Our Team
Challenging conventions, empowering success for owners.
James Poole
President
James has over 18 years of hospitality management experience across multiple disciplines in the industry.
James Began his management career in 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal, holding department heads roles in Front Office, Banquets and Accounting. Later, he joined Loews Hotels at their Orlando campus where he held numerous department head and executive positions in Front Office and Housekeeping.
After achieving his first General Manager role at the age of 26 in Charleston, SC, James went on to specialize in multi-unit regional operations with Charlestowne Hotels, a leading hospitality management company known for its work in the boutique and independent hotel space.
Prior to starting his own hospitality consulting business, James held the role of Corporate Director of Hotel Operations for Valor Hospitality Partners, overseeing the entire U.S. division's hotel operations.
Nathan Kivi
VP, Capital and Finance
David "Woody" Woodstein
EVP, Commercial Strategy
David "Woody" Woodstein is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 15 years of experience in operations, asset management, and investment advisory. He has a proven track record of turning around underperforming hotel assets and driving substantial bottom-line results for ownership groups.
As the founder of LW Capital Consulting, Woody has led transformational initiatives for hotel owners nationwide, delivering measurable results across P&L performance, labor efficiency, and asset repositioning. His advisory work includes overseeing turnarounds of distressed properties and providing strategic guidance on over $300 million in portfolio strategy. He excels as a direct liasion, effectively bridging the gap between ownership goals and execution.
Woody began his career in hotel operations, holding leadership roles at prestigious brands including Lowes Hotels & Resorts, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Residence Inn by Marriott and Doubletree by Hilton.
Nathan is a seasoned finance and hospitality executive with 25 years of experience across corporate finance, investment banking, asset, and fund management. He holds a master’s degree in Hospitality Development from Cornell University.
Nathan serves as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for Salter Brothers in the United States, a fund management company with over AUD$3.5 billion in assets under management. During his nine-year tenure, his projects have included the $140 million new construction of a 244-room InterContinental hotel in Charlotte, NC, and a $20 million acquisition and $18 million renovation of a 291-room hotel in College Park, MD.
Previously, Nathan managed a $1.0 billion hotel portfolio at Eureka Funds Management, which included InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) properties and the Four Seasons in Sydney. He was part of IHG’s global M&A team and served as Chief Stategy Officer for Valor Hospitality Partners.
Larry Crosby
VP, Operations
Larry Crosby is a College of Charleston graduate who began his career in Charleston, SC working for prestigious properties like The Charleston Place and The Dewberry Charleston.
Larry went on to join the pre-opening team for The Foundry Hotel Asheville as Director of Guest Services, ultimately rising to the positions of Hotel Manager and eventually General Manager.
During his time as General Manager of The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Larry was awarded numerous accolades from Hilton for his success in delivering consistent success in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.
Beyond his role as General Manager of The Foundry, Larry was elevated to an Area General Manager role with Raines Company overseeing both Foundry and the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club, a Tapestry by Hilton.
William Harrison
Corporate Director, Food & Beverage Ops
William Harrison is a College of Charleston graduate who began his hospitality career with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, holding F&B leadership positions in competitive markets like Miami Beach and Half Moon Bay.
Will spent multiple years at EDITION in NYC, and then working for acclaimed chef, Michael Mina, at the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole, before moving on to executive positions with Loews Hotels & Co and BARDO Hotels.
Most recently, Will has held leadership and GM positions in Charleston, South Carolina with acclaimed boutique hotels such as The Ryder and Hotel Richemont.
Will is a proven leader across F&B and hotel operations disciplines who brings a wealth of knowledge to the Rising Tide team.
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