A native Washingtonian and graduate of Saint Peter’s University (2001, Communications), Donte Johnson began his career in the hospitality industry in 2001 with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and during his time with the company held several positions including concierge, director of guest services, area revenue manager and assistant general manager. In 2009, Johnson was the youngest employee ever promoted to general manager for Kimpton Hotels.

He has since served in this capacity at five properties across three cities including Miami and his current home, Baltimore, where he served as the general manager at Hotel Revival for almost five years and is now general manager of the Thompson Buckhead.

In his current role, Johnson is responsible for overseeing and executing commercial strategy and hotel and property operations, including staff management, guest satisfaction and community relations. In addition, Johnson has developed and fostered a mission focused on social impact, working with his team and local organizations and leaders to support both the community and a variety of philanthropic efforts. Among the many programs and initiatives he has led for the hotel, during the coronavirus pandemic, Johnson and his team orchestrated free lunch and produce distributions to support the those in need; offered the hotel’s restaurant space and kitchens to local food businesses; and provided free/discounted overnight stays for first responders and front-line hospital workers. They’ve also partnered with dozens of BIPOC-led local vendors to offer an expansive array of products and services at the hotel that reflects an engagement with the citywide community.

In June 2022, Johnson was named an “Influential Marylander” by The Daily Record. The awards program honors recipients for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in Maryland, and Johnson was honored for his civic leadership. In 2021, Johnson was recognized as one of the Baltimore Business Journal’s “Leaders in Diversity,” chosen for paving the way for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In 2011, he was named to the Washington Business Journal’s highly coveted “Top 40 Under 40” list, an honor that recognizes standouts in his or her industry who have also made an impact serving the Greater Washington community. He has mentored young people through the Higher Achievement Program and Hospitality High School in DC in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Hotel Association of Washington, DC. Johnson currently serves on the Board of Visit Baltimore, the city’s convention and visitor bureau, and The Mount Vernon Place Conservancy. He is also a graduate of the McKinsey & Company’s Black Executive Leadership Program. Johnson and his work has been featured in multiple podcast interviews as well as publications including The Washington Post, USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Lodging Magazine, Hotel Management Magazine, CoStar and on CNN.

Social Media
@thehoodiehotelier [IG]
@hoodiehotelier [Twitter + LinkedIn]

Awards:
2022 Influential Marylander – The Daily Record
2021 Leaders in Diversity Award - Baltimore Business Journal
2020 Better Baltimore Award for Corporate Philanthropy
2020 Greater Baltimore Committee Mayor’s Business Recognition Award
2011 Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40
Board of Directors:
Maryland Hotel & Lodging Association
Visit Baltimore
Mount Vernon Place Conservancy

Co-Chair:
AH&LA GM Roundtable