Team of Experts

Shaun Pierson

Director of Sales/Marketing

Shaun Pierson is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Regency Coralville. She has a Bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master's degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago. Shaun's journey began in social services management, but since 2012, she's been bringing her vibrant energy to the hospitality world, working with three amazing hotels over her twelve-year career. 

Raised in Cedar Rapids, Shaun takes great pride in the ways in which she has been able to engage & impact the community throughout her adult career. Her passion for hospitality is fueled by a genuine love for taking care of others. In her role, Shaun thrives on mentoring and supporting her sales team, collaborating with some of the best clients to make their programs shine.

Outside of work, Shaun is all about family and fun. She’s married to Andy, and has one adult son, Austin, who she’s absolutely obsessed with! She loves traveling with her family, kayaking, jogging, and getting buried in a good book. And let’s not forget her favorite pastime, enjoying a glass of wine or cup of coffee with great friends.

Contact Shaun at shaun.clasen@hyatt.com

McKayla Peake

Events Manager

After graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in Event Management and Public Relations in 2020, McKayla moved to Iowa City to pursue her career in events and hospitality. Over the past three years, McKayla has gained extensive experience, where she has successfully orchestrated a wide range of events. From small board meetings and beautiful weddings to collegiate athletic events and comprehensive multi-day conferences, McKayla is well versed and prepared to help plan your next event! Beyond the world of event planning, McKayla enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband, Jacob.

Contact McKayla at mckayla.peake@hyatt.com

Tara Scranton

Group Rooms Coordinator

Tara is the newest member of our team! With 20+ years of customer service experience, she loves connecting with clients and handling all of their room block needs. When she's not working, Tara enjoys watching her sons wrestle at Coe College and volunteering at the Iowa City Area Sports Commission/Think Iowa City events. 

Brian Thorson

Senior Banquet Manager

As the Senior Banquet Manager, Brian brings nearly a decade of expertise to our event operations team. With meticulous attention to detail, he leads a dedicated team committed to making every event exceptional. Brian takes delight in creative presentations, exceeding client's expectations, and overseeing all details. His hands-on approach ensures every aspect is perfectly managed, contributing to memorable experiences at our hotel. Outside of work, Brian enjoys unwinding outdoors or through workouts, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Contact Brian at brian.thorson@hyatt.com

Heather Hancock

Senior Sales Manager

Heather Hancock is a highly successful hospitality sales professional with a great passion for her clients, her hotel and her team.  Heather works hard to deliver exceptional customer service and does what it takes to elevate the customer experience.  Heather takes great pride in doing her best to make sure that both her clients and hotel team are happy, in every situation. She also has a great attitude, a hard work ethic and an outstanding moral compass. 

Heather has over 20 years of hotel experience and this experience has allowed her to become a seasoned veteran in our industry. Her experience with our Association partners has allowed her to build strong relationships and become a trusted advisor and great partner to many.       

She started her career as a hair stylist and then quickly pivoted to the corporate housing and hotel industry.  Heather has an amazing husband and daughter and spends most of her free time hanging out with her family and rescue dog, Stevie or you will find her volunteering in the community.    

Contact Heather at heather.hancock@hyatt.com

Bre Payton

Sales Manager

Bre Payton is a driven Sales Manager at Hyatt Regency Coralville with a diverse background in sports management. She holds an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Sport Psychology and a Masters in Sport and Administrative Management.

Bre's career includes significant roles in collegiate athletics, where she served as the Director of Volleyball Operations at The University of Iowa for one year, followed by five years as an Assistant Volleyball Coach. This experience not only shaped her leadership abilities but also solidified her connections within the sports community.

Transitioning to the hospitality industry, Bre has thrived in her role at Hyatt Regency Coralville for the past three years, focusing primarily on The University of Iowa and sports markets.

Outside of work, Bre finds joy in spending time with friends and family. She embraces outdoor activities such as boat days and hiking, and maintains a interest in sporting events.

Contact Bre at bre.payton@hyatt.com

Bri Beranek

Catering Sales Manager

Meet Bri, our Catering Sales Manager! With nine years of expertise in sales, Bri is more than a sales professional, she is your guide to falling in love with our event spaces. Bri goes above and beyond booking by sharing essential information about weddings, non-profit events, and small meetings at our hotel. Outside work, she coaches high school dance in her free time and co-owns a balloon garland business with her sister. Bri finds joy in the company of her loving husband, Nick, their new baby girl, and their two dogs, Jetta and Lucy. 

Contact Bri at briana.bernek@hyatt.com