Let’s Talk

Josh Head

Head has spent more than a decade in hospitality management in various positions coupled with AAA Five-Diamond hotel experience, which has led him to Auburn for his current leadership position. He began his hotel career in the front office at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Sandestin, Florida. In Charlotte, North Carolina, he was privileged to continue his career path with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, the pioneer in luxury and excellence. He moved his way up from Front Office Manager to Director of Housekeeping and Assistant Rooms Executive. During his tenure at Pursell Farms, he served as opening Director of Rooms and was promoted to Assistant General Manager of the resort. Most recently, Mr. Head was the Director of Hospitality with Orchestra Partners in Birmingham, where he was charged with leading food and beverage concepts and setting service standards and culture. Additionally, he led the development of two new hospitality concepts.

“We are very pleased to appoint Josh Head as General Manager of The Laurel Hotel & Spa,” said Hans van der Reijden, Founder & CEO of Ithaka Hospitality Partners. “He is a quality-driven leader with tremendous hospitality experience in leading and motivating a team, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Auburn.”

Mr. Head holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. He is relocating to Auburn from Birmingham with his wife, Leila.

Chandra Perry

Spa Director Chandra Perry is a native of Michigan with 17 years of residency in Atlanta, Georgia. She discovered a passion for wellness during her 20-year career working in manufacturing, constantly looking for a way to alleviate the pain and stress her body endured daily in this field.

After receiving a professional massage, she realized she could educate and assist others who may suffer in this way. She then enrolled in Gwinnett College and successfully graduated, passing the Georgia Massage Licensing Exam in 2012. Chandra spent the next four years learning medical massage and an array of modalities while working in smaller clinical settings before her introduction to luxury spa methods at Woodhouse Spa Dunwoody, Georgia. From there, she moved on to her first Forbes 5-star rated property at Mandarin Oriental Spa in Atlanta-Buckhead. After two years of being one of the most requested therapists, receiving multiple awards and scholarships, and working with high-end clients like A-list celebrities and professional athletes, Chandra was promoted to Spa Treatment Manager after two years of employment. The property then transitioned to a Waldorf Astoria, and she proceeded to work in management following her promotion to Spa Manager.

Chandra is honored to share her experience with the amazing team of Ithaka Hospitality Partners and The Laurel Hotel and Spa. The Laurel Spa takes inspiration from surrounding nature to create a unique wellness journey, resulting in serenity and calm.

Rhianna Greenawalt

Rhianna graduated from the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University and now works to enrich the experience for all that visit the urban resort at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science. Throughout her career, Rhianna has transitioned through various roles, from Bartender to Assistant General Manager at key area restaurants such as Springhouse, ACRE, and Maestro 2300. Recently, as the Executive Vice President for Greenawalt Hospitality, she was instrumental in transforming the company into a regional powerhouse. Her strategic use of marketing and promotional strategies brought the company into e-commerce and expanded several of the company’s brands, significantly expanding its reach and influence. Currently, she leads the Event & Experience division at The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center’s commercial entities, such as, The Laurel Hotel & Spa (recently recognized as Alabama’s first AAA Five Diamond Property), 1856 - Culinary Residence, and Hey Day Market – Food Hall & Gathering Place.

Todd Scholl

Todd Scholl oversees marketing, sales, brand awareness, websites and social media for Ithaka’s property portfolio. A 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Todd has enjoyed a career at some of the finest, independent properties in the U.S., including Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri; the Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs, Missouri; the Canterbury Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana; and The Peabody Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas. During his tenure in Little Rock, he helped the hotel achieve the Forbes Four-Star designation. Each of his hotels has became the market leader in their segments under his tenure.

Todd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.