BHG LEADERSHIP

Founder and CEO, BHG

Arthur Backal

An expert in all aspects of dining, hospitality and celebrations, Arthur F. Backal is the CEO of Backal Hospitality Group (BHG) and has overseen world-renowned venues and executed thousands of milestone events for over 30 years. 

As a deeply respected voice and industry veteran, Arthur has supplied his magic touch in the development of numerous iconic hotels and restaurants around the world.  He has also managed 20+ event spaces and offered consulting services on countless projects in New York City.

Properties that Arthur currently operates and/or owns throughout New York City include: Apella, an Alexandria Event Space, Riverpark, and Little River  on the edge of Manhattan’s East River; live music and game hall Cellar Dog in the West Village; the new Jazz Club at the Aman New York; recently re-opened TBar Restaurant in midtown Manhattan; and VERSA Restaurant and Rooftop in the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel. The Event Management Firm State of the Art Enterprises is also in his portfolio of companies. Arthur’s expertise in venue management has led him to expand his services beyond NYC and help establish Apella RT, an Alexandria Event Space, in North Carolina’s Research Triangle.

Before founding BHG, and from the start of his career, Arthur worked with iconic New York hospitality institutions.  He spearheaded the re-opening of The St. Regis New York, overseeing the entire food and beverage operation, and was also credited with restoring The Pierre to its legendary grandeur during his tenure as Director of Catering. Arthur was also with Mandarin Oriental, Cipriani Group, The Plaza Hotel,  The Waldorf Astoria, and The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. 

As a native New Yorker, Arthur received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from The School of Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, one of the world’s leading hospitality programs. He has been recognized in several publications as a leader in hospitality.  Most notably, Arthur was inducted into the BizBash Hall of Fame in 2011.

In addition to his contribution to the hospitality industry, Arthur is involved with a variety of not-for-profit organizations including the Food Allergy Research Education (FARE), City Harvest, Robin Hood, Navy Seal Foundation, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Thank Our Heroes, and several others. 

Dividing his time between Manhattan and Brookville in Nassau County, Arthur lives in New York with his wife Liana and family. 

VP of Operations, BHG

Allen Atwell

A seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years in New York City Food and Beverage Operations. Allen achieved his Bachelor’s in Science for Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence.  In his previous roles, he was the Director of Food & Beverage at HUDSON with Morgan Hotel Group as well as Food & Beverage Operations at the New York Hilton Midtown.

He joined Backal Hospitality Group in 2016 as Director of Operations, with a vision to rebrand the now popular midtown rooftop, VERSA.  His hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail successfully modernized the local culture and mentored his management team to full potential.  

In 2019, he oversaw CNVS events in his role as VP of Operations where he developed the catering program, design, execution of events for all of Backal Hospitality. As VP of all Food & Beverage, he now oversees operations at all Backal locations.

He loves stepping into hidden gems; from a jazzy piano bar to a dusty local shop, either to add to his personal collection of rare books and typewriters or as a quirky addition to the décor of one of the locations he curates.

VP of Culinary, BHG

German Villatoro

A well-traveled and passionate Executive Chef and Director of Culinary with over 25 years of experience in restaurants, events, and private settings, Chef German Villatoro has nurtured a love for food beginning with his mother’s cooking, growing up in El Salvador.  He credits his time with Rosewood Hotel & Restaurants in the Caribbean and working in 8 of America’s best food cities, as well as his upbringing, for his dedication to utilizing local flavors and sustainable ingredients to create an inspiring menu.

Villatoro’s extensive experience includes well-known brands such as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons, Conrad Hotels, Morgans Hotel Group, and the Michelin-rated La Grenouille restaurant.  With his most recent project as Director of Culinary for Convene, he was at the helm of what started as a small team but under his leadership, rapidly grew into a formidible leader in the industry for menu concepts and kitchen design.  He has also been featured in GQ Magazine, awarded by NYC Food & Wine Festival, and winner of Thrillist “Taco Takedown”.

