Jess Fanelle, CPA

Controller and Director of Human Resources
830.336.9152
jfanelle@cordilleraranch.com
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

How did you become employed at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch?

I was approached by Monty Becton, our General Manager, when the position became available. While he was searching for the controller candidate, my profile came up. He realized that we met when I was working as a controller at Oak Hills Country Club. When he approached me for the position, I couldn’t have been happier.

What past work history prepared you for The Clubs?

I went to Cesar Ritz Colleges in Switzerland for International Hospitality Management. Afterwards, I was a management trainee at the Park Hyatt Chicago and it was there that I became more interested in the accounting department. I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in Hospitality Management at Hilton College, University of Houston with an emphasis on accounting and finance. I have worked at the Warwick Hotel in Houston and became a controller at Forest Club in Houston. Then, Oak Hills Country Club brought me to San Antonio where I was a Controller/Director of HR for almost nine years. Other jobs include the Hilton San Antonio Hill Country Hotel and Spa, A’GACI headquarters (retail) and Rackspace. However, my heart belongs to the hospitality industry and I was waiting for the right company to come up.

What makes your colleagues an asset to The Clubs? 

The Accounting/Human Resources department works very closely both with internal members (staff) and external members (our Club members). My staff keeps The Club in check and plays a very important role in creating a wonderful work environment at The Club. In order to work together well, I try to engage and communicate with them as much as possible at every different level.

What has been your most rewarding professional experience?

I strongly feel that working here at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch will be it.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?

I find handling employee-related matters very challenging as the laws and regulations are constantly changing and evolving. The only way to overcome this is to keep learning and being familiarized with them.

What do you like most about working at Cordillera Ranch?

It’s the most beautiful club with such a wonderful staff.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love travelling with my family. I

promised my son that we, as a family, will hit all 50 states!

Favorite quote or motto?

Your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one.