Speakers

Sharon is the owner and operator of Georges on Your Boutique Inn in Taneytown, Maryland. Sharon is a well-seasoned marketing and communications professional, working in non-profit and for-profit circles. Sharon became an innkeeper in 2018 with the opening of Georges on York after a year-long renovation.

Monique Greenwood is the former Essence magazine editor who launched Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns in 1995. Her award-winning collection includes B&Bs in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and the Pocono Mountains in PA, home to Akwaaba’s Mansion at Noble Lane, a boutique resort on 22 acres of a former Woolworth estate. In 2024, after selling her Cape May and DC inns, Monique double-downed in Pennsylvania, adding three vacation homes to the Poconos site and purchasing a landmark building down the street from the Philadelphia inn for an elegant tea salon and event space. The former reality TV star of Checked Inn on Oprah’s OWN network and the creator of an exclusive Akwaaba home collection for Macy’s, Monique is passionate about living her best life and helping others to do the same. Her best-selling book Having What Matters and her inaugural chairmanship of entrepreneurship at Howard University are further evidence of her life’s mission.

Devlon Cowart started Pro Fire Safety in 2015 after a 15-year career in the automotive industry.  Devlon has been honing his skills for almost 10 years and has become a fire safety expert.  He is also a member of the NFPA.

Chuck Heinlein went to PSU for Hotel Restaurant Management and worked in the hotel industry for 30 years finally retiring from Hospitality as the Vice President of Operations for a hotel management company.  Chuck started his Fire Safety company with his wife in February 2023 after learning about the serious risks of fire and has been protecting families and businesses every day since. 

Chris is an engineer and construction manager with a flair for flavors and desire to meet everyone as a new friend. After nearly 35 years in the highway and heavy construction business it was time to start that next chapter and do what he and his wife always dreamed, to own and operate a full service Bed & Breakfast. When they started the process it really wasn't their intention to start from scratch, but after three years of searching and not finding the right situation, they pulled the trigger on a 150 year old brick Georgian mansion in Taneytown, Maryland. The town has become a mecca for country weddings, with over a half dozen large venues with a 10 minute drive. Along with the history travelers to Gettysburg, wedding guests and other events keep them busy.

Robin is the co-owner of Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast in Carlisle, PA, where she combines her background in design with hospitality to create elevated guest experiences. Before purchasing Pheasant Field, Robin earned degrees in both Interior Design and Architecture and spent several years working as an architect on both residential and commercial projects. Drawing on this design foundation, Robin has overseen a full refresh of all guest rooms and common spaces, transforming the property into a welcoming blend of modern comfort and historic charm. These strategic updates have not only enhanced guest experience but have also allowed Pheasant Field to increase room rates and overall revenue. When she’s not designing or managing day-to-day life at the inn, Robin can usually be found painting watercolor florals, exploring local antique shops, or enjoying hikes on the Appalachian trail. 

Christine Campbell is the Co-Owner of The Keystone Inn Bed & Breakfast in Gettysburg, PA. A seasoned organizational development consultant and founder of CMConsulting, Christine brings a people-centered, hospitality-driven approach to creating welcoming spaces for travelers, retreat groups, and community gatherings. She and her Brothers/Co-Owners, Patrick and Stephen, have lovingly restored the historic 1913 property, offering eight guest rooms and a private Carriage House designed for intimate events and transformative retreats. Christine is passionate about connection, community, and providing guests with an exceptional, peaceful stay in the heart of Gettysburg.

Daniel Smith has been immersed in the restaurant industry for the first years of my professional life, starting my journey as a dishwasher and gradually working my way up to the role of Director of Operations. For the past seven years, Daniel had the pleasure of working with Ecolab, where he has held various positions within the company. Currently, Daniel supports the North Central area for Ecolab development opportunities. Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Customers in more than 40 industries choose Ecolab's comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water conservation and energy use.

Don has lived in Pennsylvania most of his life.  Along with his wife Ellen, they have owned and operated the 1825 Inn near Hershey since 2017.  Prior to running the B&B, they lived and worked in Berks County.  There, Don worked 30 years in customer service and sales at a plastics manufacturer.  Don has always enjoyed baking and working in the kitchen. With a degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in business administration, he has a diverse background.  He has enjoyed bringing this background along with his extensive customer service experience to the hospitality industry.

Chuck Anderson, together with his wife Charlotte (Charlie), created Restoration Hospitality Services in 2014 as an operating company for Lucille’s Mountaintop Inn and Spa located in Sautee, GA, which they successfully owned and operated from 2015 – 2020.  After significantly increasing revenue and the overall value of the business by 50%, they sold the inn and transformed the company into a multi-service business brokerage and consultancy, which synthesizes technical expertise, business operations, interior design, and a deep knowledge of interpersonal dynamics for their clients.  They partnered with Marilyn Bushnell and together formed the inn brokerage firm Marilyn Bushnell & Associates at the beginning of 2022 and have been working closely with her since then.  Chuck became a licensed Real Estate Sales Agent in Georgia and Pennsylvania in 2024. Prior to that, his overlapping careers in the technology industry (25+ years), as a licensed psychotherapist (15 years), and an innkeeper (5 years) have provided a wealth of experience that he now brings to the boutique hospitality industry.