Meet the Charles Hotel Team

Adam Sperling has over 39 years of hotel industry experience, including the past 30 years in the Boston & Cambridge hotel market. Adam brings his passion for hospitality and creating memorable experiences to The Charles after spending the past 16 years as the General Manager at Hotel Commonwealth in Boston. Prior to Hotel Commonwealth, Adam held senior leadership positions at hotels in both Boston and Cambridge.

Adam currently serves as an Emeritus member of the Board of Directors and is a past President for the Massachusetts Lodging Association and has served on their board since 2001. Adam was named "Outstanding General Manager of the Year" by the MLA in 2003, 2013 and 2016. Adam is also currently a member of the board of directors for Meet Boston.

Before moving to Boston, Adam spent nearly 10 years in Chicago working for Omni Hotels and DoubleTree Hotels, where he was responsible for making the DoubleTree cookie "Warm". Adam lives in Reading with his wife Amy and their 4 children Benjamin (21), Owen (18), Rose (16) and Jane (11).

Susan Cotton is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in independent luxury hotels. Over the course of her career, she has held senior leadership roles at premier properties across Boston, Cape Cod, Texas, and Colorado, where she consistently drove revenue growth and brand visibility.  Susan also spent part of her career at TravelClick, where she partnered with hospitality clients to enhance their revenue strategies through data-driven solutions and market insights.

A proud New England native and passionate Boston sports fan, Susan enjoys yoga, biking, and taking long walks along the Charles River in her free time.

Corinne has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong background in independent luxury hotels. She recently rejoined The Charles Hotel as VP, of Commercial Strategy. In this role, Corinne is responsible for guiding the hotel’s overall business strategy, price positioning & analysis to maximize hotel revenue in alignment with ownership goals.

A results-driven leader, Corinne brings positivity, motivation, and a competitive drive to work each day. She excels at fostering and empowering high-performing teams through collaborative leadership with a deep understanding of Cambridge and Boston market dynamics.

Corinne began her career with Marriott International, where she built a strong foundation in sales, revenue management and hotel operations. Prior to her current role, she worked as the Director of Revenue at Hotel Commonwealth in Boston. She also held several leadership positions during her previous tenure at The Charles Hotel, making her return to this iconic property a homecoming she is truly excited about.

Corinne is a lifelong Bostonian and enjoys spending her free time with her husband and 2 children.

Kathryn Vallier is the Director of Operations at The Charles Hotel, bringing over 20 years of hospitality experience and a strong commitment to both guest satisfaction and team culture. Since joining the hotel, she has embraced its spirit of camaraderie, describing it as more than a workplace—a true family. Passionate about service and leadership, Kathryn fosters an environment where both guests and employees feel valued, always striving to deliver thoughtful, seamless experiences through respect, communication, and care.

John Collins worked for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company for more than two decades in Boston, Laguna Niguel, Kansas City and in Philadelphia. He held executive roles in Catering and Conference Services, Food and Beverage, Quality and in Human Resources. John had the honor of being interviewed by the Lead Examiners in both of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company's successful Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award campaigns.

When The Ritz-Carlton's flagship hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston sold to Taj, John joined Wequassett Resort and Golf Club- which later became Cape Cod and the Islands only Forbes Five-Star double-winner, achieving the award for both the resort and for the restaurant, twenty-eight Atlantic. The family-owned resort sold in 2022 and a year later John joined The Charles Hotel, as Director of Human Resources.

John resides with his wife Judy in Scituate, Massachusetts. John, a Red Sox season ticket holder, enjoys playing piano, guitar and pickle ball and gardening. John and Judy's children, Paige and John live down the street from each other in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Tim joined The Charles Hotel in August 2024 after serving as Controller at the Forbes five-star Wequassett Resort and Golf Club for 24 years. Previously he was Controller at the Boston Harbor Hotel and regional controller for Doubletree Hotels. Tim received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.

