Our Team

Nichelle Cooper
Office Manager
Assigned Property Manager - Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel, Ballard, Utah Assigned Property Manager - Best Western Plus Heber Valley Hotel, Heber City, Utah
Nichelle was born and raised in Roosevelt, Utah, and has been an integral part of the company for over 11 years. She is currently pursuing her MBA with a focus on Accounting. Nichelle has also earned her Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) certification, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and professional development in the hospitality industry.Nichelle’s passion for creating memorable guest experiences and her dedication to delivering superior service have been key drivers of her successful career.

Marti Tomlinson
General Manager - Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel, Ballard, Utah
Marti Tomlinson graduated from Brewer High School in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1999 and worked in various industries, including grocery, retail, law enforcement, and hospitality. She discovered that hospitality was the perfect fit, thanks to her southern charm and people skills. Marti joined our company in October 2020 as a part-time housekeeper, quickly rising to Assistant Housekeeping Manager due to her dedication and hard work.Eager to grow, Marti cross-trained in every department, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business. By December 2021, she was promoted to Assistant General Manager, and just ten months later, in October 2022, she became General Manager. Along the way, she completed General Manager Professional Development certification and is now pursuing her Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA) certification.Her leadership motto—'Great leadership is the cornerstone of our company's success. As leaders, we are forever learners—sometimes you win, sometimes you learn'—embodies her journey from housekeeper to General Manager, reflecting her commitment to growth and excellence.

Chris Sims
General Manager - Best Western Plus Heber Valley Hotel, Heber City, Utah
Christine Sims is the General Manager of the Best Western Plus Heber Valley Hotel, where she has led for eight years, earning multiple awards for leadership and business performance. Known for her strategic thinking, strong work ethic, and hospitable nature, she is admired as a role model for future leaders. Christine is eager to advance her career with Henderson 500 and is committed to continuous learning and personal growth. She also actively gives back, volunteering weekly at Paws for Life, a local animal rescue. Her goals for the next year include learning a new skill and expanding her community service efforts.

Jessica Basso Vasquez
Assigned Property Manager - SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, Price, Utah
General Manager - SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, Price, Utah
Jessica was born in Sacramento, California. Although she lived there only during her early years, she loved spending time at the beach and hanging out with her siblings. At the age of 11, she moved to Price, Utah, which she has since called home. She graduated from high school in 1991 and attended a local college, studying Business Management and Cosmetology. However, her life took a different direction when she and her fiancé opened a car dealership and began purchasing rental properties. Jessica has managed a variety of rental properties for over 35 years.In 2019, Jessica began her journey in the Lodging and Hospitality industry as an Assistant General Manager at a local hotel in Price, Utah. Despite having little prior knowledge of the hotel industry, she quickly immersed herself in learning and gaining the expertise needed to excel as a hotel operator. She eventually became the General Manager of the property, which was purchased by Henderson 500 in 2023. Jessica now serves as the General Manager and Assigned Property Manager for the hotel. She is optimistic about the future, stating, 'I see a bright future for our hotel when we work hard for the same purpose, unified as a team.'In addition to balancing two full-time career positions, Jessica is a mother of four, a grandmother of two, and has two fur babies. She and her husband enjoy camping, UTV rides, hunting, and anything that involves being outdoors. Jessica loves spending time with her grandsons, practicing photography, working in her yard, and relaxing with her husband. Family is incredibly important to her, and her passion for both her work and her family is what motivates her every day.

Angelica Anderton
Assistant General Manager - Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel, Ballard, Utah
Angelica was born in Mexico and moved to Roosevelt, Utah, at 18 months old. She completed her GED at 18 and began her hospitality career in 1998 as a housekeeper at a Best Western. Her experience expanded in July 2007 at SpringHill Suites, where she worked in housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry. She then joined the Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel, taking on front desk and breakfast service roles.Angelica started with the Landmark Hotel before its official opening in January 2013. In November 2014, she earned her Certified Front Desk Manager certification, underscoring her commitment to excellence. In August 2023, she was promoted to Assistant General Manager, while continuing as Front Desk Manager.With over 10 years at Henderson 500, Angelica is the company's longest-tenured employee and a key contributor to its success. Her passion for helping people drives her dedication to the hospitality industry.

