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One of her many impressive Hospitality industry titles is “Director of Remarkable Experiences”. That nicely sums up her personal journey as well.
She’s traveled a unique career yellow brick road with scenic stops at top entertainment and hotel destinations from Las Vegas and Denver, to Boston and now MGM Grand at Foxwoods, one of CABO’s cornerstone partners. It looks like she has landed at her Emerald City.
“Stacy brought a wealth of 4 and 5 Diamond industry knowledge to our MGM Grand at Foxwoods team. She will take this operation to the next level,” said Jason Guyot, Vice President, Hotel Operation at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
She has a 5 Diamond home life as well, sharing life on a Ledyard farm with her fiancé, whom she proudly describes as “the most tender, compassionate, caring and strong Guatemalan export EVER”, and her mother, three sons, and a menagerie of amazon parrots, cats, chickens and ducks.
She’s MGM Manager Stacy Tierney, also our newest CABO board member. And what a story she has to tell…Fasten your seat belt!
You grew up in Las Vegas, and it gave you a unique perspective on the Hospitality and Entertainment Industry, right?
My father was the Entertainment Director at Caesars Palace during the 80's and 90's. My first concert was at the age of 7, where I sat backstage with my Dad for the Diana Ross show. This period was the "heyday" in Las Vegas, where business was booming, there was a huge boxing event or concert every week, and an influx of 6000-7000 people a month moving to the Las Vegas area to "get a piece of the pie." I have so many memories of people I have met, or concerts that I have seen. Music is an integral part of my life now, and I credit that to my upbringing in "the business."
When I was born, there were approximately 200,000 people living in the Las Vegas area, and when I left in 2007, there were nearly 3 million. Being a queer woman with three growing boys, I sought to finish raising them in a more enriching climate, both literally and figuratively. I yearned for them to see a variety of cultures, including their own. (The only thing Irish in Las Vegas is green beer on St. Patrick's Day.)
Animals have played a strong role in your life, too….
As a child, my passion was wildlife and animals. I dreamed of being a large animal or wildlife veterinarian, and of living on the East Coast. My great grandparents emigrated to the US from Ireland, and the family settled in Rhode Island. Growing up in the desert, more than 3000 miles away from the extended family, was a challenge. I was fortunate to be able to come back almost every summer and stay with my Dad's family in the RI area. I am the oldest of 4 children. I have been blessed with beautiful sons, and still maintain quite a large collection of animals at our farmhouse in Ledyard. We have amazon parrots, parakeets, cats, chickens, ducks, and a golden retriever. I am able to nurture a respect and love for conservation and nature in my boys, who are just as crazy about all things living as their mom.
Who were your early mentors, and how did they inspire you?
I always admired my father, because it seemed that he earned respect wherever he went. His tenacity and work ethic were only matched by his compassion and tenderness with his family. He taught me never to allow obstacles to come between my footsteps and my goal. My mother taught me to plan, and to be prepared for anything. She taught me how to nurture, and how to forgive. Once my parents divorced, I was blessed with the world's most amazing stepmother, who took a very strong willed 12 year old girl and taught her how to be a woman.
Give us an idea of the range of work experiences you've had, including your first jobs...
I think that 50% of the population started their careers at McDonald's, and I am proud to be among them. The only company that would hire a 15 year old who wanted to make her own money and her own way, McDonald's thrust me into the public forum, and taught me how to make friends with strangers, as well as the best fries in the business...
My first (and maybe my favorite) hospitality job was as a Tour Guide on the Nile River in the Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas. Wearing khakis, and standing on a boat that went around the casino floor, I greeted tourists from all over the world. I was fortunate to be promoted in this hotel, and was the Attractions Supervisor for a motion simulator ride, an IMAX theater, etc. I opened the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino, and my innate curiosity and drive to learn was fed by many departments. I went from PBX to the Front Office, to Finance, and Convention Services.
Then you decided to change the scenery in your life, right?
When I left Las Vegas, I knew that I was coming from the BEST property, and so I found the best property in downtown Denver, the historic Brown Palace Hotel & Spa. This property has been the grand dame of Denver for 120 years, and I began my time there as the "Director of Remarkable Experiences". I was able to learn and grow, and at the time of my departure, was the Director of Front Office Operations. The Mandarin Oriental in Boston is a most exceptional establishment, with a true culture devoted to luxury hospitality. During my time there, I was the overnight General Manager, so the challenges were immense. Imagine that there are 63 Managers working during the day...who all turn over their departments to 1 Manager overnight. I was able to offer service and support to some of the worlds most famous and most demanding patrons, and truly enjoyed my time there.
