Patrick O'Connell

Ed Gannon

General Manager

Ed Gannon launched his career in Culinary where he ignited his passion for Food and Beverage. This passion led him to the helm of some of the best kitchens in New England including Aujourd'Hui at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston and The White Barn Inn. During his culinary years, Ed trained with The Inn at Little Washington’s stagier program under the direction of Patrick O'Connell. As Ed continued to explore his passions, he found his true calling in Hotel Management. On this new journey, Ed took on roles as Resort Manager and General Manager with some of the top luxury brands including Auberge, Rosewood and Four Seasons. His ascension eventually led him back to The Inn at Little Washington as General Manager. Ed has shared that "he is honored to be a part of this legacy property where striving daily for excellence is the culture".

Andrew Wright

Director of Operations

From his grandmother's kitchen at the age of three to helping earn the coveted Michelin Three-Star rating for The Inn at Little Washington, Andrew Wright has always been inspired by how a love of the art and craft of cooking can be a catalyst for memory-making, relationship-building, sharing and connections. Andrew considers cooking much more than a profession or a job. It is an everyday adventure where he gets the privilege of leading and working with the best team in the world.

Vincent Ward

Director of Rooms

Vincent began his hospitality career as a valet at the Nittany Lion Inn while attending Penn State University, many moons ago. After graduating, he spent nearly a decade at The Gasparilla Inn, ascending the ranks while gaining experience in hotel management, food and beverage, and sales. Under great mentors, he learned the value of effective leadership and the power of team culture. In 2021, Vincent joined the legendary golf destination, Pinehurst Resort as Director of Front Office. As an avid golfer himself, he secretly hoped the new role would help drastically lower his handicap (spoiler- it did not). After three successful years, Vincent found himself ready to return to full-service luxury. He had always drawn inspiration from Patrick O’Connell’s iconic Inn at Little Washington and joining the ranks would be the true 'hole-in-one' he had always dreamed of. In the summer of 2024, with his wife and newborn son in tow, he made the journey north to realize that dream. Vincent continues to be inspired by what Chef Patrick has built, and looks forward to carrying out Patrick’s vision of creating an escape from reality for The Inn’s guests.

Tim Lucas

Director of Finance

Tim discovered his passion for hospitality during the first decade of his career in Chicago. The culture of the big city fueled this newfound love as he explored locally owned restaurants, wineries, and breweries. After a decade of management experience, Tim decided to follow his dreams of a career in hospitality and landed in Hilton Head Island, SC, one of the top travel destinations in the world. It was there that Tim became the financial leader for some of the islands most prestigious resorts. In 2016, Tim joined the Inn at Little Washington, enchanted by the vision and philosophy of Patrick O’Connell. As he puts it, “I feel privileged to be an integral part of the Inn’s leadership team: the best in the world.”

Lisa Albert

Director of Special Events

A native of Virginia, Lisa got her start in the hospitality industry decades ago waiting tables at the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg. She's always had a love of food and enjoys cooking and eating with her extended family. She has a 25 year background of event planning and experience and is now in her 7th year at The Inn. She loves collaborating with Patrick on one of a kind, memorable parties and events. Her hobby is horses and she owns a farm in Warrenton where she stays grounded with the day to day operations.

Nelson Colwell

Director of Business and Brand Development

Nelson joined The Inn at Little Washington team after nearly two successful decades in the technology sector. An analytical thinker and problem solver, he used his sense for business to craft custom technology solutions for hundreds of organizations. Like many others in the Inn’s 43 year history, Nelson found his true calling under the mentorship of Chef Patrick O’Connell. After becoming enchanted by Chef’s mission to create a Transformative, Restorative and Life Affirming experience, helping others to experience this vision became his very own ‘magnificent obsession’. As Director of Business and Brand Development, Nelson is constantly looking for new ways to make The Inn experience more accessible to the world through exciting new offerings and strategic partnerships. Nelson is currently in his 7th year at The Inn.

Yeni Tineo

Director of Human Resources

Julian Eckhardt

Culinary Director

Julian began working at the Inn at Little Washington in 2009 as a cook. Originally from southern Vermont, Julian had an affinity for food and gastronomy at a young age and started working in restaurants when he was 14 years old. After completing his training in culinary arts and hotel management in upstate New York, he embarked on his professional career in the restaurant world. After working under Patrick O’Connell for many years, Julian found his stride through various roles and responsibilities as part of the culinary team and is now helping guide the new generation of cooks as Culinary Director. Julian feels very fortunate to be part of an exceptional group of talented, creative and thoughtful individuals– all of whom bring a unique perspective and consistent determination to our kitchen.

Jeremy Anderson

Chef de Cuisine

A native to Fauquier County, the Inn at Little Washington was always at an arm’s length to Jeremy. It took 15 years of working the lines, bussing tables and washing dishes in the fast casual restaurants and hotel kitchens within the local community for him to develop his fundamentals and realize there was much more to learn. It was that curiosity that found him standing at the Inn’s doorsteps. Jeremy became a member of our team as a Sous Chef in 2015 and has the rare opportunity to work with Chef Patrick O’Connell by conveying his culinary vision, upholding the Inn’s vast traditions and still looking towards the future for continuous progress.

Lindsey Fern

Director of Wine

Lindsey discovered her passion for wine while backpacking through Europe and Africa in the late 1990’s after graduating from Simmons University in Boston. She has worked in restaurants all over the world including London, England, Ibiza, Spain, Miami, Florida and San Francisco’s Bay Area. Lindsey joined the Wine Team at the Inn in 2014 as their Cellar Master and has moved up the ranks and became Director of Wine in 2021. She is the only woman running a 3 star Michelin restaurant’s wine program in the country! Lindsey is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and the mother of 2 beautiful girls.

Cameron Smith

Maitre du Fromage

Cameron Smith (affectionately known as “Cheese Whiz”) is the Inn’s Maitre du Fromage. He has become one of only a handful of Certified Cheese Professionals through the American Cheese Society and is an avid student of the history and science of cheese making. His cheesy jokes and puns have added an entertaining twist to our cheese service. Cameron is also our “Tea Master” and is certified through the International Tea Masters Association. He curates the rare and exotic teas served during our afternoon tea service and is learning the art of the ancient Japanese tea ceremonies.

Andy Thewlis

Farm Manager

Having been swept off his feet & spirited away to Little Washington, Farmer Andy Thewlis found himself spellbound by Chef Patrick O'Connell's enchanting realm. Answering the call to adventure, Andy pledged to serve as Chef's Fairy God-Father of Farming. As a bona fide Sorcerer of Soil, Farmer Andy's specialty in farming can only be described as the Avante-Garde of Agriculture. Beyond organic, our Maestro of Micro Greens is taking Chef's farm to new frontiers.