Ryan Millage: A Proven Leader in Hospitality and Talent Acquisition

Ryan Millage is a name synonymous with excellence in the hospitality industry and human resources recruitment. With over 25 years of experience in full-cycle recruiting, talent acquisition, and hotel management, Ryan has built a reputation as a trusted business partner dedicated to driving growth and operational success. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Ryan’s career journey showcases a blend of leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for developing top talent and exceptional guest experiences.

Early Life and Education

Ryan Millage’s professional foundation was laid at Wayne State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and Communications between 1996 and 2000. His academic background in communications has been a cornerstone in shaping his ability to connect with people, foster relationships, and lead teams effectively. This education equipped him with the critical interpersonal and organizational skills necessary for success in the fast-paced hospitality and recruiting sectors.

Rise in the Hospitality Industry: Leadership at IHG Hotels & Resorts

Currently serving as the General Manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts in Omaha, Ryan Millage brings a wealth of experience and a results-driven approach to the role. Since assuming the leadership position in January 2024, he has overseen a team of over 100 personnel, managing every aspect of hotel operations, from guest services to facility management.

Key Achievements at IHG Hotels & Resorts

• Operational Excellence: Ryan successfully managed multiple capital projects valued at over $5 million, with a focus on enhancing the property’s aesthetics and guest experience. His strategic oversight ensured these investments delivered tangible improvements in service quality and hotel appeal.
• Financial Stewardship: With a sharp eye on profitability, Ryan closely monitored the hotel’s profit and loss statements, achieving a 12% reduction in costs without compromising service quality. His ability to optimize expenses while maintaining operational standards is a testament to his financial acumen.
• Training and Development: Recognizing the critical role of employee engagement, Ryan implemented a comprehensive training program that resulted in a 25% increase in guest satisfaction scores within the first year. This focus on staff development underscores his commitment to building a motivated and skilled workforce.
• Vendor Negotiations: Ryan’s negotiation skills resulted in a 15% reduction in supply costs while ensuring the high quality of guest amenities, demonstrating his balanced approach to cost management and service excellence.
• Recognition: Under his leadership, the property earned accolades within the IHG brand for exceptional customer service and operational standards, reinforcing Ryan’s reputation as a leader who drives results.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Owner of Gator’s Salsa

Beyond corporate management, Ryan Millage is also an entrepreneur. Since December 2014, he has owned and operated Gator’s Salsa, a food business based in Omaha, Nebraska. This venture reflects Ryan’s passion for business innovation and community engagement. Balancing the demands of running a growing company alongside a high-profile hospitality career illustrates his strong work ethic and versatile leadership.

Talent Acquisition and Recruiting Expertise

Ryan’s expertise extends deeply into the field of human resources, particularly in talent acquisition and full-cycle recruiting. His long-standing experience spans multiple industries and roles, making him a highly skilled HR professional with a strategic focus on attracting top talent to support company growth.

Atrium Hospitality

Between November 2022 and November 2023, Ryan served as the Area Talent Acquisition Midwest Recruiter for Atrium Hospitality. In this role, he managed recruiting efforts across seven hotel properties in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. His responsibilities included:

• Full-cycle recruiting for a variety of positions, from managerial roles to hourly staff.
• Partnering with HR teams to streamline hiring, onboarding, and training processes.
• Running background checks and managing recruitment data through Workday tracking systems.
• Developing training programs for hiring managers and HR staff.
• Enhancing community outreach efforts to strengthen local relationships and foster a sense of community.

Ryan’s hands-on approach and ability to coordinate across multiple properties showcased his capacity to manage complex recruiting operations with a personal touch.

Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta

From March 2018 to October 2022, Ryan worked as the Midwest Recruiting Manager for Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta, based in Omaha. He was instrumental in designing and updating recruiting procedures, supervising recruitment teams, and managing recruitment metrics such as time-to-hire and cost-per-hire. His role involved:

• Implementing innovative sourcing methods, including social recruiting and Boolean searches.
• Advising hiring managers on effective interviewing techniques.
• Enhancing the company brand to attract top candidates.
• Forecasting future hiring needs with department leaders.
• Ensuring compliance with labor legislation and participating in job fairs.

Ryan’s leadership in recruitment at Budget Car and Truck Rental reflects his adaptability and his dedication to aligning talent acquisition strategies with organizational goals.

Vatterott College

Ryan’s HR career began with an eight-year tenure at Vatterott College, where he served in various roles, including Education Advisor, Senior Recruiter, Career Services professional, and Human Resources team member. His role involved:

• Supervising admissions staff and leading teams to meet enrollment goals.
• Coordinating admissions in line with regulatory requirements.
• Managing lead systems and new student orientation.
• Delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining compliance.
• Utilizing Microsoft Office, Lead Management Systems, and CampusVue software to streamline operations.

This foundational experience in education and HR further refined Ryan’s skills in team leadership, compliance, and customer-focused service.

Hilton

Ryan’s early HR career included a decade at Hilton, where he was a Senior Corporate Recruiter based in Las Vegas. He performed full-cycle recruiting for multiple Hilton properties and the Grand Vacation Club, averaging 25-30 hires per month. His responsibilities encompassed:

• Training and mentoring recruitment teams.
• Developing recruitment programs tailored to corporate and individual needs.
• Traveling to various Hilton locations to train recruiters.
• Leading leadership training sessions.
• Managing candidate screening, background checks, and job offer processes.
• Conducting new hire training and benefits orientation.

Ryan’s extensive experience at Hilton laid the groundwork for his comprehensive understanding of recruitment, talent management, and HR operations.

Skills and Strengths

Ryan Millage’s career is marked by a diverse skill set that includes:

• Human Resources (HR): Expertise in full-cycle recruiting, employee engagement, and compliance.
• Talent Management: Building and nurturing talent pipelines aligned with business needs.
• Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS): Proficiency with Workday, CampusVue, and other systems.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills honed through public relations education and practical experience.
• Training & Development: Designing and implementing effective employee training programs.
• Performance Management: Monitoring and enhancing employee performance to meet organizational goals.

His technical proficiency in Internet sourcing and behavioral candidate evaluations also supports his ability to identify and attract high-quality talent.

Ryan Millage in Omaha: Community and Professional Impact

Ryan’s career and entrepreneurial ventures reflect a deep commitment to Omaha and the broader Midwest region. His work with multiple hospitality properties, local recruitment efforts, and community outreach programs demonstrates his role as a business leader and community partner.

His leadership at IHG Hotels & Resorts directly contributes to Omaha’s reputation in the hospitality industry, while Gator’s Salsa adds a unique entrepreneurial flavor to the local food scene.

Also Read: Steve Seibert, A Visionary Leader Bridging Law, Public Service, and Civic Innovation

Conclusion

Ryan Millage exemplifies the ideal blend of strategic leadership, HR expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a career spanning over two decades, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to drive organizational growth through talent acquisition, operational excellence, and employee development.

From his educational foundation at Wayne State College to his current role leading a large hotel operation and owning a successful food business, Ryan’s journey is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and a passion for people.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, professionals like Ryan Millage, who combine operational leadership with talent management expertise, will remain essential to business success and community vitality.