After 14 years at Guest Services, Director of Safety and Security Bill Briggs is retiring on May 29. Bill joined the company in 2012 following a long and distinguished career with the FBI, bringing an investigator’s mindset that would shape safety operations for the next decade and a half. His one-person department reached nearly every corner of the company, from remote national parks to recreational boating and marinas to high-security government dining facilities.
An Invisible Shield Across 14 Years
Jeff Ritter, Corporate Compliance Officer, describes Bill’s role plainly: “Bill has served as our invisible shield.” That shield extended across the full geography of Guest Services and into corners of the organization most colleagues will never see. Bill’s combination of investigative skills and safety focus minimized workplace accidents and kept guests and team members alike protected, across every unit type the company operates.
Steady Leadership Through COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic upended hospitality operations everywhere, Bill helped steer Guest Services through it.
“During one of the most challenging periods in modern history, the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill was absolutely instrumental in helping to guide our company through unprecedented circumstances,” says Nico Foris, CEO. “He developed and implemented critical policies, procedures, and safeguards that not only protected our people and operations during the crisis but will continue to strengthen Guest Services well into the future.”
The frameworks Bill built during the pandemic remain in place today, reinforcing how the company protects employees and guests across every property.
Building the Safety Foundation
Day to day, Bill’s role was equal parts proactive and reactive. He presented monthly safety training webinars to keep operations teams prepared. He investigated workplace accidents to sharpen internal protocols. He upgraded video and alarm systems, internal training, and processes across more than a decade of incremental improvement.
His work also reinforced Guest Services’ most important external relationships. Bill strengthened partnerships with the National Park Service, numerous state park systems, and countless team members across the company who relied on him for guidance. As Jeff puts it, Bill demonstrated that “excellent hospitality relies on a secure foundation,” letting service teams focus entirely on guests.
The Mark He Leaves
For Nico, what stands out is not just the work product but the manner of the leadership.
“Bill earned tremendous respect across the organization because he led with professionalism, consistency, and trust,” Nico says. “He set an exceptionally high standard, and his calm, steady leadership gave confidence to the many stakeholders we serve every day.”
“I will always be grateful for Bill’s steady presence, his thoughtful and composed approach under pressure, and his unwavering availability at all hours of the day and night,” he continues. “His leadership has had a lasting impact on this company, and his contributions have unquestionably helped protect and strengthen Guest Services for years to come.”
“His attention to detail and responsiveness in crisis situations will be difficult to replace,” Jeff says.
A Final Word from Bill
Bill himself wanted to recognize the people he worked with most directly. “I would like to mention names but there are too many to list,” he says, offering sincere thanks to the employees who helped educate him on operations and to the team members across the company who put in the work to keep their units safe and secure.
As for what comes next, Bill has arranged to volunteer with animal rescue and with his local police department.
Thank you, Bill, for 14 years of vigilant, behind-the-scenes service. Wishing you an extraordinary retirement.
