Concord Hospitality Appoints General Manager and Director of Sales for the Dual-Branded Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites Hotel

RALEIGH, NC (June 21, 2023) -  Concord Hospitality, the award-winning hotel management and development company which presently operates over 150 hotels across North America, welcomes Donna Runnels as Dual General Manager, and Lauren Brown as Dual Director of Sales for its highly anticipated Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites property set to open in Grand Prairie, Texas later this year as part of 172-acre entertainment district EpicCentral.  

A hospitality veteran of over 25 years, Donna Runnels boasts a wealth of industry knowledge and extensive expertise in launching new properties. Runnels began her career working in full-service hotels in the heart of downtown Dallas and has held leadership positions with hospitality’s biggest names, including Island Hospitality and Crescent Hotels and Resorts. Throughout her career, she’s assisted in opening new properties, revitalizing existing ones, and navigating unprecedented obstacles brought on by the pandemic. As the newly appointed Dual General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, Runnels will oversee the opening of the highly anticipated dual-branded hotel and the day-to-day operations of both the hotel and conference center. 

“EpicCentral is arguably one of the most exciting destinations in Texas and the opening of the hotel as well as several anticipated restaurants is just the cherry on top,” says Runnels. “I’m beyond thrilled to be part of this team as we prepare for the opening.” 

Working closely alongside Runnels will be Lauren Brown, the newly appointed Dual Director of Sales. Brown previously worked with Hilton and brings with her an in-depth knowledge of the brand. As a native of the area, Brown has deep roots and a genuine commitment to the growth and success of the community she serves. Prior to joining the team, Brown held progressive sales and operations positions with SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott, and Holiday Inn, and successfully oversaw the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites in Ft. Worth. In her new role, Brown will oversee sales and marketing strategy with the aim to drive new business opportunities and revenue growth. 

The dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites hotel will feature 276 rooms as well as a shared 10,000-square-foot convention center. While Hilton Garden Inn will have 129 guest rooms, an executive lounge, a restaurant, a pool, a fitness room, and business services, Homewood Suites will have 147 studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites with full kitchens. The premium property will serve as the only overnight venue located within the 172-acre EpicCentral mixed-use development already home to Epic Waters Indoor Water Park, and PlayGround Adventures, as well as The Epic, an extensive fitness center, plus five lakes, a grand lawn, and a boardwalk. The highly anticipated hotel will provide visitors to Epic Central's entertainment campus with an overnight option, making EpicCentral a one-stop destination. 

The Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites properties are located at 2935 State Highway 161, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052, 682-428-7311 for more information visit epiccentral.com 

About Concord Hospitality

Concord Hospitality is an award-winning hotel development and management company that has grown over the past three decades to become the preferred partner of leading hotel brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. Concord Hospitality boasts a stellar reputation known for combining the experience of a big company with the high-touch service of an independent operation to every partner property. The company specializes in developing and managing full-service and select-service hotels across North America. As part of the company’s continued growth, it recently launched Opus Collection by Concord, a lifestyle hotel management division for full-service properties. With the brightest talent, the most innovative processes, and a commitment to giving back to the communities where associates live and work, Concord Hospitality is committed to being a great place to work for all. Learn more at concordhotels.com