Darlene Vanderlaan
Regional Vice President of Finance
As Regional Vice President of Finance at CoralTree Hospitality, Darlene Vanderlaan provides strategic financial leadership and operational guidance to a diverse portfolio of properties. In her role, she focuses on driving performance through sound financial management, strengthening operational controls, and aligning business strategies with ownership and company goals. Darlene partners closely with operations and asset management teams to optimize results, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable growth across her region.
Drawn to hospitality for its unique blend of financial strategy and human connection, Darlene believes the industry’s true impact lies in creating meaningful guest experiences while delivering strong business performance. Her own passion for travel and discovering new cultures aligns naturally with her career, allowing her to support teams that deliver the kind of experiences she values most.
Darlene’s career in hospitality began as a hostess at Sonny’s BBQ in Orlando, where she first recognized the power of genuine service and guest loyalty. That early lesson in relationship-building continues to shape her leadership philosophy today. One of her proudest career achievements was spearheading a cross-functional “Raise the Bar” initiative that saved over 14,000 hours annually by streamlining processes, eliminating redundancies, and strengthening collaboration across teams.
For Darlene, CoralTree’s value of Relationships resonates most deeply. She believes that trust and collaboration—whether with team members, property leaders, or owners—are the foundation of lasting success.
When she’s not working, Darlene finds renewal through travel. To her, “Travel is Good for Your Soul” means rejuvenation—an opportunity to recharge, connect with loved ones, and experience the beauty of new destinations. One of her most memorable adventures was a trip to Ireland with family and friends, filled with laughter, unexpected detours, and unforgettable moments exploring castles and countryside roads.
