UPPER LAKE, Calif. – After six and a half years as manager of the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake, one of Lake County’s premier lodging facilities, Susan Mesick has decided to retire as of Aug. 15.

She will be succeeded by the current assistant manager, James Butler.

Susan Mesick has had a full career in marketing and public relations.

After moving to Lake County, she served as the first executive director of the Lake County Winery Association.

Before joining the Tallman in February of 2012, she was part of the team at the Six Sigma Ranch and Winery in Lower Lake.

“I was planning to help out my friends and Tallman owners Lynne and Bernie Butcher for just a couple of years,” she said. “But I fell in love with the property and the wonderful people here. It’s a challenge to build a great business while maintaining a high level of service, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Butler joined the company about a month after Mesick, in March of 2012, as systems administrator and front desk host.

Has has an AA degree in computer networking from College of the Redwoods. His roles have expanded over time to front desk manager and hotel assistant manager.

Butler “has a great attitude and he’s been an invaluable resource to both the hotel and Blue Wing Restaurant in upgrading our systems and keeping them humming,” said Tallman owner Bernie Butcher.

“I come from a computer background,” said Butler, “but over time I’ve become fascinated with the broader customer service aspects of the hospitality industry. Susan will be a hard act to follow, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

“Susan Mesick is a longtime friend who’s given her all to build a great team and help us achieve our five-star reputation,” said Tallman owner Lynne Butcher. “She will be greatly missed, but she fully deserves a change of pace. We’re lucky that James is ready and willing to assume greater management responsibility and take us on to the next level.”

The Tallman Hotel is located at 9550 Main St. in historic downtown Upper Lake.