Robert Kirkpatrick brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience to his role as Director of Food & Beverage at The Charles Hotel. He oversees six outlets including Henrietta’s Table, Noir Bar, Regattabar, Pronto, One Reason Garden Bar, and Banquets driving a combined revenue of $9.5 million in 2024. Since joining in 2023, he has led major reopenings and manages a team of seven department leaders.

Robert has held senior roles at Sheraton Boston, Boston Marriott Newton, and other premier properties, with expertise spanning operations, catering, and event management. He began his career in culinary arts after earning his degree from Southern New Hampshire University. A New Your native, Robert is passionate about great food and exceptional service.

Sean Lizotte is the Executive Chef at The Charles Hotel and Henrietta's Table, where he has been part of the culinary team for over 20 years. A Johnson & Wales graduate and North Shore native, Sean brings more than 30 years of experience working with seasonal, local ingredients and trusted New England purveyors. His farm-to-table approach focuses on simplicity and quality, ensuring memorable meals for both restaurant guests and private events. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with his wife and kids.

Alyssa is passionate about creating memorable experiences through meaningful connections with people. A graduate of the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, she earned her B.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications while competing as a Division III athlete in Cross Country and Track & Field.

Her professional journey began with internships in Public Relations and Community Relations in the Los Angeles area, before moving into sports hospitality with the Boston Celtics. There, she served as an Inside Sales Representative and was later promoted to Senior Account Services Coordinator, specializing in fan engagement and premium hospitality. In 2008, Alyssa was honored to receive a World Championship ring alongside her front office colleagues.

She went on to serve as Director of Events and Assistant Clubhouse Manager at Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose, Massachusetts where she led the planning and execution of hundreds of events annually — including weddings, golf tournaments, and private celebrations.

A proud Cantabrigian, Alyssa is thrilled to be back in her hometown, bringing her extensive background in event management and food & beverage to The Charles Hotel. She is excited to collaborate with the talented team at TCH and contribute to the hotel’s legacy of exceptional service.

Alyssa resides in Milton with her husband Joe, their two children, Emma and James, and their cat, Mia.

Agathe is the Frenchie of the team! Passionate and dedicated hospitality professional Agathe has over 10 years of international experience in hospitality management across Europe, Indian Ocean and North America specializing in rooms division. After graduating with a Bachelor degree at Toulouse Business school she began her career in Front Office with Accor Hotels in Paris, where she developed a strong foundation in guest services and front desk operations. Her journey continued in Montreal, Canada as Director of Housekeeping with Marriott International where she led large multicultural teams and implemented high standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and guest satisfaction in a competitive hospitality environment. Currently based in Boston, she continues to grow her career in the hotel industry. Agathe recently joined The Charles Hotel as Director of Housekeeping bringing a proven track record of operational excellence, team management, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Outside of work, Agathe enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and exploring cultures and hidden places with her husband and her dog.

Sumit Tuladhar is a seasoned hospitality professional with two decades of experience in the hotel industry. He began his career after earning a degree in Hotel management in Singapore, where he trained at the prestigious Conrad Centennial Singapore, rotating through all the major departments as a management trainee in 2004. Seeking to broaden his global perspective, he moved to Minnesota in 2006 and completed a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Sumit was a key member of the opening team at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, contributing to the successful launch of one of the region's landmark properties. In 2014, he relocated to Boston and has since been a dedicated part of the team at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.

Throughout his career, Sumit has remained deeply committed to the values of genuine service and hospitality. His passion for the industry is rooted in a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from being of service to others. The wide-ranging experience he's had from luxury hotel operations to launching a major property- have not only shaped his professional journey but also provided invaluable life lessons that continue to guide his personal and professional growth. For Sumit, hospitality isn't just a career - it's a way of life!

Tim Curry brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and event management to his role as Director of Catering at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge. With a proven track record of leading successful events ranging from high-end weddings and social galas to corporate conferences and university functions, he is known for combining operational expertise with a client-focused approach to service.

