Friday Harbor House appoints Michael O'Dell general manager

Friday Harbor House has appointed Michael O’Dell as general manager.

In his new position, O’Dell will manage all employees, hotel operations and overall guest experience at the 23-room waterfront inn.

The company said O'Dell's nearly 20 years of hospitality experience will be a key component to the ongoing success of The Bluff Restaurant/Bar/Terrace, the newly-opened restaurant at Friday Harbor House.

“We are very pleased to welcome Michael to our team as this is an exciting time for Friday Harbor House,” said Lenny Zilz, vice president of operations at Columbia Hospitality.

“His exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence within the hospitality industry will be a great asset to the inn, which is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year.”

O’Dell most recently served as director of operations at Talaris Conference Center, a retreat, event and meeting destination near University of Washington in Seattle.

Before joining the team at Talaris, O’Dell leveraged his hospitality industry and business experience in leadership to open three small restaurants on Seattle’s Eastside. Prior to these ventures, he spent 12 years at Ivar’s, the iconic Seattle seafood restaurant. Working his way up the ranks at two of the restaurant’s locations, Ivar’s on the Seattle Waterfront and Ivar’s Salmon House on Lake Union, O’Dell was assistant general manager at the Lake Union location upon his departure.

O’Dell recently relocated to San Juan Island from Maple Valley, Wash. When he’s not at work, he enjoys barbecuing, fly fishing and spending time with his wife and children.

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