DEAN MARTINUS
PRESIDENT
As President for Restaurant Associates' Catering Division, Dean oversees CxRA in New York City, Mazzone Hospitality in Albany, Max Ultimate in Boston and Occasions Caterers in Washington, D.C. Dean is a graduate of Paul Smith's College and had joined RA right out of college. He went on to oversee multiple PGA Championships including the Ryder Cup, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and the annual US Open Tennis Tournament in Flushing Meadows, NY. Dean then joined Great Performances and was named President two years later. Under his leadership, the company quadrupled in business as he oversaw its off-premise catering business, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Plaza Hotel Banquets to name a few. In 2019, Dean rejoined Restaurant Associates.
ALEX METZ
SALES
Do you know someone who speaks 6 different languages and is also fluent in the “language” of hospitality…we do! Alex Metz was born and raised in Brazil where hospitality is truly a part of the culture. After leaving Brazil to study hospitality, she was determined to make it here in New York City as the best of the best, and she sure has. She started her career at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and fell in love with events and the rest is history. She loves being a step ahead knowing what a client needs before they do. To Alex, there is nothing more rewarding than exceeding the expectations of a colleague, vendor, client, or guest, one event at a time.
TIM MCLAUGHLIN
CULINARY
With an impressive restaurant roster – and a lifetime in the food industry – under his belt, Tim McLaughlin oversees all aspects of CxRA culinary executing production, trucking, design, and beyond. Tim has been the Great OZ in New York City’s largest and most important events. He also oversees the Corporate Hospitality at the US Tennis Open each year. But one of his proudest accomplishments is the design and build of our 15,000 square foot state-of-the-art CxRA Kitchen in Woodside Queens complete with a full pastry department, tasting room, in-door loading dock and design center. On a night off, Tim is home in Montclair with his wife and daughters (whose friends always materialize in force on the nights he’s cooking).
Samantha Semel
SALES
Let’s get one thing straight: Samantha was born a planner. At a young age, she would help her grandma set elaborate holiday tables—making sure the napkins were folded just right and the soup was served hot. She has since turned her passion into a career as a Director of Catering for CxRA. Whether surrounded by fine art or under a 94-foot-long whale, you can find her at the helm of the most elaborate events. When she's not working, you can find Samantha at home in Brooklyn with her husband and 5-year-old son—her most opinionated client to date!
Gina Prior
SALES
Nothing can stop Gina, our very own Italian Brooklynite who knows the power of food bringing people together. From bussing tables as a teenager to graduating with a Masters of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Gina fell in love with hospitality early on. She is an off-premise guru who loves to see NYC through the lens of our venues and events and the challenge of learning new spaces, kitchen build outs, and event logistics. And if she isn’t running the Dior Gala, this mom of two is sure to be found trying new recipes, hosting friends, or overseeing the robust family calendar. You could say she keeps busy, and we love that when we asked her son Austin what she does for a living, he said “cook”. No argument there, she does it all!
Elayna Fotinatos
SALES
Elayna Fotinatos does it all, and well we love that about her. As one of our amazing Directors of Catering Sales, specializing in events at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, she has an eye for detail and a passion for food that makes her events no matter virtual or in person, small or large seamless and memorable. We love to hear where it all began. “Growing up my Mom and I would watch Julia Child everyday on PBS. I wanted to be just like Julia! When she made ice cream with her Donvier ice cream machine, I INSISTED we go and buy a Donvier ice cream machine. At 4 years old, I had already found my passion for kitchen gadgets! We made the best ice cream for years just like Julia.” Fun fact: she still has the machine today and can’t wait to make ice cream and food memories with her daughter Chloe and husband Mike.
David Klar
CULINARY
Courtney Cecchini
SALES
Courtney always had events on her mind ever since she was a wee college undergrad studying Hospitality Management. She is known for her meticulous paperwork and making sure all her i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed – a true organized Taurus, and we love her for it. If she offers to help with paperwork for 1000 guests at AMNH under the blue whale or to explain the steps of service, do the right thing and take her up on it. And don’t even get her started on books, she reads everything she can get her hands on! One of her favorite books is Tiny Hot Dogs, a memoir about catering. When she’s not running events, you can find her on the Upper West Side trying different restaurants with her husband or having a picnic in Central Park. Anytime you incorporate food with an activity, you are speaking Courtney’s language!
Melissa Miller
SALES
KAREEM SYED
OPERATIONS
Kareem is the best! He has an impressive 20+ years of experience in the catering world from as far as Toronto to Miami. Fresh out of college, he joined Restaurant Associates and sure did make a name for himself. He not only has a strong operations background but also loves people and building strong relationships, the perfect recipe for the Assistant General Manager of CxRA Woodside. We love his empowering leadership that motivates our staff. He picks the right people and gives them the right opportunities to succeed and just brings the best vibes. He is a busy guy, but when he has time off, you can find him snowboarding the Canadian Rockies or whisking his family halfway across the world to some amazing destination.
