Puffin Inn Alaska Manager’s Special

John Cahoon, General Manager

John Cahoon was born and raised in Methuen, Massachusetts .  John moved to Alaska in 2007 to work for a large resort property at Denali National Park .  Upon completion of the 2008 Denali travel season, John took on responsibility as General Manager of the Puffin Inn.  Prior to Alaska , John worked for 10 years in Hospitality management for national chains such as Red Roof Inns, Extended Stay Hotels, and Holiday Inn.  John believes that having FUN with our guests and each other is the keystone to exceptional customer service, work, and life experiences.  John has two children, Lily (6 years old) and Madelyn (2 years old) who will, someday, work at the Puffin Inn as well!
Mary “Kat” Hoopingarner, Assistant General Manager 

Kat hails from Maryland and is an avid Baltimore Orioles fan.  Kat moved to Denali in April of 2008 and was the Front Desk Manager of the McKinley Chalet Resort.  Kat fell in love with Alaska and decided to move here permanently at the conclusion of the Denali travel season.  Kat has prior experience as a 911 operator and a Museum Curator/Historian.  Kat joined the Puffin management team in October of 2008.  Next time you see Kat, Congratulate her on her on becoming Mrs. Tim Hoopingarner on July 25th, 2009.

Sonja Jorgensen, Director of Finance and Marketing

Sonja has over 20 years experience in the hotel industry, many of them at the Puffin Inn.  She pays the bills, writes the paychecks and handles the marketing for the Hotel.  She works hard to keep Jay and John steered in the right direction.  Her son, Joel, is also a frequent helper at the Puffin Inn and plans to own it one day.