Springfield’s DoubleTree by Hilton is ranked in the top 10 percent of Hilton sales teams for service to groups. Under Dee King’s leadership, group sales have doubled in the last five years. King goes above and beyond to ensure the comfort of others. Upon learning of a disabled veteran cycling across the country, she arranged for him to have hotel rooms along his journey. King also has served on DoubleTree’s Green Team for the past four years, working to promote sustainability in all areas of the hotel. In the community, she volunteers on the fundraising committee at Boys & Girls Clubs, sits on the board of directors of the Convention & Visitors Bureau and is on the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
What was your first job? Hoagieville in Missoula, Montana, where I was a cashier. Several of my friends worked there and we served – and ate – a lot of their famous cheese fries.
When did you realize you had grown up? When I wanted to save money instead of spend it.
What’s your most treasured possession? A clay mold of my son’s footprints from when he was 8 weeks old.
What do you miss most about the 1990s? The Macarena, since it is the only dance I ever mastered.
What was your professional “aha” moment? Realizing a key to my success has been my volunteer work. Whether the experience, a reference or a connection, I get more out of it than I put in.