VP of Sales and Marketing, BHG

Susan Silhan

Susan has over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and event planning for public, private, and non-profit institutions.  She was an original team member at Apella by Alexandria where she led the event sales team and managed hundred of events each year.  Her career began in event marketing at Jefferies, a full-service investment bank, coordinating investor conferences and corporate sponsorships.  Most recently she led marketing and communications for SCALE Healthcare and its subsidiaries, ensuring quality and consistency across the family of brands and helping them achieve the number one fastest growing company award in 2022 presented by Consulting Magazine.  Susan graduated with a BA from the University of Virginia, enjoys adventures with her husband and two daughters, and is a certified yoga instructor.

Director of Events, SOTA & BHG

Dawn Celovsky

For 20 years, Dawn has been at the forefront of State of the Art, expertly curating and managing countless momentous occasions. Her effortless can-do attitude, creative resourcefulness, and ability to stay ahead of the trends is what she prides herself on. Each event is a one-of-a-kind production that reflects the individual’s personal style and tastes. She contributes a strong understanding of logistical production and conveys calming guidance, allowing clients to step back and savor the special moments. When she is not crunching numbers or masterminding a special detail for an event, Dawn’s biggest production is being mom to Daniel, 9, and Antonia, 5 months. She resides in Staten Island with her childhood sweetheart Thomas and their 2 children.

Director of Human Resources, BHG

Tina Marie Valente Ortiz

As a certified professional in Human Resources, Tina Marie has dedicated her professional work in advancing strategies to create positive organizational cultures. With a career that spans sixteen years, most notably serving as the head of Human Resources for the New York Operations of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, she brings an acute knowledge and talent to the workplace. Her passion lies within her family, and she enjoys pilates in her free time.

Director of Business Strategy, BHG

Joseph Choi

Joe Choi, Director of Business Strategy, leads a team of hospitality professionals and oversees the execution of all operations throughout Backal Group and its subsidiaries. Prior to this position, he spent over 10 years working in the nightlife/restaurant industry throughout New York and New Jersey. Previous companies include Morgans Hotel Group, now SBE Entertainment Group and Hakkasan Group. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and pursuing his health and fitness goals.

Director of Events, Apella & Riverpark

Nina Lambert

Prior to joining Apella, Nina spent 7 years on the events team at Mandarin Oriental, New York, most recently as Catering Sales Manager. Nina has an undergraduate and graduate degree from Johnson & Wales University including a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Travel/Tourism with concentrations in Sales, Meeting & Event Management and Economics, as well as a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). Culinary school sparked a passion in nutrition, making fresh juices & smoothies or cooking plant-based recipes are a favorite pastime. She’s always living for the next adventure, whether spontaneous travel plans, a day spent hiking or most recently, a Yoga Teacher Training certification!

Director of Operations, Apella & Riverpark

Nicole Ehrenfeld

Nicole began her hospitality experience in 2013 with Morgans Hotel Group at HUDSON Hotel as a member of the Bars team, overseeing floor reservations for Hudson Bar, Library Bar, Private Park, and Sky Terrace. After two years of floor service, Nicole was promoted to an F&B Coordinator position, assisting the sales team with large event reservations, bar buyouts, and curated events. Nicole was then recruited by LTH Hospitality, overseeing “The Vine” by Laurent Tourondel until early 2020.

During the Pandemic, Nicole was recruited by Concrete Hospitality & the ‘In Good Company’ Group to oversee the F&B program of the new Courtyard by Marriott at Hudson Yards. Nicole opened the full-service restaurant, hotel bar, and catering operations, while also wearing many other hats during the height of the labor shortage.

In December 2021, Nicole joined our family at Riverpark as our Senior Operations Manager, overseeing our
Riverpark catering operation for both Riverpark and Apella by Alexandria. Nicole has been instrumental in bridging the two businesses together, forming our new catering team, and bringing her electric energy everyday.

Director of Facilities, BHG

Charles DiStefano

Bio coming soon!

