April 27, 2026
Wanona Tara, a hospitality industry executive with more than 30 years of experience, has joined the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center as director of sales.
In her new role, Tara is responsible for all group sales at Lake Junaluska, including lodging, food service, conferences and media services. She also will serve on the center’s operations, revenue and extended executive teams.
Tara most recently worked as director of hospitality strategy and sales for Colorado Chautauqua, a National Historic Landmark in Boulder, Colorado, that sees more than 1 million visitors annually. There, she led revenue strategy and developed experiential programming.
The appointment of Tara to the new role, effective March 20, was announced by Michael Huber, Lake Junaluska’s general manager.
“Wanona’s background in working in a Chautauqua-style environment with legacy guest groups and leading high-performing teams will be an incredible asset to our team,” Huber said. “With her extensive experience in retreat and conference center settings, she is deeply connected to our mission of providing a place for renewal of soul, mind and body.”
The term “Chautauqua” refers to a movement with Methodist roots popularized during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It centered on adult and community education programs through gatherings and assemblies held in public spaces.
A resident of Asheville, Tara formerly held positions as director of sales and experience and other hospitality and private events leadership roles for Colorado Chautauqua. She also was a weddings, social events and conference sales leader for Seascape Beach Resort, a four-star luxury resort in Monterey Bay, California.
Tara said that she feels equally honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into the position of director of sales.
“Joining an organization that is so deeply rooted in faith and purpose makes this especially meaningful to me,” she said. “I’m excited to serve alongside a team that is committed not only to excellence but also to making a lasting impact in the lives of others. It’s a privilege to be part of work that goes beyond business and reflects a greater calling.”
Her initial focus as she settles into her new responsibilities is to get to know Lake Junaluska, its organizational culture and the wider community.
“My top priorities are to listen, learn and serve – both our team and the communities we reach. I want to ensure that our sales efforts are aligned with our mission and values and that everything we do reflects integrity, stewardship and care for others,” Tara said. “I’m also focused on equipping and supporting our team, strengthening relationships and building sustainable growth that enables us to expand our impact.”
Joining the staff of a spiritual retreat center and scenic community in the mountains of Western North Carolina that offers opportunities to recharge, renew and reconnect is appealing, she said.
“I believe that when we lead with purpose and keep our faith at the center of our work, success takes on a deeper meaning,” Tara said. “My goal is to help cultivate a culture where people feel valued, encouraged and inspired to do their best work in service of something greater than themselves. I’m excited about what lies ahead and the difference we can make together.”
Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. For more information, visit lakejunaluska.com.
