DURHAM, N.C. -- The Washington Duke Inn & Golf
Club is proud to announce that Don Ball, the Inn’s Director of
Food and Beverage, has been elected to serve a two-year term as
Vice President of Membership for the National Association of
Catering Executives (NACE).
Founded in 1958, NACE is the oldest and largest professional
association that addresses all aspects of the catering industry.
“Mr. Ball will enjoy tremendous visibility while focusing on his
new duties for NACE, and our property could not be better served
than to have him represent us within such a prestigious
organization,” stated Randy Kolls, the Inn’s General Manager.
“Serving NACE on the national level can only broaden the Inn’s
reach in the food and beverage arena, and will surely be of
mutual benefit to all concerned.”
Don joined the staff at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in
1997 as General Manager of the Fairview Dining Room, the Bull
Durham Bar and the hotel’s in-room dining service. From there he
moved to Director of Catering and Conference Services, leading
that department to higher levels of service and award-winning
dining. In 2001, he was promoted to Director of Food and
Beverage.
In his current position, Don oversees food and beverage services
throughout the entire property, which includes the Fairview
Dining Room and Vista restaurant, the Inn’s Executive Conference
Center’s dining facility, the banquet and catering departments,
and Nineteen, the golf course snack bar.
A committed and innovative member of the Inn’s executive staff,
Don is also a dedicated professional and exemplary leader in the
hospitality industry.
In 2003, he earned the title of Certified Professional Catering
Executive (CPCE), a recognition given to individuals who
successfully complete a comprehensive examination that covers all
aspects of the catering profession. The CPCE exam is the only
nationally recognized test for standards of excellence and
professionalism in the catering industry.
In addition to his new office with NACE, he is an active member
of the International Special Event Society, La Chaîne des
Rotîsseurs, and the American Institute of Wine and Food. He is
also the Immediate Past President of the Triangle chapter of
NACE. In his spare time, Don volunteers with various arts and
health related community organizations in the Durham area.
When asked to comment on his new role, Don stated, “It has been
intensely satisfying to work with my catering peers and
colleagues on the local chapter level in NACE. I am humbled and
honored by their incredible support as I step into my new role on
the national board.”
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, Fla. For more information or
reservations call 919.490.0999 or 1.800.443.3853, or visit
www.washingtondukeinn.com.
Press inquires please contact:
Jim Bressler, Director of Sales and Marketing Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
3001 Cameron Blvd.
Durham, NC 27705
919.313.2159
JBressler@wdigc.com
Wendy Shannon, Public Relations
Op5 Creative
100 Galleria Parkway SE, Suite 990
Atlanta, GA 30339
770.226.0442
wshannon@opfivecreative.com
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
919.313.2159
