Team
Meet the leadership team at Orchestrate Hospitality.
Paul Rottenberg
president
Over the past 30 years, Paul Rottenberg has established a strong track record in the hospitality and development industries. From his first foodservice job as a dishwasher to creating and managing some of Iowa’s most beloved restaurant brands, hospitality is in Paul’s blood.
Among Paul’s many achievements include his award-winning work in the restoration of the landmark Temple for Performing Arts; the creation of Centro restaurant which helped spur a renaissance in downtown dining and commercial development; and highly recognized contributions to advancing the dining and hospitality culture of central Iowa.
In 2001, Paul started Orchestrate Hospitality. Over the years, Paul has developed and is a partner in Centro, Django, Malo, Gateway Market & Café, Zombie Burger, Liberty Street Kitchen, Main Street Markt, Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale and Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Altoona. He has served on various boards and leadership committees and was named one of Des Moines’ most influential business leaders by the Des Moines Register.
Paul is a native of New Jersey and attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is married with grown children and enjoys travel and playing guitar.
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 + Drink Lab. 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. His education in the restaurant trade began in several of Des Moines’ well-known restaurants as well as Des Moines Area Community College’s 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
Director of Human Resources
Jeanine Buckingham leads the human resources efforts for Orchestrate and its affiliated properties. Jeanine’s strong experience in hospitality includes restaurant and banquet management, including work launching 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 has served on the board of groups including the Iowa Restaurant Association.
Kori Teeter
Director of Operations
Kori Teeter brings years of hospitality experience to her role of director of operations. After restaurant management at Raccoon River Brewing Company to hotel management at the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, Kori spent three years as general manager of the Des Moines/Urbandale Hilton Garden Inn where she built it into a nationally top-ranked property. From that role, Kori was named to her current role of director of operations for Orchestrate Hospitality where she assists in the strategic planning for future projects and oversees the company’s management teams.
Adam Bartelt
Director of Marketing
Adam Bartelt directs the daily marketing and communication efforts for Orchestrate's client companies, including branding and design, promotion, public relations, guest interaction, donations, sponsorships and more. 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. A graduate of Central College (Pella, IA), he spent time studying and working with a small graphic design firm in London, UK. An active musician, Adam is involved in the local arts community and has served on non-profit organization boards active in music and culture in central Iowa.
Michelle Mathews
Controller
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 oversees the accounting procedures and staff of Orchestrate’s team and properties.
Join the Team
We’re always looking for service-minded professionals - visit our career page to view current openings and apply today.
“I learned a long time ago that you’re only as strong as the people around you. Find great team members, invest in them and step aside so they can do their jobs - that’s the winning formula.”