Ms. Thomas has been the Area Director of Sales for LaQuinta Hotels in New Orleans for the past 8 years. In her current role she directs the corporate sales and marketing strategies for the LaQuinta New Orleans properties and their respective sales teams.
Melody has been a member of the Gulf South LGBT Chamber for 5 years, serving on the Board of Directors for since 2016. In this role she’s led several committees dedicated to the New Orleans’ LGBT community including fundraising, athletic events, government partnerships and community outreach.
Melody attended Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a focus on English and Expository Writing. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion, specifically women and LGBT veteran’s issues, were cultivated at an early age and she feels has contributed to her success both professionally and within the New Orleans community.
Professional affiliations and awards:
- LaQuinta Director of Sales of the Year 2013 & 2015.
- Board of Directors at the Gulf South LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
- Certified Wedding Planner by the Gay Wedding Institute.
- Member of the New Orleans LGBT Hospitality Alliance.
- Two-time Bravo Zulu Award Recipient by the Military Reunion Network.
- Member of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.
Melody resides in Metairie, LA with her husband, Matthew, and their four rescue toy poodles, Pepper, Coco, Louie and Mister Pizza. She’s a diehard UNC Tarheels fan, food and wine fanatic and dog lover.
