Dec. 11, 2025
RT Lodge today announced the retirement of General Manager Gary Doyle, whose leadership has shaped the property for more than two decades. Doyle will remain on RT Lodge’s board of directors but will pass the role of general manager to seasoned hospitality executive and Blount County native Kelley Harris at the end of this month.
RT Lodge, an approachable luxury retreat in Maryville, Tennessee, offers cozy overnight accommodations, MICHELIN Recommended fine dining at The Restaurant at RT Lodge, creative cocktails in the Morningside Room, full-service Carriage House day spa and distinctive meeting spaces. It is located only minutes away from McGhee Tyson Airport, metropolitan Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Doyle joined RT Lodge in 2004 after an already distinguished career that included serving more than 10 years as innkeeper and manager at Blackberry Farm during its formative years in the 1980s and early 1990s. Later, Doyle opened and operated the beloved Bistro by the Tracks. Over his 20 years at RT Lodge, Doyle has guided the property through significant growth and milestones, including the recent addition of the new Carriage House spa and Meeting House gathering space and earning a coveted MICHELIN Recommendation.
“After more than two decades at RT Lodge, this place has become a part of who I am,” Doyle said. “Stepping away is bittersweet, but it brings me such comfort to know the Lodge is entering its next chapter under someone who understands the heart of hospitality. Kelley’s leadership style and passion for hospitality are exactly what this extraordinary property and its remarkable team need.”
(Photo by Heather Anne Thomas)
Stepping into the role is Harris, a respected figure in regional hospitality with more than 20 years at Blackberry Farm, where she built its renowned event programming and led guest experience departments and world-class spa operations. For the past two years, Harris has served as part of the Oldham Hospitality leadership team, helping the company grow its lodging, food and beverage, and retail businesses. Harris brings a deep understanding of the RT Lodge experience, strong appreciation for its team and shared vision for its next chapter alongside Executive Chef Trevor Stockton.
“It is a true honor to follow in Gary’s footsteps,” Harris said. “His leadership and dedication have shaped RT Lodge into a place beloved by guests, staff and the community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on that legacy. I’m excited to invest myself fully in the continued success and growth of this extraordinary property.
“The team here is exceptional, and I look forward to everything we will accomplish together. I am also deeply grateful for the partnership of owners Beth Holman and David and Annie Colquitt – their vision and genuine passion for hospitality are inspiring, and I’m excited to work alongside them as we guide RT Lodge into its next chapter.”
RT Lodge celebrates Doyle’s remarkable contributions and looks forward to welcoming Harris as she helps guide the property into its next chapter of elevated guest experiences and renewed community connection.
About RT Lodge
RT Lodge, centered around the lovingly restored 1930s main house, is an approachable luxury retreat nestled in nature on the serene campus of Maryville College. The history of the lodge began in 1932 when Susan Wiley Cooper Walker, widow of Andrew Carnegie’s business associate John Walker, moved to Maryville and fell in love with the wooded grounds. Walker built a stately 26-room grand residence and adjacent Carraige House and named her home Morningside. After her death, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places and has been home to a president’s residence for Maryville College, an inn and a corporate retreat and training facility for Ruby Tuesday. Today, the property is locally owned and dedicated to providing an authentic place of rest and retreat. Guests can experience genuine hospitality near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with charming accommodations; a full-service day spa; unique meeting and gathering spaces; and celebrated fine cuisine and cocktails. Learn more at RTLodge.com.
