Commonwealth Lodging hires corporate HR director

Virginia Beach-based Commonwealth Lodging Management has hired Claire Larkin as corporate director of human resources, the hospitality management and consulting firm announced Thursday.

“Claire enjoys building strong relationships with clients and co-workers, often serving as a mentor and coach to help people grow in their career goals,” Commonwealth Lodging Managing Director Duane Gauthier said in a statement. “She brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, and we welcome her to our dedicated team at Commonwealth Lodging.”

Larkin was previously an executive recruiter for Gecko Hospitality. She held various positions in IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Holiday Inn brand over 20 years, including as director of human resources and risk management for the Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport. She has more than 30 years of hospitality experience.

Larkin holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Missouri-Columbia and earned Senior Professional in Human Resources and Society for Human Resources Management-Senior Certified Professional certifications. She received a Hospitality Leader of the Year award from the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association.

Larkin’s community involvement includes creating a job shadowing program for junior and senior high school students with the Pencil foundation and assisting Army officers about to transition to the civilian workforce with Hiring Our Heroes. She was a member of Donelson Women in Business in Donelson County, Tennessee.

Commonwealth Lodging is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Commonwealth Commercial Partners LLC that manages hotels for institutional clients and owners.