The Lord Baltimore Hotel proudly announces the appointment of Darryl Highsmith as its new Executive Chef and the return of Heather Johnson as its Director of Conference Services.
Chef Highsmith will oversee operations at LB Bistro & Bakery, LB Tavern, and LB Skybar, and managing banquets and private functions. Dedicated to the hotel’s sustainability, Chef Highsmith will continue the tradition of working with local purveyors. Chef brings an abundance of experience in enhancing kitchen operations and elevating dining experiences, recipe development and overseeing culinary teams having previously served as the Executive Chef at the Hilton DoubleTree Pikesville and at the Golf Club South River.
“I am thrilled to join the team at the Lord Baltimore Hotel and to lead the culinary efforts at such an iconic establishment,” said Chef Highsmith. “I look forward to showcasing the best of Baltimore’s local ingredients and creating memorable dining experiences for our guests.”
Following the COVID pandemic and a resurgence in business demands, the Lord Baltimore Hotel is delighted to welcome Johnson back to the team. Johnson brings a wealth of experience and expertise in catering, event management and hospitality as she leads conference services for the award-winning historic hotel. With a career spanning over 25 years in the service industry, her journey through the hospitality sector has been marked by outstanding achievements and contributions to each role she has undertaken. Most recently, Johnson served as the Branch Office Administrator at Edward Jones, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing client relationships and driving marketing activities. Her dedication and leadership were further recognized when she assumed the role of BOA Key Leader of Region 250 Event Coordinator, working with the corporate event manager to plan firm-led annual meetings and regional level meetings including managing the catering, group rooms, conference details, and related activities in addition to daily BOA branch duties. Previous positions in hospitality in addition to her time with the Lord Baltimore Hotel include roles with DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia Maryland as the Food & Beverage Director and Westin BWI, where she was honored as Manager of the Year in 2016 for her exceptional performance as Convention Services Manager.
“The Lord Baltimore Hotel remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for every guest, and we are confident that Chef Highsmith and Director Johnson will enhance our offerings and continue our tradition of excellence,” said Sheila Wiegandt, managing director of the Lord Baltimore Hotel.
About Lord Baltimore
The Lord Baltimore Hotel is located at 20 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201 in the heart of Downtown Baltimore and within walking distance to many local attractions. The award-winning hotel towers over the Baltimore skyline at 23 stories and offers 440 new guest rooms and suites, more than 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space and dining options including the LB Tavern, Skybar and LB Bakery. Additionally, art plays a major role in the hotel design with more than 2,500 pieces of artwork displayed throughout the building. Originally built in 1928, the hotel was purchased in 2013 and completely renovated by Rubell Hotels. The Lord Baltimore Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More information on the hotel can be found at www.lordbaltimorehotel.com.
