Her Story
About Tanera
Tanera Harrell is a hospitality executive with nearly two decades of experience leading hotel operations, guest services, and organizational excellence across full-service and luxury hospitality brands. She currently serves as Corporate Director of Rooms for Crescent Hotels & Resorts, where she oversees rooms division operations while supporting hotel openings, property transitions, operational improvements, and systems implementations throughout the company's portfolio. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for strengthening operational performance, elevating guest satisfaction, and building high-performing teams through a leadership style rooted in empathy, accountability, and service excellence.
Harrell began her career in hospitality as a reservations agent while earning her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University, initially intending to pursue a career in juvenile probation. After discovering her passion for hospitality, she advanced through progressively responsible leadership roles with major hotel organizations, including Marriott, Davidson Hospitality Group, Aimbridge Hospitality, and ADERO Scottsdale. Her accomplishments include opening a hotel in Scottsdale during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading rooms operations across multiple departments, successfully reopening a property in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and guiding teams through complex operational transitions. Today, she continues to assist hotels nationwide by implementing operational best practices, strengthening service culture, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
Beyond her corporate leadership responsibilities, Harrell is committed to mentoring hospitality professionals and fostering workplace cultures where associates feel empowered, respected, and supported. She believes exceptional guest experiences begin with engaged employees and leads by example through an accessible, servant-leadership approach. As she continues expanding her impact within the hospitality industry, she is also pursuing her entrepreneurial vision of developing a boutique hotel in the Palm Springs area, combining her extensive operational expertise with her passion for creating memorable hospitality experiences.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tanera
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for hospitality, my empathy for others, and my commitment to servant leadership. I believe in maintaining an open-door policy, understanding each team member's individual needs, and leading by example. I never ask my team to do anything I am unwilling to do myself, and I embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and support others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have learned that true leadership comes from leading by example, remaining humble, and never being afraid to do any job—regardless of how big or small it may seem. Every experience is an opportunity to grow, earn respect, and develop as a leader.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to believe in themselves and recognize that there are no limits to what they can accomplish. Never be afraid to pursue new opportunities or change direction if your goals evolve. Be willing to learn every aspect of the business, lead with confidence, mentor others, and understand that every role contributes to your long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges has been leading hotel openings and transitions during periods of operational uncertainty, including pandemic-related disruptions, supply chain delays, and unique logistical challenges in destinations such as the U.S. Virgin Islands. At the same time, these experiences have created opportunities to improve operational systems, lead successful property openings, strengthen guest experiences, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures, including developing my own boutique hotel.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are empathy, respect, service, accessibility, and empowerment. I believe that when associates feel supported, valued, and heard, they are able to deliver exceptional guest experiences. I strive to lead with integrity, remain approachable, and create an environment where people feel encouraged to grow and succeed.
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