Meet the By Landmark Executive Team
Expert Operators, Hospitality Visionaries
Award winning restauranteurs, goodwill ambassadors, and Chief Memorymakers; Jeanne and Frank Cretella, have been redefining hospitality for more than 2 decades with their iconic group, by Landmark. Featuring a portfolio of over 18, historical and architecturally unique restaurants and venues, and growing – they have created a company truly built on relationships. The Cretellas core values highlight, nurturing connections to the communities they serve, collaborating with their team and the ensuring lifelong memories for the guests that visit.
Building the Future of Hospitality Together
Scott Grogan
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Grogan is responsible for all the company’s financial functions including accounting, audit, treasury, corporate finance, and investor relations. His career spans more than 21 years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership, and corporate strategy. Scott’s years of experience began in bank & financing and then moved into hospitality with a restaurant chain which operated across the country with several franchise brands.
John Williams
Chief Growth Officer
With a career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, John brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Throughout John’s career, he has been involved with some of the best-in-class restaurants, developers, and hospitality firms, lending his expertise and consulting services to help them succeed. John held senior positions at renowned hotel and hospitality companies such as Marriott, W Hotels, Starr Restaurants, and Jean George. Presently at Landmark, John is Chief Growth Officer. His primary focus is leading the sales teams and driving top-line revenue across the organization, combining impactful strategies with thoughtful execution to enhance business performance and achieve profitable growth.
Anthony Bucco
Chief Culinary Officer
Jonas Pelli
VP of Facilities
Jonas Pelli began his hospitality career in 2008 at St. Jerome’s, a famed Lower East Side dive bar, where he quickly rose to manager and later became co-owner, leading its transformation into a nightlife staple. He went on to become a Partner at Freehold Hospitality, helping the group expand from Brooklyn to Miami and Union Square with innovative venues that thrived even through the pandemic. In 2022, Jonas joined Trapizzino USA, later taking on the role of Chief of Operations for Ninepin Hospitality, where he oversaw the renovation and relaunch of an iconic property inside the Evelyn Hotel. In 2025, Jonas brought his expertise in design, construction, and operations to Landmark Hospitality as Vice President of Facilities, driving the company’s continued growth and innovation.
Maddy Cretella-Ramirez
Executive Director of Brands + Engagement
Inspired by the vision and work ethic her parents, Landmark’s founders, Maddy joined the company in 2015, and has since played a pivotal role in its evolution. Maddy lead storytelling, brand expansion, and creative strategy across a growing portfolio of distinctive properties. Through thoughtful brand development, digital innovation, and strategic marketing initiatives, she has helped elevate the company’s presence throughout the tri-state area. Maddy is a multi-year recipient of New Jersey’s Top 50 Women Leaders award and a 30 Under 30 Rising Star in Hotel Management. She’s also the creator and host of Landmark’s Wedding Tip Wednesday, where she’s known as every couple’s trusted Wedding Bestie, delivering expert advice and inspiration each week. Beyond accolades, Maddy is passionate about giving back to the industry she loves. She proudly serves on the Board of the Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance, a nonprofit founded by Frank and Jeanne Cretella that supports the growth, education, and well-being of hospitality professional
Kelly Bartolome
Director of Revenue Analytics & Strategy
Kelly graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. After beginning her career with Marriott, she joined by Landmark in 2021. Since then, she has played an integral role in shaping the company’s sales operations and elevating the guest experience, helping support the continued growth and success of the organization. Kelly oversees the Concierge Center and Private Dining sales operations, while providing sales analytics, reporting, and strategic support to Landmark’s venue teams. She enjoys finding new ways to improve processes, mentor team members, and use data to help create memorable experiences for couples and guests alike.
Kate O’Rourke Fant
Director of Development
Kate brings more than 15 years of experience in land acquisition, entitlements, project development, and construction to the team. As Director of Development, she oversees all aspects of new development projects, guiding both in-house and third-party teams from concept through completion. Kate manages site acquisition, due diligence, permitting, budgeting, scheduling, and construction oversight with a hands-on, collaborative approach. She works closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure every project is delivered on time, within scope, and true to the company’s vision and brand
John Mazza
President of Black Dog Construction
With over three decades of experience in multimillion dollar project development and execution, John partnered with Landmark/ Black Dog Construction Owner Frank Cretella in 2009 and has been supporting BDC as a partner. Active with local universities and Kiwanian since 2002, he has served his community in various capacities, both as a president and maintained a seat on several prestigious board of directors.
Mav Cubero
Exec. Assistant to Frank Cretella
Mav Cubero has been a part of the hospitality industry for over 15 years. After graduating from the Art Institute of NY and Montclair State, she started her career with Addison Hospitality Group overseeing the office, events, promotions and opening new hotel restaurants and rooftops throughout NYC. Mav transitioned into Real Estate Development at Kushner where she realized her passion for both Real Estate and Hospitality. In October of 2019 she joined Landmark as Executive Assistant to Frank Cretella, where she is able to work in the best of both worlds, Hospitality and Real Estate Development.
Christine Ayers
VP Purchasing And Culinary Operations
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Christine Ayers, forged her reputation as a culinary artist with support of outstanding mentors in the finest kitchens in Manhattan, including Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel, and in New Jersey from the acclaimed Chef Craig Shelton at the Ryland Inn. When Landmark purchased The Farmhouse in December of 2019, Ayers was the Executive Chef there. Landmark quickly learned of her talents and together they decided Ayer’s would spearhead the culinary division of Hotel du Village and Elkins Estate, two of Landmark’s Pennsylvania locations. In April of 2024, Landmark transitioned Ayers to her current role as Vice President of Purchasing and Culinary Operations. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a relentless drive to push culinary boundaries, Ayers continues to make her mark on the culinary world.
Jigar Patel
Controller
Jigar is an experienced finance professional responsible for all accounting and financial reporting functions. With over a decade of experience, he began his career as an auditor for a large “Big-4” public accounting firm before transitioning to roles in financial reporting, management, and due diligence across various sectors, including insurance, consulting, and hospitality. Jigar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA in Professional Accounting from Rutgers University. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Jersey and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder
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