Throughout his career, Tim has held senior catering and event planning positions at several notable properties in the Boston and Cambridge markets, as well as in Connecticut, Florida, and Los Angeles. He has developed strong partnerships with top event planners and vendors, consistently earning a reputation for creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to bring a client's vision to life. A collaborative leader and passionate hospitality professional, Tim takes pride in mentoring teams, streamlining operations, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Tim lives in Hingham and is a proud father of three young adults: Sarah (22), Katharine (21), and Sean (18). He has also been a Justice of the Peace for over 20 years.

A Napa Valley native with a lifelong passion for hospitality and design, Cherie Flores brings over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry to The Charles Hotel. Her career began in her hometown of St. Helena, CA, working at a boutique property while earning her marketing degree. It was during this time that she fell in love with the world of events—drawn to the creativity, energy, and connection involved in crafting meaningful guest experiences.

Since then, Cherie has held leadership roles with industry icons including Auberge Resorts, The Culinary Institute of America, and Hotel Commonwealth. Known for her creative vision and strategic mindset, she combines event and design expertise with a strong focus on relationship-building. Cherie takes pride in nurturing lasting partnerships with clients, colleagues, vendors, and community organizations, always with an emphasis on collaboration and long-term value.

Cherie went on to earn a master’s degree in interior architecture—blending her marketing background with a refined design sensibility. She joined The Charles Hotel team in 2025 where she leads the Events and Specialty Marketing initiatives for the property.  Her passion for people, place, and design inspires the experiences she creates for guests and partners.

When she’s not working, Cherie enjoys Boston’s four seasons, taking city walks, traveling, and is always happy to find a cozy coffee shop.

Born and raised in London, Hayley Domin is a seasoned marketing professional with over six years of experience. She got her start working with hotels through journalism– traveling the World for hospitality coverage and writing for various global publications such as National Geographic, Conde Nast, AFAR and many more. This intersection of storytelling and business sparked a deep passion for marketing, and she now works as marketing manager at The Charles Hotel.

When not working, you'll likely find her planning her next adventure, exploring a new country, or enjoying time with friends/family. Hayley loves to travel and immerse herself in new cultures. She's traveled to over 47 countries (mostly solo), and has lived in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland!

Jennifer Halpin has over 35 years of hospitality experience, including 26 years with The Charles Hotel, where she served as Director of Catering for 8 years. She has held key roles at leading brands including Hilton Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, and Sawgrass Marriott Resort. After a brief retirement in 2024, she returned as a part-time Catering Manager, valued for her strategic approach, client-focused service, and deep industry knowledge. She has built a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences across diverse market segments. A lifelong Bostonian, she resides in Winchester with her husband and enjoys spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Juliette Letourneau got her start in hospitality right here at The Charles Hotel as the sales coordinator. She has been in the Cambridge/Boston area for 5 years after leaving her home state of Vermont. As a Group Sales Manager, she assists guests looking to find event space and room blocks. On the clock she is intent on helping guests get the full experience that the Charles Hotel has to offer! In her free time, you can find her visiting the local Museums or curled up at home with a good book.

Originally from just north of Boston, Olivia grew up immersed in New England's vibrant hospitality culture. Her passion for events began early, working at Danversport Yacht Club and organizing personal travel and gatherings for her friends and family. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2021, she launched her career in hospitality as a Banquet Supervisor at Hotel Commonwealth. Now she transitions into sales as the Catering and Conference Sales Manager at The Charles Hotel.

Olivia draws on over nine years of experience to design and execute luxury events. She is known for her attention to detail and cross-functional expertise, she thrives on delivering exceptional client experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Boston, discovering new restaurants, and planning her next adventure!

A passion for sharing good food in good company is how Melissa found her way to the hotel industry. Her journey started as a front desk agent and through the years held multiple roles in restaurant and events management with Hyatt Hotels before joining the Charles team as a Conference Service Manager. Melissa is a graduate of Temple University's School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management Program. Outside of the Charles Hotel she can be found baking new recipes, frequenting local coffee spots, or traveling abroad (her top country is Japan).

