Catherine M. O'Brien
Catherine Marie O’Brien is a dynamic, results-driven sales and operations leader with over 18 years of experience in the airline industry and more than six years in the hospitality and resort sectors. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Sales at Holiday Inn Trophy Club, she has a proven track record of exceeding revenue goals—most recently increasing corporate sales by 64% in a single quarter. Her leadership style blends strategic planning with charismatic mentorship, having guided national sales teams to boost performance by over 60%. Catherine holds an MBA from Colorado Technical University, along with advanced certifications in leadership, psychological marketing, and customer relationship management.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Catherine is deeply committed to community service and empowering the next generation. She is the founder of 4 Ever Uplifting Children, a nonprofit supporting youth development, and has mentored rising professionals across multiple industries. Her time as a supervisor at United Airlines gave her deep insight into operational efficiency, FAR/FAA/IATA compliance, and cross-functional team leadership—skills she now applies to both her professional and volunteer work. An equestrian enthusiast, crisis team member, and advocate for positive leadership, Catherine continues to inspire those around her with her mantra: “Be a forward thinker—change your mindset to change your outcome.”
• MBA
• Certified Leadership
• Airliine Reservations, Sales, Account Executive, Client Resolution,
• Colorado Technical University
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• Has her own non-profit
• CTU Alumni
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a genuine passion for helping others, the wealth of experience I've gained over the years, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stand strong for what you believe in, even when it’s not the easiest path—because integrity always leads to lasting success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to surround yourself with supportive people, stay true to your purpose, and always strive to make a meaningful difference.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is securing consistent funding for non-profits and accessing the right tools and resources to successfully establish and grow an LLC.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Supporting others is the core value that drives both my work and personal life, guiding how I lead, connect, and make a difference every day.