the Grand Hall. During her time with The Priory, Heather has assisted more than 200 brides and grooms plan their perfect day.
Michael Henney, Executive Chef: Mike Henney joined The Priory team in 1999. Mike and co-Executive Chef Pete Phillipy both personally oversee food preparation and cooking for every event at Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory. Prior to his tenure with The Priory, Mike served in a variety of capacities for Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA, culminating in being named Executive Chef at that renowned property. Mike is a graduate of Community College of Allegheny County’s Chef’s Apprenticeship Program. Chef Mike was featured in Bon Appetit Magazine in 1996, and was named Pittsburgh’s Most Handsome Chef in 2003 by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Pete Phillipy, Executive Chef: Pete Phillipy is the other member of The Priory’s culinary dynamic duo. Like his partner, Pete began his engagement with The Priory in 1999, and is present at every Grand Hall event to ensure that the food is completed to perfection. Prior to his tenure with The Priory, Pete was a chef with Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and the Hyeholde Restaurant. Pete is a 1983 graduate of the Baltimore International Culinary Arts Institute, and completed an internship program with the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulfur Springs, WV in 1986. Pete qualified as a certified chef by the American Culinary Federation in 1995.
Pittsburgh's Grand Hall.614 Pressley Street Pittsburgh PA 15212 ph. 412.323.9394 fx. 412.323.5106 info@pittsburghsgrandhall.com
