The nonprofit Windham Foundation, parent company of the historic Grafton Inn, announced the appointment of Donald Bruce as Innkeeper, who started his position on May 6. A native Vermonter with hometown roots just 15 miles from Grafton and nearly 30 years in hospitality, Bruce will oversee all management, operations, sales and marketing of the inn.
Prior to his new position in Grafton, Bruce served as the general manager of the Six South Street Hotel in Hanover, NH, a 69 room boutique hotel in the community anchored by Dartmouth College. His tenure included opening the hotel in 2011. After completing its first full year of operation (2012), Bruce and his staff were honored by winning the Hotel and Team of the year by the Main Course Hospitality Group.
Bruce’s career has included hospitality management positions in Vermont and western Massachusetts in sales and marketing as well as in general management. Prior to Six South Street, Bruce was general manager at the Hawthorn Suites extended stay property, taking it through a massive renovation and transitioning it to an independent hotel. During his tenure, the Hawthorn was awarded the hotel of the year and Bruce was named general manger of the year in 2000 and 2001, respectively. He also served as general manager of the Berkshire Hilton in Massachusetts and the Hotel Sales Director at the Equinox Resort and Spa and the Cranwell Resort and Golf Club.
Bruce is a Vermont native, having grown up in Bellows Falls and received his Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management at Lyndon State College. He and his wife Lisa will reside in Grafton.
Since 1801, the Grafton Inn has been providing visitors with timeless elegance in a quintessential Vermont setting. A sanctuary from the everyday world, the 45-room country inn is fully refurbished to offer the finest comforts and amenities, including the popular Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center. The award winning Old Tavern restaurant offers locally-inspired American cuisine, using only the freshest local ingredients, and Phelps Barn Pub offers casual dining and live music. The Grafton Inn is part of the nonprofit Windham Foundation, whose mission is to promote Vermont’s rural communities.
