Director of Operations, St. James Tearoom

Olivia Richardson (formerly Gassaway) graduated from the HRTM program in Fall 2011 with Honors. Her career has been devoted to the success of the St. James Tearoom in Albuquerque, NM that emphasizes elegance, excellence, creativity, and imagination as tenets of their service providing immersive tea experiences and events.

Olivia began her career with St. James Tearoom upon graduation and has been there for over fifteen years. After four years of loyalty and experience, she was promoted to Director of Operations, a position she has held for more than eleven years.

Her passion for leadership development has not ceased after completing her degree having become a certified etiquette trainer from the British School of Excellence in 2022 to enhance her expertise and the authenticity of their operations. Olivia has since served as a mentor to current HRTM students to encourage the value and importance of excellence, professionalism, and leadership development.

The St. James Tearoom now partners in offering internships and employment to qualified students and graduates and participates annually in our Hospitality and ACES Career Fair each Spring. We at HRTM and NMSU are so proud of your success, and thank you for your service to our students and others!