Our Board

Our Board of Directors is a distinguished group of leaders whose collective vision and extensive expertise in the hospitality industry are the driving force behind the Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation. With a shared passion for our mission, each member brings a unique skill set and a profound commitment to guiding our organization toward a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Shelly Nowell

President, Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation

snowell@deepwatershospitality.org

From her earliest job at a famous Chicago pizzeria—where she first discovered the joy of serving others—Shelly Nowell has built a life and career centered on the power of hospitality. Growing up in a city known for its world-class pizza, she learned at a young age that true customer service means creating meaningful connections and having fun while doing it.

Initially pursuing a degree in Social Work to continue her passion for helping others, Shelly’s life took a defining turn while working a summer job at a boutique hotel on Michigan Avenue’s Gold Coast. She discovered that hospitality was more than a job—it was a calling. This realization brought her joy and fulfillment, motivating her to build a career where service, leadership, and human connection were at the heart of everything she did.

While completing her studies in Atlanta, Shelly joined Marriott at a major downtown convention hotel, where she spent nearly seven years excelling in multiple roles. Her dedication and leadership earned her numerous awards and opportunities to train others—one of whom would eventually become her husband, leading to a shared adventure in the hospitality industry.

Over the years, as her husband’s career moves took them across the country, Shelly’s skills, adaptability, and deep-rooted love for hospitality allowed her to thrive in roles across hotel sales, marketing, and management. With over 15 years of professional experience, she has led teams, grown market segments, cultivated corporate partnerships, and guided businesses through transitions and challenges.

Today, as President of Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation, Shelly draws on her journey to empower others to discover the same sense of purpose and opportunity that hospitality has given her. The Foundation’s mission—to equip formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk young adults with essential skills for careers in hospitality—is deeply personal to her. She believes the industry can transform lives, just as it transformed hers, by offering dignity, opportunity, and the chance to thrive.

Samuel Bostick

Vice President, Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation

sbostick@deepwatershospitality.org

Samuel Bostick’s career in hospitality began with a deep appreciation for service and a desire to create experiences that leave lasting impressions. Early in his journey, he discovered that hospitality is about more than providing accommodations—it’s about fostering connections, uplifting others, and making people feel truly valued.

Samuel’s professional background spans leadership roles with some of the world’s leading hotel brands, where he gained expertise in operations, training, and guest experience. Known for his ability to build strong teams and mentor others, he has consistently helped organizations achieve exceptional service standards while developing future leaders in the industry.

Throughout his career, Samuel has embraced opportunities to grow and adapt, often relocating across the country to support new ventures and lead teams through change. This journey gave him a deep understanding of the power of hospitality as a pathway to personal and professional growth.

As Vice President of Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation, Samuel brings his passion for people and his extensive industry experience to the organization’s mission. He is committed to equipping at-risk young adults and formerly incarcerated individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to build successful careers in hospitality. For Samuel, the Foundation’s work is an extension of his lifelong belief that hospitality can transform lives—just as it has shaped his own.

Joseph Nowell

Treasurer, Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation

jnowell@deepwatershospitality.org

Growing up in one of Atlanta’s public housing communities, Joseph Nowell learned from a young age the value of perseverance, humility, and hard work. These lessons would become the foundation for a remarkable journey—from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected and accomplished leaders in the hospitality industry.

With over 30 years of diverse, high-impact experience in hospitality, Joseph has led with a real-world, hands-on approach to problem solving, grounded in strategic insight and a deep understanding of people. His unwavering work ethic, operational expertise, and natural sincerity have earned him the trust of team members, executives, owners, and community leaders alike.

Joseph’s career spans an impressive range of leadership roles in private clubs, resorts, full-service hotels, and independent ventures. From managing multimillion-dollar budgets and overseeing nationwide operations to opening his own restaurant, he has consistently delivered strong financial results and elevated service experiences. His leadership style blends accountability with mentorship—building strong teams, retaining talent, and empowering others to succeed.

As Senior Vice President of Operations at Concert Golf Partners, Joseph assists with overseeing a portfolio of elite private clubs across the country. He works closely with general managers and leadership teams to drive financial performance, enhance member satisfaction, and execute long-term growth strategies. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in leading operational turnarounds, managing complex acquisitions, and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion.

Now, as Treasurer of Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation, Joseph brings the same passion and strategic focus to a mission that resonates deeply with his own life story. He is committed to empowering at-risk young adults and formerly incarcerated individuals by creating pathways to careers in hospitality—an industry that transformed his life and offered him the opportunity to lead, thrive, and give back.

For Joseph, the work of the Foundation is more than philanthropy—it’s purpose. It’s about offering dignity, opportunity, and a second chance to those who need it most, and ensuring that others can experience the same transformative power of hospitality that shaped his own journey.

Chef L. Hughes

Board Member, Deep Waters Hospitality Foundation

lhughes@deepwatershospitality.org

Raised in New Orleans La. and Atlanta Ga. from an early age, Executive Chef Lionel Hughes was exposed to the unique culture of French and American Cuisine. He began his culinary career, at age 16, assisting his uncle, Executive Chef Ray Allen, at Commander
Palace in New Orleans, igniting his passion for the culinary arts. With his sights on a successful culinary career, Hughes took advantage of every opportunity to further his education and learn from a multitude of great chefs and culinary professionals.

The talented culinary enthusiast gained valuable experience in the kitchens of outstanding restaurants, including Blue Ridge Grill in Atlanta, where he earned the designation of Sous Chef. Hughes had the privilege of working under Derin Moore, Certified Master Chef at Dunwoody Country Club and Kevin Walker, Certified Master Chef at Cherokee Town Club in Buckhead, GA. There at both clubs Chef Hughes gained incredible insight in the finesse of culinary art. Under the tutelage of star Chef Daryl Shular – Certified Chef De Cuisine and USA Culinary Olympic Team member, Hughes continued to excel
beyond his years. In 1998, Hughes’ exceptional culinary and management experience earned him the position of Restaurant Chef at the renowned Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Conference Center in Atlanta, GA.

With an intense passion for cooking and perfecting his craft, Hughes continued to grow critical acclaim for his Southern Cuisine with a classic French approach. A tempting combination of classic flavors and fresh ingredients, with a contemporary twist. Chef Lionel Hughes has created culinary masterpieces for Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Concert Golf Partners revamping and upgrading the menu options for various hotels, restaurants and country clubs.

Hughes is an innovative Chef; his “Cuisine” has been widely acclaimed for its sophistication, imagination, and execution. “I cook from the soul and take pleasure in making people happy”, says Hughes. He takes pride in his work and appreciates the opportunity to share it with others. “To see each element as it becomes complete, I know it’s my work of art on display”.

He is a member of the American Culinary Federation, always seeking opportunities to develop his professional skills and help others. Chef Lionel Hughes is a culinary mentor for DECA and Pro-Start, business and hospitality management training programs for high school students. Hughes trains and develops culinary prodigies to reach their full potential. As a member of the American Culinary Federation, Chef Hughes has won over 30 Medals in culinary competitions across the country.

Chef Lionel Hughes remains grounded about his achievements and continues to stand out in the culinary industry. Chef Hughes is a member on the USA National Culinary team in which he will be competing on the World Cup in 2026 and in IKA in 2028. He has an
immeasurable passion for creating culinary art and an unyielding determination to achieve excellence. In his efforts to perfect his craft, he challenges himself and learns Chef L. Hughes from other great Chefs. Chef Lionel Hughes continues to broaden his cooking repertoire by creating stellar American dishes.