Theresa Dileo, Vice President of Human Resources
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

"To be successful, we must know and care about each individual, as well as his or her talents and interests. By knowing our people, we are able to match their strengths with the right job. Then, we must continuously strive to create a work environment wherein each person will be motivated to achieve his or her full potential."

Theresa Dileo is the vice president of human resources for Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center. When asked about what she is most proud, she named three key contributions at Gaylord Opryland: First, she cited infusing the STARS-first culture into this flagship property; secondly, encouraging an open environment where Leaders support their STARS; and lastly, fostering an environment where fun is taken very seriously. She sees human resources representatives as "environmental architects," whose role it is to create an atmosphere where STARS are motivated.

With more than two decades of progressive management experience in human resources, Dileo joined the Gaylord Opryland team from its sister property in Kissimmee, Florida, the Gaylord Palms® Resort & Convention Center. As director of human resources, Dileo was instrumental in contributing to the success of the opening and first year of that property. This opening experience provided a challenging, yet enjoyable, lesson for her - being able to think on your toes and learn as you go.

Prior to Gaylord, Dileo was with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, where she served as regional vice president. During her tenure with Wyndham, she progressed from human resources director of the Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa, to regional human resources director and, ultimately, became regional vice president. Under her leadership, the Wyndham Resorts division consistently achieved highest employee satisfaction scores for the Wyndham brand. Dileo was also employed by New Orleans Hilton Riverside. During her tenure there, she served as director of human resources, where she was a three-time leadership award winner.

Dileo credits a position in restaurant retail as the beginning of her career in the hospitality industry. She was working in New Orleans - where hospitality is the number one industry - and found hosting people from all over the world very appealing. A subsequent position at Hilton confirmed her passion for human resources in the hospitality industry. Dileo stated, "I knew what I wanted to do it for the rest of my life."

When asked about people she admired, Dileo did not cite anyone "famous" by society's standards. She needed to look no further than leaders for which she has worked - all were general managers, and two are current superiors at Gaylord. She described Gaylord Hotels' Chief Operating Officer as a composite of great leaders who also has the vision to incorporate fun into the workplace. Dileo went on to say, "Just when I thought it couldn't get better, I came to work at our flagship property in Nashville." She describes Gaylord Opryland's general manager, Arthur Keith, as one of the most empowering leaders for which she has worked.

Dileo attended Georgia Southern University and completed executive management courses at Loyola University in New Orleans. Aside from work, she enjoys reading, boating, traveling and interior decorating. Most importantly, she is an active member of the PTA and enjoys being a mother to her children, Alexandra and Anthony.

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