2023 40 Under 40 Honoree: Perry Ivery (39)
“I want The Oaklander to be a space to show kindness and value to other people when they walk through our doors. We have that innate ability to change their day through the warmth and light of hospitality.”
Perry Ivery
General Manager, The Oaklander Hotel
Managing his staff at The Oaklander Hotel is much like playing football, says Perry Ivery.
“You treat everyone as part of the team with one common goal, which is creating excellent experiences for customers and associates.”
After attending University of Toledo and California University, Ivery took his first hotel job at the front desk of what is now the DoubleTree by Hilton in Washington, Pa.
As general manager of The Oaklander on the University of Pittsburgh campus, he is the only African American hotel general manager in the city and hopes to impact other Black residents and youth to show them they can be in positions of leadership.
Named by The Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association several times as General Manager of the Year, he also serves on the boards of a number of organizations, including VisitPittsburgh.
“People see me for being knowledgeable in hospitality and not for the color of my skin, and I hope I can continue that in Pittsburgh and give others the opportunity to succeed.”