From the start of her career, Gillian always knew that the hospitality industry was exactly where she wanted to be. Working with others to deliver exceptional customer service & execute luxury events has always been a passion of hers. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management where she began her career within food and beverage at the Cliff House in Maine & then moved to a Human Resource and Finance role at 907 Main in Cambridge, MA. With a strong desire to expand her skill set, Gillian accepted a position as a Banquet Manager at Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square where she oversaw the execution of events and worked closely with the sales & culinary team. After a few years in banquets, she transitioned to the sales team and served as a Conference Service Manager where she was responsible for detailing corporate events from start to finish! Well versed in several departments, she was eager to return to operations which landed her as the Director of Banquets at The Charles Hotel. She is excited to enhance the current banquet program & grow her roots here in Harvard Square!

Kate Smiley is a Massachusetts native, born and raised right outside of Worcester, MA, and now resides in the North End of Boston. She is our Conference Services Executive Meeting Manager, who takes care of helping smaller groups book events with The Charles, all the way from booking event space and room blocks, to detailing and helping execute for these groups. She is enthusiastic and loves meeting with clients to fine tune the details of their programs. When she isn't at work, you can find her hanging with friends and family (and cats), reading and spending as much time outside as possible!

Deb is a native Cantabrigian and has deep roots in the Harvard Square community! She started her hospitality career at The Charles Hotel after graduating from college and brings enormous energy and a breadth of experience to our group and event planning team. She has significant management selling knowledge from her time with Hilton, Hyatt, and Sheraton and is now back with us sharing her passion for the city and its unique qualities! In her primary role, she is responsible for our strategic partnership with Harvard and is driven by the people and relationships that are at the heart of our business.

Jacob Youngblood is an accomplished hospitality leader with over 15 years of experience driving revenue growth, elevating guest experiences, and building high-performing teams across luxury and lifestyle hotel brands. Currently serving as Director of Transient Sales at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA, Jacob oversees strategic sales initiatives, brand positioning, and key partnerships for one of the region's most iconic properties. Jacob's background spans national sales leadership, regional oversight, and on-property operations, having previously held senior roles with Remington Hotels, Bardessono & Hotel Yountville, and Meritage Resort & Spa.

Known for his ability to blend data-driven strategy with a passion for service, Jacob has led successful market repositioning efforts, delivered record-setting performance metrics, and forged lasting relationships across corporate, group, and travel agency segments.

A proud Pacific Northwest native now rooted in New England, Jacob brings curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to every endeavor. While navigating complex requests, launching customized experiences and hosting global clientele in Harvard Square, Jacob is also a proud father to a son born in 2024.

Danny is a Salem, Massachusetts native and the Pastry Chef at The Charles Hotel in Boston. He leads the hotel's pastry program across all outlets, creating everything from croissants to wedding cakes entirely from scratch. Danny got his start in a donut shop at 13 and later trained at Johnson & Wales University. With previous roles at the Seaport Hotel, Harvard University Dining, and as an instructor at Le Cordon Bleu, he brings decades of experience and a love for the science of baking. His desserts focus on simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and nostalgic flavors. Off the clock, Danny enjoys time with his family, baking pizza in his backyard oven, and embracing the rhythm of New England's changing seasons.

Born in Vermont and raised in a small town in upstate New York, Chef Scott has always been artistically inclined.  While in high school he began working at The Benn Conger Inn where his talents quickly became instrumental in the Inn’s evolution from a two star to a three-star operation.  After pursuing a degree in drafting and construction technologies Scott enrolled in the culinary program at New England Culinary Institute where he graduated at the top of his class. 

In 1995 he joined The Charles Hotel Family.  For the past 30 years Chef Scott has been advancing though the ranks and today functions as the Hotel’s Banquet Chef.  His drive for perfection and creative approach to even the most basic dishes have led to one of the areas’ favorite venues. 

Outside of The Charles Scott can be found renovating his 1920’s Dutch Colonial home, spending  time with his family and two beautiful labs.      

