Speakers

Lisa joined the Columbus Hospitality Group in 2001, after traveling from her native state of Texas, and completing her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Boston University. After impressing General Manager Mark D’Alessandro and Chef/Owner Jamie Mammano, Lisa was quickly promoted from being a hostess to the Reservations Manager. In 2004, she was elevated again, to Special Events Manager for Mistral’s private dining room, le Salon du Mistral. As the Events Manager, Lisa planned and executed all private events for the restaurant, including full restaurant buyouts. Her commitment to establishing relationships with guests and bringing visions of celebrations to life, has created long-lasting, successful partnerships, spanning two decades.

In 2008, Lisa was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing, and began spearheading campaigns for the opening of each new restaurant and venue. Today, this includes Mistral, Sorellina, Ostra and the Mooo Steakhouses in Seaport, Beacon Hill and Burlington as well as the Roman style pizza concept, Gary’s Pizza.

Recognizing the need for a more formal network of event planners within the restaurant industry, Lisa founded the Society for Event Planners: Restaurant Venues (SERV), in 2016. SERV aims to establish connections for people in the industry, so they can learn from one another and enhance their businesses. Meeting quarterly, members discuss topics such as the value of private events to a restaurant’s bottom line, marketing and public relations, and various challenges. SERV quickly caught the attention of dozens of top restauranteurs and planners in the area, increasing membership and gaining accolades from the industry. Beyond Lisa’s dedication to the event and hospitality industry, she has devoted her personal time to supporting causes that connect her to the community and inspire others. For more than a decade, Lisa volunteered and fundraised for Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled, a national non-profit, serving quadriplegics and people with mobility impairment, where she helped raise close to one million dollars. Her commitment to serving others has also driven her involvement in The Women’s Lunch Place and other local Boston charities. Gaining further attention for her impressive style, Lisa was featured in Boston Common Magazine’s Women of Style issue, and in the spring of 2019, Lisa joined the Board of Advisors for the Boston Ballet and took on the role of Auction Chair for the Boston Ballet Gala in 2021 and 2022.

Today, Lisa is returning to her hospitality roots as an adjunct professor for Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, teaching the Introduction to Food and Beverage Management Course. She hopes her experience and expertise will continue to inspire and encourage the next generation of industry professionals. Additionally, Lisa continues to assist in the expansion of the Columbus Hospitality Group. From concept and design to flawless project management, every experience Lisa creates is a true marriage of CHG’s promise and the guests’ vision of excellence.