Emilee Whitford
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: Washington
Emilee Whitford
Executive Recruiter, Pacific Region, Gecko Hospitality
Restaurant Division | Washington
Phone: 425-577-6145 | Email: emilee.whitford@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilee-whitford-2469b7140/
About Emilee
Emilee Whitford is a restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Washington market. Emilee’s focus: Full-desk recruiting (Washington); agency recruiting background. Most recently at AMG Services LLC, a niche recruiting agency specializing in commercial and data center construction and non-profit organizations, where she did full-desk recruiting.
Background & Experience
Most recently at AMG Services LLC, a niche recruiting agency specializing in commercial and data center construction and non-profit organizations, where she did full-desk recruiting; previously a Lead Traveling Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington; Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Governors University (management and marketing).
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: Washington.
How Emilee Evaluates Talent
When evaluating restaurant leadership candidates, I look beyond titles and focus on measurable impact. I assess experience with P&L management, team development, retention, operational consistency, and the ability to drive results in challenging environments. I also pay close attention to leadership style, adaptability, and how candidates build culture and accountability within their teams. The best leaders can clearly articulate both their accomplishments and how they achieved them through their people.
Emilee’s Market Perspective
The Washington hospitality market remains competitive, particularly for experienced operators who can successfully lead teams while balancing labor, guest experience, and profitability. Employers continue to seek leaders who are hands-on, adaptable, and capable of driving performance in dynamic environments. Candidates with strong people-development skills, multi-unit experience, and a proven track record of retention continue to stand out. While hiring activity varies by market and segment, the need for exceptional leadership remains consistent across the industry.
Advice
For employers: Have a clear understanding of your culture, leadership expectations, compensation structure, and long-term opportunities before beginning a search.
For candidates: Be prepared to discuss specific accomplishments, leadership successes, retention results, and how you’ve positively impacted both teams and business performance.
In Emilee’s Words
“Great hospitality leaders don’t just manage operations, they develop people, build culture, and create results that last.”
Testimonials
“Amazing! I did not have any idea of what to expect. Emilee set the bar so high! She was an excellent communicator, honest, insightful, and just plain nice. I already recommended a friend! That should speak highly of Emilee.”
Andrew M. (Successfully placed candidate)
“At first, I wasn’t sure of the process, but Emilee was a great advocate for me and really helped boost my confidence to go for the role I’m in. Thank you for reaching out, it has turned out to be a fantastic opportunity!”
James M. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Emilee is an incredible person who ensures every process is smooth and stress-free. She is wonderful at her craft, and I am immensely grateful for all the amazing work she has done in getting me hired. My family and I thank you immensely, Emilee, you rock!”
Matthew S. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Working with Emilee was such a smooth and rewarding process. I know her job is to find the best candidates for the companies that hire Gecko, but I really felt she was on my side and wanted to help me have the best opportunities. She was friendly and professional. I would be happy to work with her again, but here’s hoping I won’t have to for a long, long time.”
Christa M. (Successfully placed candidate)
Emilee Whitford
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: Washington
Emilee Whitford
Executive Recruiter, Pacific Region, Gecko Hospitality
Restaurant Division | Washington
Phone: 425-577-6145 | Email: emilee.whitford@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilee-whitford-2469b7140/
About Emilee
Emilee Whitford is a restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Washington market. Emilee’s focus: Full-desk recruiting (Washington); agency recruiting background. Most recently at AMG Services LLC, a niche recruiting agency specializing in commercial and data center construction and non-profit organizations, where she did full-desk recruiting.
Background & Experience
Most recently at AMG Services LLC, a niche recruiting agency specializing in commercial and data center construction and non-profit organizations, where she did full-desk recruiting; previously a Lead Traveling Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington; Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Governors University (management and marketing).
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: Washington.
How Emilee Evaluates Talent
When evaluating restaurant leadership candidates, I look beyond titles and focus on measurable impact. I assess experience with P&L management, team development, retention, operational consistency, and the ability to drive results in challenging environments. I also pay close attention to leadership style, adaptability, and how candidates build culture and accountability within their teams. The best leaders can clearly articulate both their accomplishments and how they achieved them through their people.
Emilee’s Market Perspective
The Washington hospitality market remains competitive, particularly for experienced operators who can successfully lead teams while balancing labor, guest experience, and profitability. Employers continue to seek leaders who are hands-on, adaptable, and capable of driving performance in dynamic environments. Candidates with strong people-development skills, multi-unit experience, and a proven track record of retention continue to stand out. While hiring activity varies by market and segment, the need for exceptional leadership remains consistent across the industry.
Advice
For employers: Have a clear understanding of your culture, leadership expectations, compensation structure, and long-term opportunities before beginning a search.
For candidates: Be prepared to discuss specific accomplishments, leadership successes, retention results, and how you’ve positively impacted both teams and business performance.
In Emilee’s Words
“Great hospitality leaders don’t just manage operations, they develop people, build culture, and create results that last.”
Testimonials
“Amazing! I did not have any idea of what to expect. Emilee set the bar so high! She was an excellent communicator, honest, insightful, and just plain nice. I already recommended a friend! That should speak highly of Emilee.”
Andrew M. (Successfully placed candidate)
“At first, I wasn’t sure of the process, but Emilee was a great advocate for me and really helped boost my confidence to go for the role I’m in. Thank you for reaching out, it has turned out to be a fantastic opportunity!”
James M. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Emilee is an incredible person who ensures every process is smooth and stress-free. She is wonderful at her craft, and I am immensely grateful for all the amazing work she has done in getting me hired. My family and I thank you immensely, Emilee, you rock!”
Matthew S. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Working with Emilee was such a smooth and rewarding process. I know her job is to find the best candidates for the companies that hire Gecko, but I really felt she was on my side and wanted to help me have the best opportunities. She was friendly and professional. I would be happy to work with her again, but here’s hoping I won’t have to for a long, long time.”
Christa M. (Successfully placed candidate)