Leah Goodnight Tyler, Director of Marketing

 

Inspired by smart design, artful innovation and a creative work environment, Leah Goodnight Tyler felt an immediate connection with The Umstead Hotel and Spa during the early stages of its development into a 12-acre landmark destination in Cary, N.C. Supported by nearly 20 years of hospitality and retail experience, Leah took hold of The Umstead’s marketing efforts in spring 2009 to fortify and communicate the property's holistic philosophy - merging art, nature and the heritage of North Carolina - to the local community and beyond. Her impeccable eye for detail and design paired with a radiant passion for The Umstead’s concept have positioned her as a respected leader in the field, where she brings the beauty of nature into the daily life and operations at the property as Director of Marketing.

 

Leah’s mother Ann, the founder, owner and visionary of The Umstead, first encouraged her involvement in 2006 during preparations for the January 2007 opening. Assisting with art buying, Leah also spearheaded the launch of The Gift Shop, utilizing her keen sense for home décor, fine art and contemporary design. The Gift Shop, winner of the National Retailers Excellence Award for Visual Merchandising, stands as one of the hotel’s definitive highlights, featuring hand-selected items that embody both an art gallery perspective and chic home design boutique. Leah’s cornerstone shop includes decorative items from Michael Aram, handcrafted pottery from third generation Seagrove artist Ben Owen III, photography and batiks from North Carolina artist Amy Chapman Braun, and other renowned regional and national artisans.

 

Leah's eye for natural beauty and design is reflected throughout the hotel. She curates the art for The Umstead's gallery, choosing that which echoes the natural world. Each year she organizes four rotating, single-artist shows, featuring regional artists whose work mirrors the Art and Nature themes of the hotel and permanent collection.

 

Her fine taste for modern fashion and design became the foundation of her first independent venture, Beanie + Cecil, a chain of women’s clothing boutiques located in Raleigh and Wilmington, N.C., featuring contemporary, trendsetting clothing collections from young designers. Leah owned and operated Beanie + Cecil until 2005, when she transitioned to her current position at The Umstead.

 

She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Duke University in Durham, N.C., followed by numerous leadership roles among professional and philanthropic organizations. She dedicated time as an active member on the Board of Directors for Wake Education Partnership, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Contemporary Art Museum, the Contemporary Art Foundation, the Goodnight Educational Foundation and last year she joined the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Leah is also a member of the Raleigh Fine Arts Society. When away from work, she enjoys reading, exercising, cooking, collecting art and spending time with her husband and two children at home in Raleigh, N.C.