Matt Owen, Corporate Director of Public Relations, has direct responsibility for overseeing all PR efforts for Salamander Hotels & Resorts. For eight years, Matt was the Public Relations Director for a unique collection of properties which includes Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston, SC and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, VA, and The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, TN During his tenure, all of the properties received the Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Awards, plus tens of millions of dollars worth of publicity. He oversaw the re-opening publicity efforts for The Hermitage in 2003, and the opening PR program for The Sanctuary in 2004. He also worked in conjunction with the PGA of America for the 2007 Senior PGA Championship. A former award-winning newspaper reporter and features writer, Matt is a current member of the PRSA Travel & Tourism National Board and an associate member of the Society of American Travel Writers.