Meet Our Team

Lance Hornecker is an award-winning sales and marketing executive with extensive experience driving revenue growth and building strategic client relationships in the hospitality industry. In his global sales career, Lance has consistently delivered exceptional results by blending innovative strategies with a deep understanding of market dynamics. His expertise spans global account management, business development, contract negotiation, and brand positioning across luxury hotel portfolios.

Throughout his caeer, Lance has led high-performing teams and spearheaded initiatives that generated multimillion-dollar revenues. At Davidson Hospitality Group, he developed and managed a portfolio of key accounts, driving annual revenues and achieving record-breaking growth. Previously, at Omni Hotels & Resorts and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Lance managed diverse client portfolios and produced annual revenues surpassing $150 million, earning multiple President's Club and Sales Excellence awards.

A recognized leader in the meetings and events industry, Lance has served on the board of directors twice and as President of the MPI Georgia Chapter, as well as volunteer roles with SITE Southeast. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and advanced certifications including Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and the Global Certification in Meeting Management (CMM). Lance is a sought-after speaker and former faculty member for continuing education programs (in meeting management) at Kennesaw State University and the University of Georgia.

Passionate about fostering relationships and delivering value, Lance continues to shape global sales strategies that elevate brands and exceed client expectations.

Lance loves getting creative in the kitchen, whether it's cooking up something savory or baking a sweet treat. Music is a huge part of his life—he enjoys singing, strumming on the guitar, and has spent years bringing the fun as a DJ (and karaoke enthusiast). When he's not making music or meals, Lance and his partner Paul love glamp-camping and discovering new places on their travels.

Amanda Stredney is a seasoned travel industry and account engagement leader with more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality sector. As the Market Director of Travel Industry Sales for First Hospitality, she drives corporate business across a diverse, multi-brand hotel portfolio. Known for her persistence in building strong customer relationships, Amanda is deeply committed to supporting the on-property sales teams who manage business travel at each hotel. She specializes in B2B strategy, negotiation, and targeted solicitation, contributing to significant revenue growth including a standout 114% index in negotiated business in 2024.

Before joining First Hospitality, Amanda served as a Senior Account Executive with Marriott International, where she managed a corporate portfolio exceeding $32 million and built long-standing, high-value client partnerships. A respected leader in the business travel community, she is an active board member of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Ohio Chapter and previously held multiple leadership roles within Meeting Professionals International (MPI), including Chapter President. Under her leadership, MPI Ohio chapter earned the prestigious MPI Global Chapter of the Year recognition in 2018.

Amanda's contributions have been widely recognized, most recently with the 2025 GBTA Global Business Travel Service Award and First Hospitality's Rising Star Award for the Commercial Sales team.

She graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business Management. She is also an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Ryan, and their two daughters (11 and 7). Together, they love boating, discovering new local restaurants, and vacationing annually in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The family is also dedicated to volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio and most recently became involved in supporting Dots Tots Foundation locally. In her free time, Amanda enjoys suspense novels, wine nights with friends, and competitive Yahtzee games with family.

Kate Westover is a results-driven sales leader with a distinguished career across luxury hotels, resorts, and corporate hotel brands in the United States, Australia, and Europe. She has built a reputation for strengthening client relationships, driving revenue, and elevating sales performance. Kate brings a strategic mindset, commercial awareness, and a naturally engaging communication style to every role.

Kate has supported a diverse portfolio of hotels across Hilton, Marriott, and IHG brands. She partners closely with property teams to optimize the corporate negotiated segment, identify revenue opportunities, and execute sales initiatives that align with each hotel's market position. Her ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders and adapt strategies to varied service levels has contributed to consistent performance improvements across her portfolio.

Recognized for leadership and achieving goals, Kate has held roles at the sales executive level within world renowned luxury brands such as Canyon Ranch, Conrad Hotels and Resorts, and Hayman Island Resort. She has secured key partnerships, supported opening and rebranding initiatives, planned high-profile events, and led sales strategies that enhanced both revenue and guest satisfaction. Her experience spans managing multi-property sales teams, hosting VIP clients, and executing corporate and social events. Canyon Ranch chose Kate to accept Virtuoso's Best Hotel Spa award for Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa Miami Beach.

With professional experience across Australia, Ireland, and the United States, Kate brings a global, well-rounded perspective to hospitality sales. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management from the Australian International Hotel School—an affiliate of Cornell University—and is known for her professionalism, relationship-focused approach, and commitment to delivering exceptional results.

Kate enjoys outdoor adventures with her family, with a special love for visiting beautiful beaches. Passionate about holistic wellness, she likes to incorporate wellbeing practices into her life. She enjoys being creativity through her hobby of making leadlight glass art. Most weekends, you'll find her cheering on her kids at sporting events, pairing fine wine and cheese, and testing out new recipes.