Celebrating our first female general manager

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are thrilled to highlight the remarkable journey of Rona Kay, general manager of the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge. A distinguished hospitality executive and proud UCLA alumna, Kay is the first woman to serve in this key leadership role.

Kay joined the Lake Arrowhead Lodge in 2024, bringing more than three decades of experience to her new role, where she leads a dynamic team of more than 200 professionals. Her career is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the hospitality industry.

With close to 25 years at Disney operations, she has held multiple leadership roles in entertainment, hospitality, guest services, attractions and food and beverage. This includes 14 years as a hotel general manager at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Beyond Disney, Kay has made significant contributions as the general manager of guest experience at Dallas Fort Worth Airport and in transformative roles with Carter Hospitality and Canyon Ranch Wellness Resorts.

Kay holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA and she is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the California Hotel & Lodging Association, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, Women in Lodging Association and American Culinary Federation. Her dedication to excellence was recognized in 2014 when she was named Hotel Manager of the Year by the California Hotel & Lodging Association.

The UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge, with its rich history spanning over a century, is a 50-acre conference center and family resort nestled in the picturesque San Bernardino Mountains. Located just 90 miles east of UCLA, this gorgeous Lake Arrowhead resort destination has been a beloved venue for meetings, conferences, retreats, team-building activities, weddings, special events and more. It also serves as an idyllic getaway for families, couples and solo travelers, welcoming guests with or without UCLA or UC affiliation, who are seeking relaxing, unique and inviting accommodations in Lake Arrowhead, California. Film and television shoots are also welcome. In addition, the Lodge consistently tops the list of best hotels in Lake Arrowhead and is a multi-year winner of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award.