Sherry is the leader and creative force behind Acme Hospitality. She is a serial entrepreneur and is often credited as the catalyst for the renaissance of Santa Barbara's burgeoning arts and entertainment district, affectionately called The Funk Zone. Sherry’s previous career spanned 25 years in marketing, most recently as partner and co-founder of Twist Worldwide, a boutique trend research agency under contract exclusively with Target Corporation. Sherry has received numerous awards including Executive of the Year, South Coast Business & Technology Awards, Top Women in Business 2020, 2021, and 2022 Keynote Speaker, Pacific Coast Business Times, Woman of the Year for 19th Senate District/Santa Barbara County, and the Culinary Institute of America’s Society of Fellows.

Jens Baake brings over two decades of global hospitality leadership to Acme Hospitality. Before becoming President in October 2022, he led Paradies Lagardère's Dining Division as President and COO, enhancing operations across North America. His career includes roles such as COO at The Palm Restaurant Group, overseeing 21 restaurants, and leadership positions with MS Development and Meyers USA, collaborating with culinary figures like Martha Stewart and Claus Meyer. Jens also contributed to the success of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Ameristar Casinos. A native of Germany, he holds a Master’s in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is a certified sommelier. At Acme, Jens continues to drive innovation and excellence in guest experiences.

Some journeys begin with a single plate—for Skyler, it was washing dishes in a college cafeteria. What started as an entry-level job blossomed into a profound love for hospitality, transforming him from a curious young worker to a pivotal leader at Acme Hospitality. His path winds through iconic brands like Kimpton Hotel Group, where he opened properties in Philadelphia and Denver, before finding his true home in Santa Barbara. At The Lark, Skyler didn't just manage a restaurant—he helped write its story, moving from Floor Manager to General Manager, and later launching Loquita with the same passion that first sparked his career. Shifting between People & Culture and Operations, Skyler embodies Acme's belief that great hospitality is about understanding people—their stories, their experiences, and the connections that make every moment memorable.

David sees numbers as storytellers—each spreadsheet a narrative about possibility. As Director of Finance, he transforms financial oversight from a background operation into a creative force behind exceptional guest experiences. With over a decade in hospitality financial leadership, David has guided diverse ventures from restaurants to resorts, weaving technological innovation into traditional accounting practices. His digital fluency allows him to build financial ecosystems where data flows seamlessly, creating efficiencies that empower both the business and its people. What truly sets David apart is his perspective that hospitality transcends business—it's a cultural cornerstone where people from all backgrounds can thrive. Whether implementing new financial platforms or driving strategic planning, he approaches each challenge with the belief that hospitality, like a rising tide, elevates everyone connected to it.

Luca brings over two decades of hands-on hospitality experience to his role as Director of Hotel Operations at Acme. His career has spanned hotel openings, team building, and operational leadership—all grounded in a deep commitment to thoughtful, guest-centered service. Before joining Acme, he led hotel expansion efforts across Florida as VP of Hotels & Operations at Reliance Point Hospitality, opening and managing multiple properties with a focus on quality and consistency. Earlier roles include launching flagship Radisson RED hotels and leading sales and marketing for Marriott properties at CSM Group and RB Investment Group. One of the boutique hotels he helped open was featured in Travel + Leisure. Luca began his career in food and beverage at the Grand Lodge and Water Park of America, later overseeing large-scale operations at Aramark. At Acme, Luca brings it all together—his years of experience, commitment to hospitality, and a grounded, people-first leadership style. He ensures each of our hotels reflects its surroundings, runs with intention, and leaves every guest feeling at home.

What started as a small Acai bowl venture in Santa Barbara has blossomed into a remarkable hospitality career. As Director of Sales & Events at Acme Hospitality, Lynee Bennett transforms gatherings into unforgettable moments, nearly tripling private event revenue in just three years. Her professional journey weaves through restaurant management, catering operations, and entrepreneurial ventures—each role adding depth to her understanding of hospitality. Whether designing an intimate dinner or managing a 400-person corporate event, Lynee approaches every opportunity with strategic insight and heartfelt care. Rooted in the Santa Barbara community for nearly two decades, she embodies local collaboration and sustainability. At Acme Hospitality, Lynee has found a perfect match for her core values of genuine connection and authentic experiences—proving that true hospitality is an art of understanding and elevating human moments.

Karina Hardwick's journey through hospitality is a testament to the power of human connection. From her early days with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts to her strategic role in healthcare, she has consistently focused on what matters most: creating environments where people can thrive. Beginning at Four Seasons in Santa Barbara and Westlake Village, Karina discovered her passion for nurturing workplace culture. As Assistant Director of People & Culture, she transformed human resources from a transactional function to a transformative experience, championing employee engagement and meaningful workplace connections. Her brief detour through healthcare at Cottage Health only deepened her understanding of organizational dynamics. Now, back in hospitality with Acme, Karina continues to prove that great experiences start with empowering the people who create them.

From working through college at the Residence Inn brand to leading innovative hotel developments, Willie has carved a unique trajectory through the industry, gaining depth and breadth with each role. His 30-year journey has taken him from Marriott in Los Angeles to Kempinski in Berlin, with a knack for turning good properties into great ones. Highlights include developing the first family-focused Courtyard by Marriott with a waterpark and driving global sales for the top-performing Wyndham property at Disneyland. At Acme Hospitality, he's continued pushing boundaries, opening three hotels and launching restaurant concepts that keep the industry guessing. Starting in the era of dial-up and evolving through waves of technological change, Willie has never stopped learning. His story is about embracing opportunity—moving between operations, sales, and development with an unwavering passion for hospitality.