Our Team at Orchestrate Hospitality

PAUL ROTTENBERG

President

Over the past 30 years, Paul Rottenberg has established a strong track record in the development and management of hospitality and real estate projects, including as general manager of the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines and it’s affiliated properties. Paul’s award-winning work in the restoration and commercial transformation of the historic downtown landmark, the Temple for Performing Arts led to wide recognition from the greater Des Moines community. His concept for Centro restaurant helped spur a renaissance in downtown dining and created a catalyst in the rebuilding of the Western Gateway Corridor.

In 2000, Paul started Orchestrate Hospitality, a hospitality management and development company. Since starting Orchestrate, Rottenberg has developed and is a partner in Centro; Django; Malo; Zombie Burger + Drink Lab; Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale; Gateway Market and Cafe; and Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Altoona. He has served on various boards and leadership committees; in 2006, the Des Moines Register named him one of Des Moines’ most influential business leaders.

Paul is a native of New Jersey and attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is married, has three grown children and enjoys travel, playing guitar and relaxing on his ten acre farm.

GEORGE FORMARO

Chef Partner

George Formaro is the chef and restaurateur behind some of Des Moines’ most successful eateries – Centro, Django, Malo, South Union Bread Café, Gateway Market & Café and Zombie Burger. He is also the founder of the first artisan bakery in Iowa, South Union Bakery.

Raised in an Italian family on Des Moines’ east side, Formaro knew the power of good food in strengthening bonds among family, friends and business associates. George graduated from East High School in 1986 and attended Des Moines Area Community College’s well-regarded culinary arts program.

A six-time James Beard Award nominee, George never stops developing menus and restaurant concepts in his free time. Chef Formaro also has a keen interest in food history and culture. Thorough his private library of more than 7,000 historic cookbooks, he enjoys exploring forgotten recipes, our shared culinary heritage and the many ways cuisine ties communities together.

JEANINE BUCKINGHAM

Human Resources Manager
[email protected]

Jeanine Buckingham leads the human resources efforts for Orchestrate and its affiliated properties. Jeanine’s strong experience in hospitality includes restaurant and banquet management, and she has helped launch both Centro and Hilton Garden Inn – Des Moines/Urbandale in a management role. Jeanine is involved with employee and manager training and consultation, recruitment, and workshops. Jeanine serves on the Iowa Restaurant Association board.

KORI TEETER

Director of Operations
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Kori brings years of hospitality experience to her role of director of operations. She served as an assistant general manager for Raccoon River Brewing Company and front desk manager of the Hotel Fort Des Moines before being named general manager of the Des Moines/Urbandale Hilton Garden Inn. After three and a half years at the helm of the nationally top-ranked property, Kori was named director of operations for Orchestrate Hospitality. In her current role, she oversees the company’s management teams and as Orchestrate’s 600+ Employees. Kori also assists in the strategic planning for future projects.

ADAM BARTELT

Marketing Director
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Adam Bartelt manages the daily marketing efforts for Orchestrate’s client companies. With training in graphic design and communications, Adam’s background includes work in disaster recovery communications for the state of Iowa as well as marketing and communication work for Iowa State University. While attending Central College (Pella, IA), he studied and worked with a small graphic design firm in London, UK. Adam is involved in the local arts community, is immediate past president of The Des Moines Music Coalition board, and has worked as a musician for over 15 years.

MICHELLE MATHEWS

Controller
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Michelle Mathews brings years of accounting experience to the Controller position. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Simpson College with an Accounting major and minors in Marketing and Management. Her accounting experience has covered a wide variety of situations including work in non-profit and for-profit organizations as well as self-employment. Michelle currently oversees the accounting procedures and staff of Orchestrate’s team and properties.

Orchestrate Hospitality also utilizes a team of support staff as well as consultants for public relations, graphic design, web design and other specialized services.

History of Orchestrate
Orchestrate Hospitality was founded in 2001 to provide outstanding hospitality management in Des Moines. Orchestrate manages over 600 employees across their roster of brands.