Head of Philanthropy, BHG

Liana Silverstein Backal

A powerful advocate and fundraiser for food allergies, Liana co-founded Food Allergy Initiative (FAI – now known as FARE) in 1998. She has dedicated her life to finding a cure for life threatening food allergies. She has helped create and implement policies for schools, camps, airlines and countless other institutions.  She has personally trained restaurants, hotels and universities worldwide (most notably Georgetown University) and has lobbied for stricter and clearer labeling laws before the FDA. A trusted resource, she has provided epinephrine for public places and has been integral in all areas of this growing health epidemic, including counseling families afflicted and participating in clinical trials with leading scientists. 

Liana is on the top sales team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. She has worked in real estate since college where she received an undergraduate Finance Degree from NYU’s Stern School of Business. She has strategic and complex sales strategies which include design and contract work. Fiercely loyal with attention to detail and discretion are key strengths in both real estate and the non-profit industries. 

A lifelong philanthropist raised in a real estate family, Liana’s networks span all industry and backgrounds. She is involved with asthma and allergy research at the leading hospital and scientific institutions such as Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, FASI at The Broad Institute in Boston, National Jewish Hospital in Denver. Other important causes include The Jed Foundation (teen suicide prevention), Columbia Psychiatry (Dr Jeffrey Lieberman), Child Mind Institute (Dr. Howard Koplewicz), Chron’s and Colitis Foundation, The Navy Seals, and her children’s schools.

Born in Brazil and raised on Long Island, she lives on the Upper East Side with her husband and daughter and is also the proud mother of two adult sons.

Director of Finance, Apella & BHG

Helen Tran

Helen Tran oversees all accounting procedures including accounts payables, accounts receivables, and purchasing. Prior to joining Apella in 2010, Helen was a receivables coordinator in the accounting department at the Rainbow Room by Cipriani in Rockefeller Center. Ms. Tran graduated from Queens College, City University of New York with a BA in Accounting. Aside from her passion for running and traveling, Helen enjoys “foodie” adventures with her husband and two sons in New York City.

Digital Marketing Manager, BHG

Halle Gilbert

Halle Gilbert has spent over a decade in and around the hospitality industry, discovering her passion for it while working at a small breakfast café during her time at the University of Idaho. After graduation, she spent 3 years working in website merchandising in Silicon Valley and San Francisco, primarily in the wine industry. Missing the excitement, chaos, and intimacy that comes with being in a restaurant, she moved to the Boise area, splitting her time between bar and restaurant management, event planning, and freelance photography. She eventually followed her passions to New York, working as Maître d’ and Event Coordinator for Dante NYC.

Halle joined BHG as Digital Marketing Manger in 2022. Here, she is able to marry her love for F&B with the exciting and creative landscape of digital brand marketing. In her spare time, Halle enjoys making art, traveling to new places, exploring new dining experiences, and backpacking and skiing as much as possible. 

General Manager, Cellar Dog

Eric Hernandez

New York City’s own, Eric Hernandez has been deeply rooted within the world of hospitality for well over a decade. He recently opened our Cellar Dog location as General Manager overseeing operations alongside a team of blossoming industry professionals. Prior to this chapter of his career, he further developed his craft at our VERSA property for four years after spending the previous three at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. An absolute sports junkie, has an ever-growing closet, and is a proud new father to a baby boy.

Beverage Director, Riverpark

Greg DeVico

Greg started with Backal Hospitality Group in 2017 as Beverage Director at VERSA, prior to which, he spent 7 months in South Africa, immersing himself in the wine culture and knowledge, an influence and passion that reflected in his opening beverage program. Since then, he has since achieved the WSET Level 3 Award and continues to pursue his Diploma with WSET.

In 2018, he furthered his tableside proficiency as a Sommelier at The Mark by Jean Georges as well as joining the opening Sommelier team at Oceans on Park Ave. A true wine enthusiast, he explores the city’s wine lists in search of his next favorite glass, paired with a novel – preferably with notes of historical fiction.

