Hershey Resort Executive Advises CIA Graduates About Leadership

Brian R. O'Day Delivers Commencement Address

Hyde Park, NY, February 14, 2012 – Brian R. O'Day, general manager of The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA, spoke to graduates of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) about the priorities that will make them leaders in the foodservice and hospitality industry. Mr. O'Day was commencement speaker at the CIA's Hyde Park campus on Friday, February 10, 2012.

"Leadership is something that never goes out of style and will serve you well in your careers," Mr. O'Day told 40 recipients of associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. He offered the graduates six imperatives that make a good leader:

• Work harder than those you lead.
• Welcome the unknown.
• Get the details right.
• Embrace discontent; it will lead to new ways of doing things.
• Never give up.
• Lead from a moral center.

Before joining Hershey Entertainment & Resorts in 2003, Mr. O'Day was in hospitality management at leading country clubs and resorts, including Massachusetts-based Traditional Golf Properties, Kiawah Island in South Carolina, The Sagamore in New York State, and Williamsburg Inn and Golden Horseshoe Golf Course in Virginia. In addition to 278 guest rooms, the AAA Four-Diamond-rated Hotel Hershey is home to seven dining options that Mr. O'Day oversees.

"You selected the CIA because it is the best," Mr. O'Day said to the newest CIA alumni. "Now it is your opportunity to help maintain that leadership edge and reputation as you progress in your careers."

Photo Caption:

Brian O'Day speaking to graduates of The Culinary Institute of America during commencement ceremonies at the college's Hyde Park, NY campus on February 10, 2012. (Photo credit: CIA/Nikki Shayer)

Media Contact:

Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu

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