SPIRE Hospitality Spire Hospitality is proud to share that Dawna Comeaux, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Spire Hospitality, has been named to Hospitality Management Magazine’s 2026 Influential Women in Hospitality list. The recognition highlights leaders who are shaping the future of the industry through performance, culture, and impact.
When reflecting on her career, Comeaux emphasized that success in hospitality is built on people and culture. She noted that the industry is filled with remarkable women who balance performance with people, and that the greatest strength any leader has is the team they surround themselves with. Among her proudest accomplishments is working alongside Spire President and CEO Chris Russell and others to build the in-house hospitality management company for Goldman Sachs, growing the portfolio from 25 hotels to more than 250 at its peak.
Comeaux’s path into hospitality began early in her career as an assistant front office manager at the Harvey Hotel in Plano, Texas. However, her interest in the industry was sparked while attending a wedding at the Marriott on the Riverwalk in San Antonio during college. The energy, experience, and service she witnessed during that event inspired her to pursue a long-term career in hospitality.
For women entering the industry today, Comeaux offers straightforward advice: hospitality is rewarding and dynamic, but it requires resilience, adaptability, and consistency. She encourages emerging leaders to master the fundamentals, lead with integrity, and focus on delivering results.
Comeaux’s recognition underscores Spire’s commitment to strong leadership, people-first culture, and operational excellence across its portfolio.
Chris Russell 
