Hello My Name is

left to right: Emily Wethington, Rachel Bolka, Misti Crooks, Ray Gilbertson, Nicole Kovacs, Ashlee Ernst, Jeff Stutts, May Wong

Ray Gilberston

Director of Event Management

Ray was the opening Director of Event Management for the JW Marriott Indianapolis and has done an outstanding job in this role. He and his Indy events team created a culture of excellence that has helped the hotel, and Indianapolis, become known as one of the great convention destinations in the country. Under Ray’s leadership the JW Indy earned the Gold Key Award from Meetings and Conventions Magazine, the Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings Magazine, and the Platinum Choice Award from Smart Meetings Magazine.

Jeff Stutts

Director of Event Planning

Jeff Stutts brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the JW Marriott Austin including more than 15 years of experience in hotel event planning. Prior to joining the JW Marriott Austin, he held event management leadership positions at various Marriott International hotels, including the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa, the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton at LA Live and the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter.

Brad Sinder

Senior Event Manager

Brad was a huge asset opening Indianapolis with over 20 years experience in the meetings arena with Marriott. In his spare time Brad enjoys time traveling all over the U.S. and abroad. Brad also enjoys the outdoors and dropping a line in the pond or an ocean whenever he has a chance.

Nicole Kovacs

Senior Event Manager

Nicole has spent the last 10 years with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in Catering/Convention Services roles. Nicole comes from a “Hospitality Industry” family, so it’s in her DNA – and we can’t be more excited to have her join the team!

Mayying Wong

Senior Event Manager

May joins our team from the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort, were she has been a Senior Convention Services Manager for several years.  Prior to her time there, May was with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts for 10 years.  May enjoys hosting dinner parties at her home.   

Rachel Bolka

Event Manager

Rachel has been a member of the Event Management Team at the JW Marriott Indianapolis since the summer of 2011,  Rachel will run the Dallas Marathon on December 11, Let's wish her luck on this accomplishment!

Ashlee Ernst

Event Manager

Ashlee joins us from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, prior to her time at The Cosmopolitan, Ashlee spent 3 years as an Conference Catering Manager at The Venetian & Palazzo Hotels.  Ashlee is a big music buff (from country to indie), and is excited to be here in Austin to experience the Live Music Capitol of the World first-hand!

Misti Crooks

Group Housing Manager

Misti , joins us from the Renaissance Austin Hotel, where she has been a leader on their Group Housing Team for the past year and a half.  And unlike the rest of us Misti is a true Austinite. 

Emily Wethington

Event Administrative Assistant

Emily joins us from the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown where she was a Banquet Captain and Beverage Captain for over a year.  She graduated Cum Laude from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.  In her spare time Emily enjoys reading and Country line dancing but her passion is Family time and Coaching Softball.