About Us
Todd Montgomery
EXECUTIVE-IN-RESIDENCE, DIRECTOR OF THE OSU SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LAB
Todd Montgomery has over 20 years of travel and tourism industry experience working with many Fortune 500 travel companies during this time. In 2012, Montgomery joined Oregon State University in Bend as an Executive in Residence. In 2016, Montgomery was appointed as the Robin and Curt Baney Endowed Professor.
Lucia Pigni
LAB RESEARCH ASSISTANT (2022/2023)
Todd Montgomery has over 20 years of hospitality industry experience working with many Fortune 500 travel companies during this time. In 2012, Montgomery joined Oregon State University in Bend as an Executive in Residence and Instructor. In 2016, Montgomery was appointed as the Robin and Curt Baney Endowed Professor.
Montgomery teaches courses and conducts research in the design and implementation of automation technology within the industry. Over the last 3 years, his research has focused on the labor shortage and solutions to it.
Cristina Bennett
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (2019), HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT DEGREE GRADUATE 2019
Bennett’s research utilized the previous year’s data to identify hospitality businesses that demonstrate unique employee retention practices. Businesses throughout the state were interviewed and highlighted.
“Personally and professionally, my time as a Research Assistant was memorable. I was honored to have had the opportunity to identify and interview hospitality companies throughout the state of Oregon, including two of my past employers. Between my OSU education and unique work experiences, I now have the tools to help my own employees’ retention.”
Current Position: Executive Chef at Morrison Healthcare
Heather Mullaly
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (2018), HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT DEGREE GRADUATE 2019
Mullaly’s research topics included the impact of service automation technology on customer service, employee satisfaction, and how the modern workforce is impacting the current labor shortage.
“This research experience has meant so much to me professionally and personally. My time as a Research Assistant taught me the importance of research and the value that it can have within our community. I truly feel that not only did my research help the hospitality industry, but it helped me know what I want and deserve out of the industry.”
Current Position: Marketing Associate Coordinator | Oxford Corporate, Oxford Collection Hotels
Tyler Spragg
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (2017), HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT DEGREE GRADUATE 2018
Spragg’s role in the research was to help understand why the industry was experiencing a Labor Drain. He created, administered and analyzed primary research to better understand views of the hospitality industry as a career destination from a labor perspective.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to be involved with this Research Project. Aside from it being an interesting and relevant topic to study, it helped me grow professional, reinforced a solid scientific approach to research and taught me how to tell a story with data. It was also a great opportunity to provide value back to an industry that has given me so much.”
Current Position: Professional Services at Odysys