Reynolds Lake Oconee is pleased to announce the addition of Jason Plazola as Director of Food and Beverage and Christine Barkley as Director of Catering and Event Sales.
Jason Plazola brings to Reynolds over 24 years of Hospitality experience including most recently 5 years as Food and Beverage and Resort Manager at La Quinta Resort and Club and PGA West in La Quinta, California. With studies in Economics and Business Management at both UCLA and California State University Northridge, Plazola says he was most attracted to Reynolds by the opportunity to help shape a special culinary movement he sees developing, especially in a setting as gorgeous as Reynolds.
“I have many goals I hope to accomplish at Reynolds,” says Plazola. “First and foremost, I intend to shape and build Reynolds into a national culinary destination known for world class cuisine, service and experiences that create lifetime memories for all of our members and guests.”
In his spare time, Plazola enjoys spending time with his two English Bulldogs, Sadie and Walter, playing golf, and is currently planning his wedding for later this year with his fiancée Christine.
Born and raised in Redondo Beach California, Christine Barkley joins Reynolds with a B.A. in Psychology and a Minor in Child and Family Development from the University of Arizona. Barkley brings with her over 11 years of experience from her past roles including Director of Client Services at Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Senior Event Manager at La Quinta Resort and Club and Associate Director of Destination Services at Greater Palm Springs convention & Visitors Bureau.
“I was initially attracted to Reynolds because of the beauty and serenity of the area as well as the warm, welcoming hospitality of each person I came in contact with when visiting for the first time,” says Barkley. “I saw Reynolds as a prestigious community and organization that I would be proud to be a part of, and now I am happy to say that I am.”
Barkley is excited to become more acquainted with the current processes in place so that she may utilize her experience to enhance them thus maximizing consistency in communication and improving the overall experience of each event produced on property. “I intend to focus on providing continuous training and support for my team in an effort to keep up with the latest trends in meetings and events to promote Reynolds as the South’s premier destination.”
When Barkley is not working, she enjoys snow skiing, surfing and traveling. She is passionate about experiencing new destinations and learning about the different cultures of the areas. Her favorite vacation was spent in the Silver Banks for a week of swimming with and studying Humpback whales. She loves marine life and is a certified Naturalist with the Crabillo Beach Museum.
