Shannon O’Connell Hawkins

Shannon began her hospitality journey at 12 years old working in the back office in the family business at the Stovall’s Hotels of Anaheim, surrounding the Disneyland area.  Throughout her teenage and college years, Shannon continued working in different front desk and reservation capacities at the properties.

 Graduate of Marquette University ’92 with a degree in English, Shannon moved to Chicago, IL and found herself back in the hospitality industry working for a convention housing company, Travel Technology, as a Housing Manager for west coast meetings. 

In 1994, Shannon was recruited by the Hilton Anaheim to become a Convention Services Manager from 1994-96.  In 1996, Shannon was asked to join the sales department and worked as a Senior Sales Manager for association and corporate conventions from 1996 to 1999.

In 1999, Shannon was asked by the Hilton Corporation to help transition the Sheraton La Jolla Torrey Pines to the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.  After successfully transitioning the Torrey Pines property into the Hilton organization, Shannon returned to her role at the Hilton Anaheim as Senior Sales Manager of Convention Business.

In 2004, Shannon chose to cut back on her hours and focus on raising her 4 children.  During this time, Shannon was approached to work as an independent consultant with the Anaheim Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau (Visit Anaheim) in the Sales Department.  Shannon assisted the Sales Department in their strategic marketing in capturing new convention business for the City of Anaheim.  Shannon worked with the Bureau from September 2004 through October 2013.

In 2013, Shannon began working for O’Connell Hotels and Hospitality.  As Assistant Director of Operations, Shannon oversees property renovations, hotel manager training, purchasing contracts, project management and public relations for the organization.  Having worked on property in both service and sales departments, Shannon is able to bring the experience of knowing what the customer is looking for and how the properties can actually bring it to fruition.