Celebrating Excellence: Introducing Mehr’s GM of the Quarter Amanda Kennedy (Sand Springs, OK)

We believe that great leadership drives great hospitality.

To recognize the outstanding general managers across our portfolio who go above and beyond for their guests, teams, and properties, we’re proud to introduce our new GM of the Quarter program.

Each quarter, this honor will spotlight one General Manager who exemplifies operational excellence, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to their team and guests. Criteria include quality assurance preparedness, guest satisfaction and review scores, STR index performance, engagement with property management systems and reporting, and overall team morale.

It’s our way of celebrating the individuals who embody Mehr’s values: leadership, care, accountability, and a drive for continuous improvement.

For our inaugural recognition, we’re thrilled to honor Amanda Kennedy, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sand Springs, Oklahoma, as our 2025Q3 GM of the Quarter. Amanda has shown resilience and positivity in the face of challenges while fostering a culture of trust and teamwork that shines through in every guest experience.

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Celebrating Amanda Kennedy’s Leadership Approach

Congratulations, Amanda! Can you share a little about your journey in hospitality and what inspired you to become a General Manager?

I’ve been in hospitality for 25 years. I graduated in 2000 with my hospitality degree and started at the front desk, where I spent my first 15 years learning everything I could. I worked under many GMs and took notes on what I admired and what I knew I’d do differently. I always talked with my team about what makes them love coming to work. When the time came, I told the owner, “No need to hire. I’m your GM.”

What do you believe sets your leadership style apart, and how has it impacted your team and property?

I believe in leading from the front of the ship, not the back. If there’s a crazy, heavy night, I’m there. That builds trust. My team knows they can come to me about anything, even mistakes, and I’ll show them the right way. When an employee needs something, do it right away. That kind of responsiveness makes your team trust you to get things done.

This award recognizes you as GM of the Quarter. What do you feel contributed most to earning this recognition?

I think it’s my ability to handle stress, adapt to constant changes, and still make sure we have fun. I’ve learned to tailor my management style to each individual. Every employee and department is different, and that flexibility really makes a difference.

What’s it like working for a Mehr-managed property, and how would you describe the team culture that makes your property successful?

Working for Mehr has been the best experience I’ve had with any management company. The communication and care for everyone are amazing. I feel like I’m part of something bigger and a company that truly wants to make every property, and every person, successful. The support and understanding from Mehr have helped our team here thrive.

Congratulations again, Amanda, on being Mehr’s GM of the Quarter!

Your leadership, heart, and resilience set the bar high for this new program, and we’re so proud to celebrate you.