Appellation – the culinary-first hotel brand co-founded by renowned American chef Charlie Palmer and former Four Seasons Americas President Christopher Hunsberger – proudly announces the appointment of a seasoned team of hospitality professionals who will deliver the brand’s signature experience at Appellation Healdsburg, opening late summer 2025. The resort celebrates the region’s seasonal bounty through food, wellness, and meaningful connections, anchored by on-site culinary gardens and two signature Charlie Palmer dining concepts.
United by a shared commitment to genuine hospitality, these leaders are crafting an experience that reflects the warmth, richness and community spirit of Healdsburg. Set in the heart of Sonoma County, Appellation Healdsburg is a 108-room culinary retreat offering immersive dining, two serene pools, the signature Terroir Spa and 15,500 square feet of event space.
The strength of a hotel lies in the people who bring it to life, and we’ve assembled an extraordinary team at Appellation Healdsburg. This group represents the highest caliber of talent in the industry—leaders who not only understand operational excellence, but who also bring a deep sense of purpose, collaboration, and connection to everything they do. Their collective experience and passion will set the tone for what Appellation stands for: thoughtful, place-driven hospitality. Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and COO of Appellation
David Emig, General Manager
A seasoned hospitality leader with more than 25 years of global luxury experience, David Emig brings a steady, thoughtful approach to team leadership and guest experience. His tenure with Four Seasons, spanning leadership roles across Asia, Europe and the U.S., and his most recent role as General Manager at Sensei Lana’i, reflect a career dedicated to elevating guest experiences and nurturing high-performing teams. At Appellation Healdsburg, Emig oversees all facets of the guest journey, working hand-in-hand with culinary and spa teams to shape thoughtful programming and warm, intuitive service that feels refined and deeply rooted in Sonoma’s spirit.
Kevin Sullivan, Director of Commerce Strategy
Kevin Sullivan approaches hospitality as both an art and a science. With over a decade of experience leading high-performing teams at Hyatt and Aimbridge Hospitality, he has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, expanding market share and successful hotel openings. At Appellation Healdsburg, Sullivan leads all commercial efforts – including sales, marketing, revenue management and events – with a holistic, data-informed approach that balances performance with purpose. His passion lies in connecting people to meaningful experiences, ensuring every touchpoint reflects the property’s elevated, approachable ethos.
Andrew Vratil, Director of Restaurants & Bars
A hospitality innovator with a global lens, Andrew Vratil brings creative energy and an unwavering commitment to excellence to every detail of the dining experience. A veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens and multi-concept restaurant groups, he has led operational transformations and introduced cutting-edge culinary technologies that enhance guest experiences. At Appellation Healdsburg, Vratil leads all front-of-house dining operations, including the hotel’s restaurants, bars, in-room dining and special event services. He’s passionate about hospitality, team development, and the kind of culinary storytelling that brings people together and transforms meals into meaningful memories.
David Intonato, Executive Chef
Chef David Intonato crafts dishes that delight the senses while honoring the land. Known for his modern, plant-forward approach and commitment to sustainable sourcing, Chef Intonato is a creative force with more than 25 years of luxury resort, fine dining, and innovative culinary experience, including recognition as a James Beard House guest chef and DiRōNA Award honoree. At Appellation Healdsburg, he guides all culinary operations – from menu development to team mentorship – bringing Sonoma’s vibrant produce to life through personal, inspired moments for every guest.
Joshua Samad, Director of Rooms
A luxury hospitality expert with nearly two decades of luxury hospitality experience at premier brands such as Four Seasons, Fairmont and Proper Hospitality, Joshua Samad approaches the guest journey as a symphony of thoughtful moments. As Director of Rooms for Appellation Healdsburg, he oversees all operations related to guest accommodations including front office, housekeeping, reservations and guest services, ensuring seamless coordination and exceptional service that feels both polished and personal.
Jolene Flores, Director of Catering
Known for her attention to detail and grace under pressure, Jolene Flores transforms events into unforgettable experiences. With more than six years of luxury event experience in wine country, including roles as Director of Special Events at Arista Winery and an independent wedding coordinator, her expertise shines through in every element of execution, from intimate wedding to grand gatherings. At Appellation Healdsburg, Flores leads all catering sales and service operations, collaborating closely with the culinary team to deliver bespoke, unforgettable experiences that that exceed client expectations and reflect the brand’s elevated standards.
Shun Matsumoto, Director of Finance
Shun Matsumoto brings a rare blend of technical excellence and calm, solutions-driven leadership, honed over 25 years in hospitality finance. His extensive experience includes leadership through new hotel openings, major corporation acquisitions and operator transitions, with senior roles at Kimpton Armory Hotel, Grand Hyatt SFO and Everline Resort & Spa. As Director of Finance at Appellation Healdsburg, Matsumoto’s expertise is helping establish a strong foundation of long-term success and financial accountability.
Lorena Romero, Director of Group Sales
A hospitality connector at heart, Lorena Romero thrives on building relationships that last. With more than a decade of experience rooted in Northern California’s luxury market, including Carneros Resort and Spa, Vintners Resort and Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, brings both strategic vision and heartfelt hospitality to every group experience. At Appellation Healdsburg, Romero leads with empathy and purpose, delivering tailored experiences that resonate long after an event concludes.
Kevin Sylvia, Director of Engineering
Behind the scenes, Kevin Sylvia is the steward of comfort, safety and beauty. With over two decades of facilities expertise and a strong foundation in project management and hands-on problem solving, he blends technical know-how with a guest-first mindset. Sylvia oversees all facilities operations, maintaining a safe, beautiful and effortlessly functional hotel environment where guests and colleagues can focus on connection and discovery.
Paula Kuhn, Director of People & Culture
Passionate about people and purpose, Paula Kuhn brings warmth, inclusivity, and vision to the heart of Appellation Healdsburg. With more than two decades of experience shaping people-first cultures across corporate, nonprofit, and startup sectors, she is a catalyst for positive change and innovation. In 2015, Paula co-founded Culture LabX, a global community of founders, designers, and practitioners dedicated to exploring the future of work and advancing new approaches to culture and leadership. As Director of People & Culture, Kuhn fosters an environment where individuals are seen, heard, and empowered to thrive—guiding Appellation Healdsburg’s people strategy with a bold belief: that great hospitality starts with a great team.
Building on the heels of opening Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa and Appellation Healdsburg, the brand will continue its expansion with new properties slated to open in Morgan Hill, California; Petaluma, California; Pacific Grove, California; and Park City, Utah. For more information about Appellation, please visit appellationhotels.com.
About Appellation
Appellation, meaning “to give a name to a place,” crafts unparalleled culinary-centered places of hospitality that immerse guests in the uniquely local aspects of exceptional destinations. The first hotel brand born from the merger of culinary and hospitality, Appellation is about comfort and connection over formality and extravagance – perfectly blending luxury amenities with real world experiences born of this place. The company is the vision of co-founders Charlie Palmer, one of America’s best-known chefs who arguably created the successful hotel restaurant model, and Christopher Hunsberger, who spent over 30 years in strategic leadership roles with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. When the first Appellation hotels open in Sun Valley (ID), Healdsburg (CA) and Pacific Grove (CA), they will set a new standard for immersion in culinary, culture and community that can only be found “here.” To learn more, visit www.appellationhotels.com.
