Meet the Expert Team at Pothos: Your Trusted Event Partners
Great events and seamless travel begin with people who listen carefully, anticipate challenges and take ownership of every detail. Meet the team bringing that standard to every POTHOS client.
Meet the people behind exceptional experiences
Michael Patton
President & CEO
Michael is a hospitality leader, international meeting and travel expert, educator and decorated United States Navy veteran with more than 35 years of industry experience. Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) Master’s in Organizational Psychology Global planning and multicultural expertise Government subject matter expert
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Alexander
Head of Security
Alexander joined the POTHOS family in 2014 and quickly assumed responsibility for office security, team morale and the occasional quality-control inspection of treats.
He makes regular rounds, welcomes approved visitors and ensures the team maintains the proper balance of leadership, loyalty and daily walks.
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Amanda St. Michel
Office Manager
Amanda brings a versatile background in dispatch, public safety support, print, marketing and administration to the POTHOS team.
Born to two deaf parents, Amanda is fluent in American Sign Language. She is also a proud military and college mom whose interests include Darth Vader, Doctor Who, Disney and Supernatural.
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Taryn St. Michel
Intern/Admininistrative Support
Taryn supports the POTHOS team with administrative coordination and a fresh perspective while continuing her college studies.
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Michael Patton-President & CEO-Commander in Chief
Michael is a 35+ year hospitality veteran. He is the President & CEO of POTHOS, Inc. and its subsidiary businesses. He has been employed as both a planner and a supplier and is also a Service Disabled Veteran of the United States Navy. He has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. He has achieved his CMM (Certified Meeting Manager) designation from Meeting Professionals International. He is well versed in International Business & Multiculturalism with first-hand experience in dozens of countries worldwide.
He has served as President of the Board of Director’s for the California Travel Consumer Restitution Council (affiliated with the California Attorney General Office), the Board of Director’s for several Chapters of Meeting Professionals International, the California Disabled Veterans Business Alliance and is the Past-President of the San Diego Chapter of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (SDHSMAI). He is certified by the American Hotel and Motel Association as Adjunct Faculty and was faculty at CalState San Marcos teaching international meeting planning & travel related topics. In fall of 2008 Mr. Patton held a multiple day seminar regarding International Meeting & Travel Planning at the University of Bolzano in Italy. He is a sought after speaker and educator as an expert on travel and meeting planning topics such as; domestic & international air travel, travel policies, best practices in purchasing & procurement and risk/safety planning. He was invited to be an advanced level presenter on travel topics at MPI-PEC, San Diego and currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the United States Government.
As a young adult, Michael earned Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow from the Boy Scouts of America, was President of the Youth Committee of the NCCJ (National Conference of Community and Justice), Optimist Boy of the Year for State of Maryland, has attended FAA Private Pilot Ground School and was in the United States Navy having been twice decorated with earned achievements; Military Order of World Wars and Surface Warfare Specialist.
Michael has lead his company, POTHOS, to almost 20 successful years of business recently achieving #465 on the Inc 500 list and #1 as the fastest growing company in San Diego as adjudicated by the San Diego Business Journal as well as dozens of other awards and recognition’s
Alexander- Head of Security
Alexander is a Doberman who, even as a 4 month old pup, began his duties as protector immediately after he was brought into the POTHOS family in January 2014.Alexander makes his rounds between the office of the Commanding Officer down to the lowly ranks of the Engine Room to ensure that all is safe and secure. He stands watch on the Quarter Deck to foresee any impending threats, and loudly signals any approaching strangers. He determines friend or foe and advises. He is very welcoming & social once he determines his Master approves of your presence. For his loyalty, obedience and care, he asks for nothing in return except a few daily walks and appreciates a treat every now and then. However he hasn’t come to terms with the fact that employees are not allowed to sleep during the work day. To be happy, his breed needs to be around people who display leadership. What better place to do that than at POTHOS. As devoted as he is to his alpha, here he aims to please not just one, but all his humans pack.
Amanda St. Michel-Office Manager/Human Resources
Amanda joined the POTHOS team in January 2019 looking for a change. Her extensive background experience includes dispatch for tow companies and the Sheriff’s department, and Supervisor of Print & Marketing at Staples. Amanda dabbled in administrative duties during her various experiences, and it has served her well in bringing her to the POTHOS team. Born in Phoenix, Arizona to two deaf parents, Amanda is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Amanda is the proud mom of Army Sgt, Austin and a college student/dancer, Taryn. Amanda’s not-so-guilty pleasures include Darth Vader, Doctor Who (especially Ten), Disney and Supernatural.
Taryn St. Michel-Intern/Admin Support
Taryn joined the POTHOS team in November 2019 as the intern in the office. Her background includes working as a dance teacher and office staff for a dance studio in Santee. She graduated high school in 2016 and is working towards two degrees: American Sign Language and Dance. Taryn’s experience in office administration will greatly help with her journey alongside POTHOS. Born in San Diego, California in 1998, Taryn has led a life that closely followed her passions of dance and always having fun. Taryn is a proud sister of a US Army Sgt, Austin and a fur sister to two beautiful labs: Kona and Maili. Oh, and she’s also the daughter of Amanda, our office manager/HR. Taryn’s favorite things in life are dancing, enjoying time with family and friends, going to Disneyland, and playing with her dogs.