When did you become aware of your sexuality, and when did you choose to come out?
When I was a teenager, I can recall being very enamored of my best friend, who was female. Having no LGBT people in my life, I always kept very quiet about it. I was a very BUSY young girl, and fought my feelings by trying very hard to be straight. VERY HARD. I was married at 18, and had three children with the wrong person. My ex husband knew that I was bisexual, and was "kind enough" to share it with my family during one of many fallouts. I came out just after the divorce, when I was 22. Yes...I was 22 with a 3 year old, a 2 year old, and an infant. It's quite a story, but I am sure that many of us find our journey fraught with detours, potholes, and challenges. My sister, who is 6 years younger than I, came out right around the same time. I think that made it harder, because I was blamed for her "condition". Thankfully, our family has come around tremendously, and it isn't even an issue. My mother moved from Las Vegas to Connecticut, and lives with my fiancee, the boys and I. She comes up to our room and Mirza is teaching her how to dance salsa, so that she is ready for the wedding.
Tell us about your family life now....
We have found a beautiful 1760 farmhouse on 75 acres in Ledyard, CT. I live with my fiancee, who may just be the most tender, compassionate, caring and strong Guatemalan export EVER. Mirza and I, along with much help from my Mom, are raising three teenaged boys, 2 of whom suffer from mental illness. Surrounded by feathered and furry friends, and supporting each other through every "teenage boy" moment we have, our family is truly special. I look forward to the kind of men our children will be, having grown up surrounded by queer folk and people who don't fit into boxes neatly.
Foxwoods is one of our cornerstone partners...how important is workplace equality to you?
Workplace equality to me, is even more important than equality to our external guests. In this business, it is of paramount importance that diversity and inclusion are practiced in every department. People should be free to express their identities, regardless of what they are. I am tremendously proud to be working for Foxwoods, and for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. In my position, I am responsible for the work environments of every Team Member I come into contact with. Providing an environment of freedom and diversity enhances our Teams, and enhances our lives. Having experienced multiple work environments where I did not have access to the benefits or liberties that are offered at Foxwoods, I can truly speak to the difference that is achieved by changing policies to include and embrace all Team Members. From the days where women were forced to wear skirts and makeup (Las Vegas and Denver) to the creation of gender neutral restrooms and same sex partner benefits (Foxwoods), it feels like a million miles have been traveled. As a member of this Team, I feel my wings are no longer clipped, and I am able to soar within the company and achieve my full potential. It is my mission to ensure that every member of the Team is afforded that same freedom.
You are new to CABO...how would you like to contribute to the community and the board?
I am new to CABO, and also new to the Connecticut area. In my short time here, I have begun to develop relationships with business owners and Chamber of Commerce Presidents in Southeastern CT. As a consumer and a patron, I am very eager to introduce CABO and the benefits of membership to the New London/Mystic area. Including the Southeastern section of our state into all of the tremendous work being done by CABO and the NGLCC is of high importance to me. My role within CABO is quite a new adventure for me, and I look to the Board to teach, guide, correct and support me as I learn and develop our relationship with LGBT businesses and their allies in my "corner" of the state.
What are some things people might be surprised to know about you?Hmmm. A great many things. So I must de-mystify myself then? I believe in faeries, unicorns, and mermaids. I don't shake my Christmas gifts. I believe that whimsy and fantasy and fun make life amazing. I enjoy listening to the rain, and identifying the various bird calls that I hear outside my window. I speak Spanish fluently (and have since I was 14.) I like living outside the box, and if I could have lunch with anyone in the world, it would be Captain Jack Sparrow.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Professionally, I will be in a position where I can make an impact, and create an environment where my Team enjoys coming to work, and finds fulfillment in it. My farm will be full of animals, and I will be offering a variety of locally grown produce and meat to my community. I might have a giant breed rescue (Old English Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Great Danes, etc.) My children will be grown, and travel will play more of a role in my life.
I have often considered a second career, and still consider veterinary medicine along with the possibility of becoming a midwife. I love to serve, and I love interacting with people and creating positive experiences. I am thrilled with my current role as Hotel Manager, and look forward to growing within the Foxwoods family.
Anything else you'd like to say....
Thank you for the opportunity for me to share myself with all of you. I look forward to many future successes, and enjoying the journey together.
Is there someone you’d like to see profiled in a CABOgraphy? Email Dan Weaver: Dan@BarmontProductions.com. Barmont Productions specializes in video projects of the heart, from weddings and non-profit missions, to corporate and broadcast videos.
