SAIPAN — Marianas Beach Resort owner David Hood has named hospitality veteran Bart Jackson as the property’s new general manager, bringing aboard a figure with nearly 35 years of experience in the Pacific islands hotel industry.
Hood announced the hire during an interview at the resort’s Kili Cafe Thursday, describing Jackson as a stabilizing force whose deep regional knowledge and industry relationships will help guide the property through its ongoing transition.
“We see him as a veteran of stability here in the CNMI,” Hood said. “I think he will help us make really, really good decisions, intelligent decisions, and that’s only going to make us continue the growth.”
Jackson spent decades in the region, including a long tenure at the Pacific Islands Club and ownership of the Hotel Santa Fe in Guam. He said the Marianas Beach Resort has long held a special place for him.
“I had my rehearsal dinner here with my wife, 28 years ago,” Jackson said. “It’s the best location in Saipan, and it’s a kind of property that you rarely see nowadays because it’s so large, the grounds are so extensive. It’s iconic in every way.”
Jackson said his role will be to help Hood and his team manage the property’s transition as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The resort is expected to rebrand as a Sheraton, with the property already beginning to reflect that transition in its appearance and operations.
“We’re going to do our best to maintain and continue to improve the quality of the experience as we achieve that Sheraton brand,” Jackson said.
Hood said he has been in discussions with Jackson for roughly eight months. He said filling the general manager position with someone of Jackson’s background is a significant step for the property, which has been open for about a year and a half following years of dormancy after the closure of the Hyatt.
“The day the Hyatt closed, I came here and had breakfast right at this table and looked out at this gorgeous, iconic property and thought, how can we save this place,” Hood said. “That’s where it started.”
Hood said he remains optimistic about the resort’s future despite the difficult tourism environment, citing his ongoing investment in the property and his work at the CPA to rebuild airline service to the CNMI.
“You define yourself in life by some of the risks that you take, and this is one of those,” Hood said. “If you look around this property and look at the CNMI, undoubtedly it will come back. Such a beautiful island and beautiful people and a beautiful facility. I just don’t see how it will not come back.”
Jackson echoed that sentiment. “It’s not if, rather it’s when,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to have people like Dave and other folks who continue to make big investments and really step up.”
The resort will host its traditional Easter egg hunt this weekend.
