Caleb
The Decider
Caleb Arceneaux joined Liv Hospitality in May 2008, and subsequently held various roles within the company including General Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Casino Operations, and was ultimately named Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Mr. Arceneaux’s strengths lie in his 20 years of hospitality and leadership experience in hotel, casino, and food and beverage operations. His hotel management experience originates in the Pacific Northwest, where he worked within several full-service resorts, gaming operations, and limited-service hotels, uniquely qualifying him to lead the Liv Hospitality portfolio of properties. Mr. Arceneaux has extensive experience in direct marketing efforts, digital marketing and operational platforms & efficiencies, internal controls, and maximizing ROI with various CRM management systems.
Kayti
Voice of Reason
Kayti Ratigan joined Liv Hospitality in April 2011 and has over 20 years of experience in the hotel and tourism industry. She has extensive experience in working and managing time-shares, resorts, and hotels of all sizes. She started her career at a time share resort in Orlando, Florida where she quickly fell in love with the industry.
Her vast knowledge of hotel operations, revenue management, front desk training, and sales techniques has assisted in escalating her career. Mrs. Ratigan currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer and is responsible for maintaining operational excellence, improving operating procedures for optimal efficiency, maximizing company-wide profits, talent recruitment and mentoring property level leaders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and her three children.
Ken
Chief Bean Counter
Mr. Klug joined Liv Hospitality as its Chief Financial Officer in 2006 after spending a number of years working for the State of South Dakota Department of Revenue as a financial analyst and auditor with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. Ken is a Certified Public Accountant through the State of South Dakota and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role with Liv Hospitality.
Mr. Klug’s responsibilities include oversight of all accounting processes for Liv Hospitality. He is responsible for proper execution of the company’s accounting practices, maintenance of accurate financial records, and the timely preparation of financial reports. Mr. Klug holds a BS in Accounting from the University of South Dakota. He enjoys spending time outdoors at his home in Spearfish, SD with his wife Jane and 2 children.
Lynzie
Director of Deals
Lynzie Montague joined Liv Hospitality as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hotel Alex Johnson in October 2016. Ms. Montague was then promoted to the General Manager of the Hotel Alex Johnson and began the oversight of what was an extensive 2-year renovation, while rapidly learning the operational side of hotel management.
She has since worked with numerous large brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. In her current role, she is responsible for all group sales efforts, talent acquisition, increasing market share growth, and developing strategic marketing initiatives across the entire Liv Hospitality portfolio. In her free time, Ms. Montague enjoys spending time on Pactola Lake boating and wake surfing with her husband, Scott, and their 2 children.
David
Robot Whisperer
David Klynsma began his career with Liv Hospitality in August 2006 as a front desk clerk at Cadillac Jacks Gaming Resort. In a couple of short years, his passion for technology led him to become the IT Manager for Cadillac Jacks in 2008. By 2010, David led both the IT and Slot departments and increased slot revenues to record-breaking numbers for the time. In 2012, David moved to the corporate office to oversee all of Liv Hospitality’s technology assets and define a centralized IT department for the organization. By 2014, he was taking that responsibility a step further and branched out beyond Liv Hospitality, founding LinkTech IT Services serving Rapid City and the surrounding region. In 2017, David was named Chief Information Officer. Under his leadership, LinkTech has since grown to be one of the larger IT service providers in the area serving many Black Hills organizations.
Today, Mr. Klynsma holds a BS in Business Administration from Black Hills State University, numerous IT certifications, and a wealth of experience across a variety of technology disciplines and project implementations. In his current role, he is responsible for the technological direction of not only Liv Hospitality but also a number of other clients for whom he serves as VCIO under LinkTech. In his free time, Mr. Klynsma enjoys camping, fishing, and video games with his wife Hayley, and 2 sons.
Britton
Chief Rainmaker
Britton Siemonsma began her journey with Liv Hospitality in October 2012 after several years in the banking industry. Her first role at LIV was Assistant GM at Fairfield Inn & Suites Rapid City before joining the opening team at the SpringHill Suites in Deadwood. She has since held several roles with the company including General Manager and Director of Operations for the Deadwood market. During her time in Deadwood, she was involved in many large projects including a hotel and casino acquisition, the new hotel builds, and numerous renovations. Throughout her time with the company, she has expanded her knowledge in project management, hotel/casino operations, and revenue management. Currently, as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, Britton oversees the Call Center and Revenue Management teams.
Britton attended Northern State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and Economics. Traveling, usually to a beach location, is her favorite way to spend her free time. At home, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, DIY projects, and gardening.
Clover
Director of First Impressions
Clover joined the Liv Hospitality team in June 2020 as the Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the company’s CEO, Caleb Arceneaux. In February, 2023, Clover was promoted to the Director of Engagement. With an extensive background in hospitality and the ability to multitask, she enjoys the various roles and responsibilities her unique position holds.
Clover is a foodie and wine lover, and spends her free time exploring South Dakota with her husband and three fur babies.
Heather
Penny Pincher
Heather began working for Liv Hospitality in April 2012 as the Night Auditor for the Hotel Alex Johnson. Over the years, she has worked under the flags of Choice, Marriott and Hilton in various front desk and administrative positions. In her current role, she is flexing her organizational muscle and pinching the pennies as the Accounts Payable Specialist for Liv Hospitality’s Rapid City properties.
