Meet Our Executive Team
Jim O'Connell, CEO
Jim O’Connell is CEO of Capri, Inc. the business his grandfather, J.E. O’Connell founded in 1929 and ran until 1975. James O’Connell II (Jim’s father) expanded the business from 1975 to 1994.
Jim was born in Minnesota, raised in Montana and is presently living in Arizona. After Jim graduated from Capital High School he attended the Kansas City Art Institute, earned a BFS in Fine Arts and continued on to receive a MFA in Fine Arts from Montana State University.
During Jim’s tenure as CEO he has expanded into nationwide businesses including building three warehouses, radio stations, a ranch, hotels and a winery. He started in the business in 1989 and became CEO in 1994. They have since sold all of the warehouses and the radio stations
He has built 14 hotels and remodeled or repositioned 10 hotels of which 10 are still owned and operated by Capri, Inc. Capri Hospitality Management was formed in 2015 to manage the hotels.
Barbara Damiano-Marshall, Chief Operating Officer/CHM
As Chief Operating Officer, Barbara oversees all operations of the CHM Portfolio. Barbara has over 15 years of experience in the lodging industry, beginning her hospitality career with Marriott in the Denver area in 2007. She served as Vice President of Sales for CHM, overseeing the various brands such as Home2 Suites, Homewood Suites, and Hampton Inns.
Bringing over 15 years of Sales & Marketing and Revenue Management expertise to the hotel industry. With a 10-year focus on upscale extended stay purpose built properties to include both nationally recognized brands and independent branded hotels. Specialize in working with multiple properties in both property and regional positions, developing account saturation strategies that identify new business and penetrate existing accounts, and executing these new plans to increase revenue, brand awareness and overall top line success for the assigned portfolio.
In her personal time, she loves to travel with her husband and spend time with their 2 granddaughters.
Brad Bruno, Vice President of Accounting
Brad Bruno is Certified Public Accountant and VP of Accounting for Capri Inc. He has worked for the company since 1998. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Montana.
In his position, Brad oversees and manages the accounting department, prepares and files the companies’ tax returns, keeps up-to-date on current tax procedures and developments, prepares financial statements, and reviews operating procedures.
Prior to working for Capri Inc., Brad was a corporate tax auditor for the Montana Department of Revenue. In this position, he conducted in-state and out-of-state audits on a variety of companies who do business in the Montana.
Brad lives in Great Falls, MT with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, family camping trips and watching his boys play sports.
Shanna Auer, Vice President of Human Resources
Shanna Auer is the Director of Human Resources for Capri Hospitality Management, LLC. She has 17 years of Human Resource experience with the last 12 years focused on hospitality. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Montana State University as well as PHR and SHRM-CP professional certifications.
Shanna enjoys the hospitality industry as it brings together a unique blend of human resource and guest service. As both industries continue to grow and change, the focus on people is more important than ever. She strives to bring the best experience to both associates and guests through a culture that is passionate about people. Shanna supports the properties with all human resources related activities including developing and communicating policies, recruitment and selection, training and development, on-boarding and retention, associate relations, brand standards, and legal compliance.
Shanna lives in Arizona and in her free time enjoys traveling, cooking, and the company of family & friends.