Ocotillo Banquet Sales Team

Emily Stark, Wedding Sales Coordinator

One of the many Chicago-born, Arizonans, Emily Stark started her career in Special Events in 2001, while completing her BA in Theater at ASU –Main. In 2002, she received her Certification of Completion from the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants. In the spring of 2009, she was given the honor of Recreation and Tourism Senior of the Year at ASU West, upon completion of her BS in Recreation and Tourism Management, with an emphasis in Special Events. For the past eight years, Emily has found herself planning a variety of events including: weddings, festivals, corporate parties, baby showers and social hours in both Illinois and Phoenix Valley. The unique challenge, the opportunity to meet new people every day, and experience new and exciting situations definitely makes events something Emily loves to do. Being a part of that special day, and helping to make it something the Bride and Groom will always cherish and remember is an honor she is thrilled to take. Emily currently lives in Ahwatukee, is a proud member of the Troon Family, and an active participant in the Wedding and Event Network and the Internship Program at ASU.

Mollie Beale, Corporate Sales Coordinator

Mollie Beale is an Arizona native, born and raised in the East Valley.  She is a Northern Arizona State University graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Public Relations with an emphasis on Special Events.  She began her career with an internship for a nonprofit creating and executing fundraisers. Through this experience she met the Director of Sales for a large hotel in Flagstaff, AZ and was hired as a full-time catering manager before graduating from NAU two years ago. At her first property, Mollie coordinated weddings, holiday parties, conferences, job fairs, social events, fundraisers, etc…

Mollie moved to Phoenix to be closer to her friends and family and was hired as a catering manager at Ocotillo, with an emphasis on corporate and social events.  Since being at Ocotillo, Mollie has also started working with the golf team and helps coordinate tournaments throughout the year. Mollie also has experience with Weddings, and loves working with Brides and Grooms to make their big day perfect.  

Mollie currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and absolutely loves being close to her friends and family and is thrilled to be a part of the Troon family. Event planning is very important to Mollie, both professionally and personally; she is a member of Meeting Professionals International. Mollie takes pride in working at Ocotillo and making every event a successful one!

Robert Ivankovich, Banquet Manager

Robert Ivankovich is originally from Valparaiso, Indiana. He has worked in various hospitality/restaurant operations and moved to the valley in 2004 to further his career in the Hospitality Industry. He attended the Scottsdale Culinary Institute's Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, and has future goals to one day become a regional or corporate trainer within the Hospitality Industry. If you do not happen to see Rob on property, he is most likely camping, playing frisbee golf, or taking his Siberian Husky, Sadie, to the park.

Emily, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Jeremy and I lived our fairytale wedding yesterday and you were wonderful! Thank you for all of your support and patience with the weather changes. We will never forget this day! Please tell the entire staff how grateful we are! You're all fabulous! - Jennifer Watson (Bride)

Thank you so much for your help!!! You were amazing!!! The whole wedding and reception went so well, and I can honestly say that nothing went wrong. Or at least you made sure I didn't know that it did! - Mr. and Mrs. Dorame (Parents of the Bride)

Our whole experience with Ocotillo surpassed all expectations.  Especially all of the staff.  We are definitely thinking about having our three girls weddings there as well.  Thanks again for everything.  You are a terrific gal! –J.E. (mother of Groom)

“Mollie and her crew provided wonderful customer service; always helpful and very gracious.  Even last minute changes didn’t bother them!” –S.S. (Life Care Centers of America)

My daughter had her Bat Mitzvah reception at Ocotillo last spring and the event was fantastic.  Everything went incredibly smoothly, everybody enjoyed the food, the event site has spectacular views, and the staff was superb, anticipating our every need.  We had a such a wonderful experience that we have already decided to hold our younger daughter’s reception at Octotillo. –K.F.

The ambience of the environment is a perfect setting for all occasions...we celebrated the marriage of my daughter  Kristin and her husband Tom and also chose the setting for our first Guardian Foundation "Wine Crush" event....all of which were Beyond our Expectations! –C.D.