Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544721
B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 9 NEWSMAKERS Lawrenceville community." Serving as Director of Sales, Helen Thomas brings more than 20 years of experi- ence in the boutique and lux- ury hotel markets. Her career includes leadership roles across Marriott, Hilton and Choice properties, with a deep understanding of not only systems but more impor- tantly of long-term relation- ship building. Thomas will oversee sales, marketing, and revenue strategies to posi- tion The Lawrence as a premier destination for meetings, events, and leisure travelers. The hotel's culinary program will be led by Executive Chef Dominic Simpson, an Atlanta-based chef with more than 25 years of experience. Simpson trained under renowned chefs Paul Albrecht and Joel Antunes and is known for his culinary philosophy centered on seasonality, quality, and precision. His approach emphasizes refined, yet approachable dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced beef, poultry, herbs, and vegeta- bles. Chef Dominic most recently hails from two award-win- ning restaurants in Augusta, Georga as opening Chef for Salt & Marrow and 8595, two iconic and renowned upscale dining establishments. Chef Dominic will infuse classic southern culi- nary dishes with a nod to healthy Mediterranean offerings. The four-story, 120-room hotel will feature two din- ing concepts, Bellfire and Old Nick's, along with more than 6,000 square feet of event space. "We've assembled an extraordinary team of hospitality professionals whose experience, passion, and creativity will make The Lawrence a standout destination in downtown Lawrenceville," said Greg Winey, President and Founder of NorthPointe Hospitality Management & Development, "Their leadership and personalities embody the spirit, tenac- ity and southern charm that 'is' Lawrenceville today." About The Lawrence Hotel – Opening Summer 2026 The Lawrence, a Hilton Tapestry Collection property, rep- resents a significant new addition to downtown Lawrenceville, a vibrant historic community located about 40 min- utes northeast of Atlanta. The four- story, 120-room hotel will anchor the city's growing arts, dining, and enter- tainment district. Amenities include two dining concepts — Bellfire, the hotel's signature restaurant, and Old Nick's, a bar and gathering space — along with more than 6,000 square- feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, a fitness center, and an outdoor courtyard. For more information, visit TheLawrence- Hotel-.com. About NorthPointe Hospitality Management & Development NorthPointe Hospitality Mana- gement & Development is a lead- ing hospitality management and development firm specializing in complex, historic and distinctive hotel projects. The company and its founder, Greg Winey, have been recognized as a Top 100 Hospitality Management Company since 2018. North-Pointe's portfolio reflects a strong track record of development expertise, opera- tional excellence and a focus on long-term guest loyalty. For more information, visit NorthPH.com.