Durham, NC — November 10, 2009: The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Danielle Kaspar, IOM, to its newly blended position: Director of Community Relations and Executive Club. She fills two very important functions at the Washington Duke Inn, both reflecting the Inn’s continued commitment to the community as well as to the members of its prestigious Executive Club.

Kaspar joins the Inn after a successful tenure as director of programming and events at the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. While employed at the Chamber, Kaspar successfully completed the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM), a four-year intensive leadership-training program. In addition to her duties at the Inn, Kaspar is active on the boards of the Durham Jaycees, Durham CrimeStoppers, and Keep Durham Beautiful.

Her professional background also includes working in sales, service and event coordination at the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau and in marketing and promotions at The Herald-Sun newspaper. She earned a bachelor of science in business management at North Carolina State University.

“I’m excited about using my relationship skills to be more visible and involved with Executive Club members while effectively communicating with them the benefits of their membership. I’m equally excited to bridge relationships with the Duke, Durham and the Triangle communities, focusing on how the Inn can be of service to them.”

Prior to Kaspar’s appointment, the Inn divided these responsibilities between two individuals. By moving forward with the combined positions, the Inn plans to more efficiently and effectively serve both constituencies and to leverage its role as the perfect community relations partner.

“Kaspar brings to this position a deep-seeded pride in and a commitment to serving the Durham community. She also possesses a unique skill set that will translate into success for both aspects of her job. Her organizational management skills plus her acumen for connecting people will enhance our service to Executive Club members and bring added value to the Inn’s efforts to serve the broader community,” says Randy Kolls, general manager of the Inn.

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is located on the campus of Duke University, only twenty minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and ten minutes from Research Triangle Park, and is the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in Durham. Nestled on 300 acres filled with tall pines and hardwoods, the Inn is known for its beautiful facility and grounds, 271 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, marvelous cuisine in the Four Diamond Award-winning Fairview Dining Room, the Bull Durham Bar, a Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole championship golf course, and convenience to local points of interest. It is set apart from other area hotels and conference centers by its unparalleled service, gracious staff, luxurious interiors and attention to detail. The Inn is owned by Duke University and is managed by The Continental Companies of Miami, Florida. For more information or reservations call 919.490.0999 or 800.443.3853, or visit www.washingtondukeinn.com.