News Release: 7/9/2025

Windrose on Hudson Welcomes Doug McLain as Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & Sales

Results-Driven Leader Joins Growing Team at Newly Relaunched Hudson Valley Retreat

 

[Ossining, NY — July 9, 2025] — Windrose on Hudson has announced the appointment of Doug McLain as Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & Sales. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the newly reimagined property, which is now open to the public for the first time in its nearly 70-year history.

With over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, McLain brings a wealth of expertise in driving revenue growth, building high-performing sales teams, and cultivating long-term client relationships. His strategic vision and proficiency in leveraging advanced technology and data analytics to optimize sales performance make him a valuable addition to the Windrose on Hudson team.

“I’m honored to join Windrose on Hudson at such an exciting moment in its evolution,” said McLain. “This property holds a storied legacy, and I see tremendous opportunity to build on that foundation by positioning Windrose as a premier destination for transformative retreats, events, and escapes. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the team to drive strategic growth, strengthen brand awareness, and create memorable guest experiences that reflect the exceptional spirit of this reimagined campus.”

In his most recent role as manager of strategic accounts at Brandlive, McLain oversaw strategic account management and C-level marketing event communications for a portfolio of Fortune 500 clients, including Bloomberg, KPMG, McGraw Hill, Merck, Siemens, Dow Jones, Wall Street Journal, American Airlines, Home Depot, and prominent hospitality brands such as Hyatt and Hilton. His efforts directly contributed to the success of several high-profile live event marketing campaigns. 

Prior to his tenure at Brandlive, McLain served as senior vice president of global sales at Discover the Palm Beaches, the official tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Florida. In this capacity, he spearheaded sales initiatives for the region, including the Palm Beach County Convention Center, and played a crucial role in driving group and event sales for the area's premier properties, including The Boca Raton, The Breakers, and the Four Seasons Palm Beach,  along with over 200 other hotels and resorts.

McLain's extensive career in the hospitality sector also includes representing top franchise and independent brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and Leading Hotels of the World. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

McLain joins a growing team led by Luis Fornis, General Manager of Windrose on Hudson, who has been leading the property since April 2024. Fornis is a seasoned hospitality executive with 30+ years of leadership experience across branded and independent hotels, specializing in operational turnarounds, revenue growth, capital project management, and building high-performing, service-driven teams. His passion for elevating the guest experience while optimizing financial performance has driven record profitability at properties under his leadership throughout his career.

“Doug brings a rare combination of strategic insight, industry relationships, and hands-on experience across every facet of hospitality sales and marketing,” said Fornis. “As we relaunch this iconic campus and introduce it to a wider audience for the first time in its history, Doug’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping how the world experiences Windrose—from major corporate retreats to high-touch leisure escapes. We’re thrilled to have him on board at such a defining moment for the brand.”

Formerly known as Crotonville Conference Center  – a historic and private leadership institute that shaped generations of executives – Windrose on Hudson now invites all types of travelers to gather, connect, and explore everything the region offers, with the 62-acre campus as the centerpiece. Part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent resorts and hotels by Pyramid Global Hospitality, the Windrose name has returned to this legendary property more than 90 years after its original owner, entrepreneur and scholar Harry Hopf, first named  it Windrose Farms. Windrose was purchased in 1956 and would later become the site of the country’s first corporate university, a nod to Hopf’s legacy as a pioneer and teacher of management thinking.

Just 45 minutes from New York City, Windrose on Hudson offers a resort-like atmosphere among rolling hills near the Hudson River. Guests can enjoy ten miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, 248 guest rooms, Café 56 for drinks and small bites, 52,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space, and more than 60 acres of outdoor gathering spaces. Recreation includes basketball and volleyball courts, bicycles, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and three fire pits perfect for evening relaxation.

###
 

About Benchmark Resorts & Hotels

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels is a curated collection of more than 50 diverse, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality, a leading third-party management company. Located in distinctive destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program. Learn more at benchmarkresortsandhotels.com and connect on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.