Hutton Brickyards Riverfront has appointed Steven O’Hern as General Manager, bringing an experienced hospitality leader to the Hudson Valley property as it continues to develop its distinctive mix of accommodation, dining and outdoor experiences. O’Hern will oversee the property’s overall operations, with responsibility for service delivery, team development and operational performance across its varied offerings.
The appointment draws on O’Hern’s experience at destination resorts and hotels, including Farm Road Estate, Twin Farms and Blackberry Farm. His background in resort management, financial performance and property renovation is expected to support Hutton Brickyards as it focuses on maintaining service standards while strengthening its position as a riverfront hospitality destination.
This leadership addition aligns with the hospitality sector’s growth ambitions, reflecting hotel appointments.Overseeing Operations Across the Property
As General Manager, O’Hern will be responsible for the day-to-day management and overall performance of Hutton Brickyards. His remit covers the property’s riverfront cabins, Edgewood Mansion and Aster Restaurant + Bar, alongside weddings, retreats, special events and outdoor and wellness experiences.
The breadth of the role requires coordination across accommodation, food and beverage, events and guest activities. O’Hern will focus on ensuring consistent service delivery across these areas while supporting team development and maintaining operational standards throughout the property.
His responsibilities will also include strengthening the connection between the property’s individual offerings and the overall guest experience. With accommodation, dining, celebrations and outdoor activities forming part of the destination, effective coordination across departments will be central to delivering a consistent standard of hospitality.
Leadership Experience at Destination Resorts
O’Hern joins Hutton Brickyards following his most recent appointment as General Manager of Farm Road Estate in West Dover, Vermont. In that role, he oversaw resort operations, financial performance and team development, while also managing a renovation and expansion programme.
The experience provided exposure to the operational demands of a destination property undergoing physical development. Balancing day-to-day performance with renovation and expansion work requires attention to service continuity, staff coordination and the effective management of resources.
Before Farm Road Estate, O’Hern held leadership positions at Twin Farms in Vermont and Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. His professional background also includes roles at The Whiteface Lodge, The Hermitage Inn and The Orchards Hotel.
These appointments span a range of destination and hotel environments, contributing to his experience in hospitality operations and team leadership. At Hutton Brickyards, he will apply that background to a property combining distinctive accommodation with restaurant operations, private events and nature-focused experiences.
Education in Hospitality and Sustainability
O’Hern holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Hospitality Sustainability, from Purdue University Global. He also earned an Associate of Applied Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Paul Smith’s College.
His academic background combines business administration with hotel and restaurant management, providing a foundation relevant to the operational, financial and service responsibilities of his new position.
As General Manager, he will bring these areas together in overseeing the property’s teams and operational performance, with a focus on service consistency and the development of a workplace in which employees take ownership of the guest experience.
Supporting Hutton Brickyards’ Next Phase
Karl Slovin, President of MWest Holdings, the owner of Hutton Brickyards, said O’Hern’s appointment comes as the property enters a period of growth and refinement.
“Hutton Brickyards is entering an important period of growth and refinement, and Steven is the right leader for it,” said Karl Slovin, President of MWest Holdings, owner of Hutton Brickyards. “He understands that an exceptional hotel requires both a memorable guest experience and disciplined operations behind it. That combination is essential as we continue to elevate the property.”
Michael Heaton, President of Waterford Hotel Group, also highlighted O’Hern’s approach to service standards, team development and the character of the property.
“Steven understands how to make a singular property feel both polished and personal,” said Michael Heaton, President of Waterford Hotel Group. “He knows how to set standards, build a strong team and turn a property’s sense of place into an experience guests remember. That makes him an excellent fit for Hutton Brickyards.”
The statements reflect the priorities associated with the appointment: combining operational discipline with an experience shaped by the property’s setting and identity. O’Hern’s role will include supporting this balance across accommodation, dining, events and outdoor and wellness offerings.
Building a Consistent Guest Experience
O’Hern said his immediate focus would be on developing the team, reinforcing service standards and ensuring that the property’s character remains central to the guest experience.
“Hutton Brickyards is unlike anywhere else — the setting, the history and the ambition,” said Steven O’Hern. “My focus is simple: build a team that takes real pride in this property, deliver thoughtful service consistently and give every guest a reason to return.”
His priorities align with the demands of managing a multi-faceted destination, where guest experiences extend beyond accommodation to dining, private gatherings and outdoor activities. Team engagement and consistent service delivery will be important to maintaining quality across these touchpoints.
With experience spanning destination resorts, hotel operations and renovation projects, O’Hern takes on the General Manager role with responsibility for bringing these elements together at Hutton Brickyards Riverfront.
