Her Story
About Danielle
Danielle Hover Derkacz is a seasoned hospitality sales executive with more than 15 years of experience in hotel operations, event management, and strategic account sales. She currently serves as Senior Account Executive for Professional Sports at Marriott International, where she manages hotel partnerships and account sales for more than 20 professional sports organizations across the NFL, NHL, MLB, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Based in Nashville, Tennessee, she is recognized for her expertise in cultivating long-term client relationships, delivering exceptional service, and coordinating complex lodging solutions for professional sports teams throughout their seasons.
Derkacz began her hospitality career in hotel operations with Hyatt, gaining hands-on experience in leadership and guest services at several high-profile properties, including Hyatt Times Square New York, Grand Hyatt New York, and Hyatt Regency Cleveland. She later joined the opening team at The Westin Buffalo as Group Sales Manager, where she played a key role in the hotel's success, including its recognition as Marriott International's Hotel of the Year. In 2021, she transitioned to Marriott International's Professional Sports Account Sales team, leveraging her operational background to provide strategic guidance to hotel partners while ensuring seamless accommodations for sports organizations. Her consistent performance has earned her multiple Golden Circle Achiever awards, a 2024 nomination for NFL Travel Partner of the Year, and membership on Marriott's Team of the Year for two consecutive years.
A graduate of Penn State University, Derkacz earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management while serving as captain of the university's Women's Varsity Gymnastics Team and participating in the Athletic Director's Leadership Institute. She credits the strong work ethic instilled by her parents, both gymnastics coaches, as the foundation of her professional success. Guided by a philosophy of transparency, responsiveness, and teamwork, Derkacz remains committed to creating exceptional hospitality experiences while balancing a successful career with motherhood and inspiring others through gratitude, resilience, and service-oriented leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Danielle
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents instilled a fantastic work ethic in me. They were both gymnastics coaches and raised my sister and me to be go-getters who always push harder. I'm grateful for the foundation they laid and the strong role models they surrounded us with growing up in their gymnastics club.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I'm very self-motivating. Quotes that stick with me are 'becoming great is an evolving process, not simply an endpoint' and 'progress, not perfection.' The best advice I receive now is about balancing it all and being present for family.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to try something and put yourself out there and ask questions. Don't be afraid to move and see the world. One year is nothing in the grand scheme of your life, just take a risk and check it out because it gives you an amazing baseline and appreciation for different cultures and experiences.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I'm intrigued by technology and where we're going with AI. At Marriott I feel like we're a little behind, which is challenging in my day-to-day job. Balancing urgent requests in the professional sports world with work and life as a mom is also challenging.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value authenticity, honesty, and a hard work ethic. I'm drawn to people who portray those attributes. I also appreciate enthusiasm because without it we're not going to get anywhere in our short life.
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