After a 20 plus-year career in banking, Taso Papatsoris transitioned into the hospitality industry, following his passion for food and service. In 2011, he helped launch a popular, trendy casual, restaurant in Somerville, MA, where he remained until its sale in 2022. In April 2023, Taso joined The Charles Hotel as General Manager of Henrietta’s Table.

Taso is an active member of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and has long supported community and nonprofit events, including Guy Cooking with Best Buddies, A Taste of Ginger and the Somerville Homeless Coalition. A dual U.S. and Greek citizen, he enjoys traveling, skiing, golfing, fishing, and gardening.

Alicia has been part of The Charles Hotel team since 2017, bringing with her a rich background in hospitality management and international experience. She studied at the prestigious Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland and has worked in Mexico, Switzerland, China, and the United States.

At The Charles Hotel, Alicia serves as Assistant General Manager and also oversees private events for Henrietta’s Table, coordinating everything from business meetings and buyouts to bridal showers and family celebrations. Her passion lies in creating memorable guest experiences through thoughtful planning and warm hospitality.

Outside of work, Alicia enjoys cooking, reading, staying active, and going on long walks with her family.

Augusto Lino, or just Lino, as most people know him, has been managing bars for 20 years in the Boston area. Lino joined the team at the Charles Hotel in February of 2020 during a renovation of the hotel's first floor, which included a new concept for Noir Bar and the Charles Square courtyard. In 2023 Lino was part of the team conceptualizing and opening One Reason Garden Bar, the new outdoor bar at the Charles, which Lino runs as a semi-independent sibling establishment to Noir Bar.

Before joining Noir, Lino worked as a consultant in multiple projects in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. His prior experience includes many awarded restaurants and bars, going back all the way to his first job as a bartender at the Brandy Library in New York City, from where Lino moved to Boston after college. Lino has been a member of the City of Cambridge Licensee Advisory Board, a branch of the Cambridge License Commission which created the Taste of Cambridge as a fundraising event, bringing together thousands of attendees to each event during his tenure. Lino served as president for 2 years and board member for 5 years.

In 2023 Lino was accepted as a member of the Tales of the Cocktail C.A.P. program, participating as a red Coat on that year's edition of T.O.T.C. Lino has also been a teacher at Cambridge Center for Adult Education since 2023, and continues to teach there in the food, wine, and spirits department. Lino holds dual citizenship as both American and Brazilian and visits Brazil at least once every year, which fuels much of what inspires his menus.

Originally from North Easton, Massachusetts, Michael has had the pleasure of serving as music director and/or accompanist for The Chantels, The Counts, The Spaniels, The Blue Notes, The Tymes, The Orioles, The Dubs, many other vocal group legends. He’s performed with his own acts at many of New York City’s top venues, including Joe’s Pub, Birdland, the Cutting Room, and the Café Carlyle. As a singer/pianist, he’s performed at most of New York’s legendary piano bars including Don’t Tell Mama’s, The Duplex, Brandy’s, Uncle Charlie’s, and the Townhouse. His show Echoes of Etta was the recipient of the MAC Show of the Year award, and TimeOut Critic’s Pick for three years, among other accolades. The act was also featured on national TV on NBC’s Macy’s Day Parade and at the Commissioner’s Tailgate for Superbowl XLVIII.

As a composer and arranger, Michael has written music and lyrics for Bojangles of Harlem, which will soon premiere at the Apollo Theater in New York. Off-Broadway productions include Forever Dusty and 50 Shades! The Musical, both of which continue to be performed in regional productions or tours with his arrangements.  Michael’s Music Direction has been widely recognized for excellence through residencies both at ReVision Theater in Asbury Park and at American Cabaret Theater in Indianapolis and Montana. He has arranged and played innumerable cabarets in New York City and around the country. 

He has collaborated on productions with Gretchen Cryer, Annie Golden, Felicia Fields and many others. He is particularly proud of his work on a number of projects with his mentor, hero, and best friend, the late Jimmy Guilford, including Street Corner Harmony, Great Google Moo, and Soul in Your Stocking. In the works is a film project about Mr. Guilford’s storied career, with interviews conducted just before his last performance at Joe’s Pub.