Director of Events, Versa

Tiffany Yong

A New York native, Tiffany developed a passion for events while working as an Event Manager for a nonprofit. After graduating from Marist College, she spent four years working for TJX Corporate Buying Office in LA before eventually returning to events and taking clients of her own, including friends, family, and other corporate companies. Tiffany followed this passion Versa, where she now directs and executes many types of events ranging from small and intimate to large and extravagant. Tiffanycontinues her nonprofit work as a Mentor for Big Brother Big Sister. She also loves to travel, having lived abroad in Florence for six months.

Managing Director, Aman Jazz Club

Sebastian Lefavre

Sebastien Lefavre has been loyal to the New York City hospitality industry for the past 17 years. He has experienced the full scope of the business by working his way up through the ranks.  He’s served in the capacity of wait staff, bartender, and eventually manager of some of the most well-known and respected establishments which include Goldbar, Rose Bar, and et al. His unique journey has resulted in an impeccable knowledge for driving growth, implementing key operational improvements, and creating strategic alliances to effectively align with and support business goals.  Balancing his ambitious and steadfast personality with his infectious sense of humor, Sebastien has created a style of service that has proven to make him both memorable and successful. With a keen eye for revenue generating ideas, and curating an exceptional room, Sebastien’s intuitive mind has led him to partner and cultivate relationships with some of the industries most admired driving forces. Sebastien continues to seek new and innovate projects that will expand his expertise and fuel his appetite for shifting ideas into successful outcomes.     

General Manager, Aman Jazz Club

Briana Swan

Briana Swann hails from San Jose , California with a background in performing arts. Moving to New York City in 2008 to pursue an artistic career, she quickly realized the bridge connecting the arts to the hospitality industry and decided to embark on that journey. Working in some of New York’s greatest establishments like the Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel, Briana learned to hone her skills, propelling her into various environments that would further her career. Joining BHG has been exhilarating as she has been able to connect her two worlds of art and hospitality. 

Event Coordinator, Cellar Dog

Jay Romero

Jay Romero, Event Coordinator at Cellar Dog, received a BFA in Musical Theatre from State University of New York at Fredonia and has been working in the industry for the past five years.

Jay has been with Backal Hospitality Group since 2019 and joined the Cellar Dog team in 2022 as part of the newly established Events Program. Since joining BHG, Jay has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for providing excellent customer service. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Jay is also committed to continuous learning and personal development, exploring topics related to fitness and mental health.

General Manager, Versa

Leka Bratotini

Leka, Assistant General Manager at Versa, has a passion for the hospitality industry that started at a very young age. He comes from a family whose Sunday dinner rituals were rather grandiose for a small family in the Balkans. He inevitably found himself in the restaurant world and fell in love with it. It quickly turned into a long-lasting career of serving, bartending, and managing some of the top restaurants in NYC.

Leka began as a busser while in high school, working in one of his cousin’s restaurants on the Upper East Side. He spent a little over a year bartending at Benjamin Steakhouse. He then moved on to lead the service team at Morandi Ristorante, a Keith McNally operation. During his time at Morandi, Leka often won awards for wine sales and was recognized as employee of the month on multiple occasions. Next, Leka worked as a valued senior member of the service team at Lavo Restaurant, one the most popular venues in the country owned by some of the top restaurateurs in the industry. For the last couple of years, he worked in some of Westchester premier country clubs where he polished his experience and gained a wealth of knowledge in dealings with private member clubs.

Leka likes to spend his free time engaging in outdoor activities surrounded by friends and family. He enjoys playing tennis, mountain biking, basketball and hiking. Leka takes great pride in teaching his children the activities he enjoys. 

Events Manager, Apella RT

Cendy Knight

Prior to joining Apella RT, Cendy spent sixteen years at Hello! DMC (Destination Management Company) and 360DG, growing from Operations Manager to Account Executive to Director. As a senior leader in the DMC industry, she worked closely with event planners to organize and execute their incentive programs, training programs, client appreciation events, and product launches. Prior to working with corporate groups, Cendy worked as a wedding planner. She is comfortable working with small and large groups for any type of gathering.  In her free time, Cendy enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She also loves visiting beaches, rivers, and lakes while paddle boarding, jet skiing, and sometimes just relaxing.