Pamela Zinstein
SALES
It’s no coincidence that Pamela has had great tremendous success as the Director of Sales for the Intrepid at CxRA - this woman is fearless! From intimate gatherings of 25 overlooking the Hudson, to hosting Superbowl events for over 5,000, Pamela loves a challenge of any size. There’s a reason why she’s considered one of the industry’s best. Winner of the Rainmaker Award, Pamela is a mover and shaker with attention to detail and bold vision that has contributed to the success of some of NY’s most prestigious and unforgettable events. From naming a specialty cocktail to securing a venue for thousands, Pamela delivers one-of-a-kind experiences that create memories of a lifetime. In her free time, Pamela enjoys trying new restaurants all over the city and always eating dessert first.
Kayla Castellano
SALES
Kayla is what they call a go-getter! Hailing from the land of the Jersey Shore, Kayla knows all about a good celebration and vibe. She is a verified globetrotter always looking for where to travel next. With all the go-getter vibes, where is Kayla’s happy place? Facilitating large event logistics to ensure the clients’ event is delivered flawlessly. And after a successful event, Kayla celebrates with a delicious pasta dish at the most authentic NYC spot or she makes at home. Seriously, save us some!
LC Harrell
CULINARY
Joshua Fiene
SALES
Josh Fiene is the espresso martini of NYC event execution—elegant, sophisticated, with a delicious finish. Born a Midwesterner, his work ethic, conscientiousness, and genuine care and concern for others are evident in his relationships and organizational skill set. Combining classy with a flair for awe, Josh’s creativity is often described as “limitless” and “masterful.” A University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate in communications and visual arts, he prioritizes the details of conversations as well as attending to the big picture “look” of the event. Expect exceptional and professional from Josh, as your every wish is within his command.
Marissa Finizio
SALES
Marissa really is a powerhouse who does it all or as we say, “everything but the kitchen sink”. From a young age, she loved baking with her grandma and was obsessed with the Food Network. She always knew she wanted to be in the food industry so it’s no surprise she went on to study Hospitality Management and straight into CxRA’s heart. Marissa has never met a spicy margarita she didn’t love and enjoys traveling around the world to find the best one. She really is a CxRA secret weapon with her attention to detail, organization, and creativity that does not go unnoticed. A perfect day is hanging with her husband, beautiful kids, and Bernedoodle Charlie with a marg in hand!
Celeste Garcia
CULINARY
Amberlyn Wemmer
MARKETING
Things every Social Media Manager needs: Endless coffee, topic date calendar, notebook full of ideas, and organization. Amberlyn Wemmer is the Swiss army knife of CxRA honing her skills in hospitality, art, and beyond. From a butler to admin to sales to marketing, her career in writing and experience in styling with an eye for detail has added just the right spice to the team. She’s a versatile asset in CxRA marketing from developing social media strategies, to art directing food shoots, to designing everything in between. Whether in life or at office, Amberlyn approaches a problem with an empathetic, strategic and creative touch. She is usually to be found in a dance class after work, and her only weakness is that she can’t say “no” to her cat Stanley.
Travis Kratt
SERVICE
Ever thought of catering like a dance? Travis certainly has! Like an expertly choreographed dance piece, Travis Kratt, CxRA Service Director, knows the pathways, back of house secrets, and staffing logistics of every event and has established a service flow like a work of art. Of course, it’s no coincidence he is a SAG actor and classically trained dancer who studied with Boston Ballet and NYU. He really believes in the power of teamwork and that anything is possible if you put the right people together. We love his attention to the tiniest details and his commitment to ensure that CxRA has the very best staff in the biz. Oh and if you need to find him in the summer, you know he is on Fire Island being fabulous!
Francesca Ferrara
SERVICE
Francesca is a Brooklyn native, who began her hospitality career as a butler at the US Open many moons ago. Shortly, after that she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career, and continued with Restaurant Associates, working as a Butler at the Music Center in Downtown, LA. Her first event as a Captain happened to be the Governor’s Ball for the Oscars, which she nailed, of course. The transition into event management eventually led her to helm the staffing department for Wolfgang Puck Catering for many years. She was headed back to NYC and joined CxRA, and is now the Operations Manager overseeing staffing logistics and service standards across the regions. All the while maintaining her acting career, and now teaching career, teaching acting at the acclaimed HB Studio on the weekends.
Jessica Marroco
SERVICE
Where is Jessica? We are always amazed by her busy schedule and an expert level frequent flyer points. A true Brooklynite who fell in love with hospitality early on, Jessica has done it all from planning to staffing and beyond. Her happy place is with animals and has the biggest heart for dogs and really anyone in need. She is a cross fitter and really might be the strongest person we know. We love that she always has three beverages in hand and never says no to coffee, nachos, and ice cream.