Keaton Ross
Director of Sales
Assigned Property Manager - Best Western Cañon City, Cañon City, Colorado
Keaton was born and raised in Roosevelt, Utah, where he grew up on a farm and learned the value of hard work and how to interact with others. This foundation led Keaton to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, eventually bringing him under the Henderson 500 umbrella. Keaton began his career shadowing Kevin Henderson at the Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel in Ballard, Utah, where he was eventually hired as a part-time public area attendant.He went on to attend Utah Valley University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management while continuing to grow in the industry. In 2017, Keaton helped open the Best Western Plus Heber Valley Hotel in Heber City, Utah, as the Front Desk Manager, where he worked with his team to earn multiple awards.In 2022, Keaton was invited by the CEO of Henderson 500 to join the team as Director of Sales. In this role, he assisted in the acquisition of the SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western in Price, Utah, and the Best Western in Cañon City, Colorado. Keaton currently serves as the Director of Sales for three of the four hotels under Henderson 500 and also acts as the Assigned Property Manager for the Best Western in Cañon City, Colorado.Keaton looks forward to many more years with Henderson 500, ready to embrace any challenges that come his way.

Kirtricia Byars
General Manager - Best Western Cañon City, Cañon City, Colorado
Kirtricia was born in Boise, Idaho and raised in several states. Moving several times as her father was in the military.  In her teenage years she ended up moving to her parents home town of Rexburg, Idaho with her mother and two brothers.  Her customer service career began there working in a video store and a couple of restaurants.  She has had the opportunity to live in multiple states in her adult life.  Always working in customer service in many different capacities.  She moved to Canon City, Colorado in 2011.  In 2013 she began working in hospitality at Best Western Canon City.  She has been at the same property for 11 years.  The property is now owned by Henderson 500 and she hopes to have a long and rewarding career with them.

Jaime Alexander
Corporate Data Entry Clerk
Jaime Alexander is a highly organized and detail-oriented Data Entry Clerk. While she has only been with the Henderson 500 team for 4 months, Jaime brings over 15 years of experience providing administrative support in data entry, customer service, HR, and occupational safety across various industries, including retail and transportation. Jaime is proficient in data entry, problem-solving, and the development and implementation of procedures that enhance productivity and efficiency. She also upholds a high level of integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive information. Jaime takes pride in her role and strives to ensure the smooth and accurate flow of information within our organization. Her combination of skills and dedication makes her a valuable asset in this critical role.Outside of work, Jaime enjoys relaxing with a good book, playing the piano, spending time with family and friends, and serving her community. On weekends, she works with individuals with disabilities, teaching them life skills and supporting their efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle at home and in the community. Her life motto is: 'All are deserving of a good quality of life. It is possible to achieve great things by setting attainable goals and having the determination to follow through.

Kristen McClellan
Director of Human Resources
Kristen is an accomplished HR Director with a unique blend of expertise in human resources and counseling. With a Master’s degree in Counseling and two years of experience as an HR Director, she brings a strong understanding of employee well-being and organizational dynamics. Kristen was mentored for over a year by Brooke Castillo, founder of the multi-million-dollar company, The Life Coach School, where she further developed her skills in leadership, coaching, and strategic HR management. Her ability to create environments where employees thrive makes her an invaluable asset to any organization.

Kevin Henderson
Chief Operating Officer
Alongside his father Stephen since 1998, Kevin Henderson has developed and managed several residential and commercial properties. Kevin has specialized in mastering the art of hospitality and the operations in hotels. “I love serving others and inspiring our properties to embrace the true sprit of hospitality. I find my years of experience working in all aspect of a hotel absolutely invaluable. From housekeeping and laundry, to sales and management, I know exactly what it takes to create an award-winning property.”

Stephen Henderson
Chief Executive Officer
Stephen Henderson has been developing and managing commercial property for most of his adult life. Along with his vast experience in the hospitality industry, Stephen has also found success in a number of other business ventures."I am an entrepreneur. I believe that everyone in the world deserves the chance to turn their dreams into a reality. Hard work, honesty, genuine concern for the customer's needs, and delivering a superior product and service is how I do business."