Communications & Family Events Manager
830.336.9172 / msoltis@cordilleraranch.com
Hometown: Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania (it’s fun to hear people try to pronounce my hometown)
Family Members: Mom, Dad, 1 brother, 2 sisters
How did you become employed at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch?
I was fortunate enough to play the front 9 holes before I worked here and just seeing how beautiful the whole property was, and how so incredibly kind everyone was, I knew I wanted to work here. I kept looking at the website and Indeed for job openings and this role popped up one day. I was thrilled and applied right away! I interviewed with a few of the directors and Marc DeWall, and a short while later, Marc called to offer me the job!
What past work history prepared you for The Clubs?
My first major job after college was a Marketing and Administrative Assistant to Golf Operations at TPC Sawgrass where I managed the social media and communications. I then moved to Texas where I worked at TPC San Antonio drafting communications for the members and employees, promoting member golf tournaments, assisting with Valero Texas Open and more. I also planned social events for the members and their kids. I was grateful that all of my previous work experience fit the bill perfectly for my role here at the Ranch!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The people here have been absolutely wonderful. All of the members have been so nice and welcomed me with smiles and great conversations. All of the staff have been incredible as well.
I am very lucky to be a part of Cordillera Ranch! You can’t beat the beautiful views either!
What inspired you to pursue work in this field?
I love the digital world of creativity. I took graphic design, journalism and production classes through high school and college. Golf is my other passion from growing up next to a golf course and watching golf on TV with my dad almost every Sunday afternoon. I am so grateful to use these two passions to continue in this field.
What’s the funniest thing to happen to you in this business?
Rory McIlroy is my favorite professional golfer of all time. When I worked at TPC SA, someone gave me a huge 3×2-foot photo of him winning THE PLAYERS. Naturally, I hung it in my office. At the 2021 Valero Texas Open, Rory was in the field and the staff knew how much I liked him so they brought him to my office to say hello. He sees the photo of himself on my wall and says, “Ya know, not even my wife has a picture of me on her wall!” I don’t even remember what I said but I did feel my face turn as red as a tomato. Then he just lightly patted my back and said it was really nice to meet me. By far the best and funniest moment of my career so far!
What do you do in your free time?
For outdoor activities, I like to play golf or find small towns to walk around to try their restaurants and shop at their local places, but a lot of my favorite days are curling up with a warm blanket, new book and cup of hot chocolate!
What is your secret to happiness?
It may sound cliché, but I truly always see the glass half full and try to be grateful for everything. Even if it doesn’t seem like a good thing, I think there must be a reason this is happening and I will realize it someday. I also try to make others around me happy. Just a smile and asking someone how they are can make all the difference in their day and your own! Ice cream sundaes help, too.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was really little, I wanted to be an author. I would write little stories and poems for my parents all the time and loved to read, even at an early age.
Who would your ideal dinner guests be?
Frank Sinatra, Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Scott from “The Office.”
What’s on your bucket list?
Ireland is definitely at the top, going to The Masters, an African safari, publish a book!