When not in the office, she is the Owner/Artisan of Circle of Heather jewelry. On occasion, she is an avid reader and enjoys the fantastic hiking trails offered through the Black Hills.
Jessica
Cheddar Getter
Jessica Ries joined Liv Hospitality in January 2021 as the Payroll & Benefits Administrator and swiftly ascended to the role of Director of Payroll and Benefits in April 2022, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the organization. As our “Cheddar Getter,” Jessica brings forth a wealth of experience, underpinned by her academic achievements and degree in paralegal studies. With an impressive 22 years of hands-on expertise, Jessica has consistently demonstrated a nuanced understanding of her craft.
In her capacity as the Director of Payroll and Benefits, Jessica assumes a pivotal role in overseeing and guiding the strategic direction of payroll administration and benefits programs. Her focus on precision, compliance, and associate satisfaction has elevated these critical functions to new heights of efficiency within the Liv Hospitality framework. Jessica’s style is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that policies align seamlessly with the company’s commitment to Leadership, Integrity, and Vision, encompassing fair compensation practices and the overall well-being of its associates.
Jessica Ries is not merely an accomplished professional; she is a driving force behind Liv Hospitality’s commitment to excellence in payroll management. Her journey from Payroll & Benefits Administrator to Director is a testament to her dedication and commitment to excellence in this vital aspect of the organization’s operations.
Jeff
Uncle Money Bags
Jeff Paulsen joined the Liv Hospitality team in March of 2006 as the Senior Staff Accountant. Born and raised in Rapid City, SD, Jeff studied accounting at the National American University. With his strong financial background, his primary responsibility is the daily accounting for Country Inn & Suites, Liv’s ATM business, including preparing financial reports and cash management.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, the outdoors and playing with his dogs.
Kristi
Magic Money Maker
Kristi began her journey with Liv Hospitality in April 2009 in Deadwood as a night auditor for Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort. She arrived with a background in restaurant management and call center experience, so the hospitality industry was a brand-new adventure. While pursuing the components of operations and revenue, Kristi got married, had a child, and worked her way up to becoming the Hotel General Manager. In 2015, Mrs. Stuart would transfer that role to the Fairfield Inn & Suites while the Residence Inn was under construction, before launching her dream project of building a centralized reservation center.
Currently, Kristi is the Revenue Manager for Liv’s Marriott and Wyndham properties located in Rapid City and Deadwood. Integrating work into everyday life has been the largest key to her success. Every day life is spent primarily with her husband Scott and two boys. Swimming, hiking, church, concerts, and annual trips to sunny southern California are a must. “Can you watch rates poolside or from the top of Black Elk Peak? Sure can!”
Melissa
RevPAR Driver
Melissa joined Liv Hospitality in February 2012 as the Director of Sales for WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort. Throughout the years, Mrs. James has held numerous roles within Liv Hospitality, including Group Sales, Food & Beverage, Operations, and Revenue Management.
As the Revenue Manager, her current role is to assist in growing top-line revenue for Country Inn & Suites and Liv’s five Hilton properties: DoubleTree, Hotel Alex Johnson – A Curio Collection, TRU, Home2 Suites, and Hampton Inn Deadwood at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort. Mrs. James has a wealth of knowledge in Property Management Systems ranging from Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, and Radisson systems. Using this knowledge, she is responsible for each hotel’s inventory management, pricing, revenue forecasting, and tracks the appropriate KPIs to aid in making sure the right strategy is in place for each hotel.
Mrs. James graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota. She enjoys spending time in the Black Hills with her husband and four children.
Jessie
Digital Guru
Jessie began her career with Liv Hospitality as the Digital Marketer in May 2019. Within her first year, she was promoted to her current role as the Digital Strategist. She earned a Bachelors in both Corporate Communications and Graphic Design from Black Hills State University. While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree, Jessie gained experience working in the marketing department and participating in both the Public Relations Club and Swarm Advertising Solutions Club at Black Hills State University. It is through her education, experience, and involvement at the University that Jessie discovered her passion for all things digital marketing. Outside of the office, Jessie is active outdoors and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
Morgan
Marketing Mastermind
Morgan Moller is the Marketing Director at Liv Hospitality and is our Marketing Mastermind. She joined the team in May 2019 after moving back to the Black Hills. Morgan completed her Master’s in Sport Management from the University of South Dakota and has a Bachelor’s in Sport Management from Bemidji State University.
When pursuing her degrees, Morgan was able to work for the sport marketing departments at both Bemidji State and the University of South Dakota, which allowed her to find her true passion and enjoyment for marketing. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, watching sports, and being outdoors!
Jake
Lord of the Ledgers
Jake Titus joined Liv Hospitality in May 2022 as the Corporate Controller. He was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a BS and Master of Accounting. He worked in Minneapolis as a public accountant for several years before moving west and continuing his auditing career in Rapid City before eventually joining the Liv Team. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the states of Minnesota and South Dakota.
His role as the Corporate Controller will be to assist with the completeness and accuracy of financial statements and daily accounting functions. Outside of the office, Jake can be found biking, hiking, and exploring the Black Hills with his wife and two dogs.