Christine Campbell

Briefly describe your job and responsibilities.

Christine is the co-owner of The Keystone Inn, a premier bed and breakfast in the heart of Gettysburg, along with her brothers, Patrick and Stephen. Under her leadership, the Keystone Inn blends historic charm with modern comfort, earning a reputation for thoughtful hospitality, high-touch service, and strategic marketing excellence. Christine leads hospitality operations—supervising the Inn Manager and Innkeeper, overseeing brand development, team culture, guest experience design, financial performance, and long-term growth strategy.

What does a “typical” day at work look like for you?

A typical day includes strategizing with the team on guest experience elements such as packages, menus, and amenities, reviewing SEO and marketing efforts, building public relations connections, and ensuring the team stays within budget while delivering the best possible guest experience. In addition, she takes an active hand in seasonal decorating of the Keystone Inn.

What was your first job in the hospitality industry?

My first experience in hospitality was actually helping host gatherings — whether in my family home or through church events. I learned early that creating space for people to feel welcomed, comfortable, and connected is both an art and a responsibility. That instinct to care for people is what ultimately led my brothers and me to own the Keystone Inn.

When did you know this industry was right for you?

I knew hospitality was right for me when I realized how much I loved creating space for people to feel cared for. There’s something powerful about watching guests exhale when they walk through the door — knowing they can rest, reconnect, and feel seen. That moment — when a stay becomes an experience — is when I knew this wasn’t just a business. It was alignment.

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to where you are today.

My professional foundation is in organizational development and consulting, with a history of running housing programs for people with special needs. I’ve spent years helping nonprofits strengthen leadership and strategy. Alongside that, my brothers and I shared a vision of owning a property that reflected home, history, and heart. The Keystone Inn became that opportunity. What started as a family investment evolved into something much deeper — a commitment to thoughtful hospitality. I realized that the same skills I use in consulting — clarity, intentionality, attention to detail, and people-centered leadership — translate beautifully to innkeeping. Today, I balance both roles, and each informs the other.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part is curating the guest experience — thinking through the small details that elevate a stay from good to memorable. From the room design to the breakfast presentation to a personalized recommendation, I love knowing that intentional touches can make someone feel genuinely cared for.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of the job is balance – balancing the constant attention to detail with the bigger strategic vision. In hospitality, everything matters — from the guest experience to staffing to marketing — and it’s all very immediate. The challenge is to stay proactive rather than reactive while maintaining the level of excellence we’re known for. As a co-owner in a family business, one challenge is balancing strong opinions with a shared vision. But it’s also one of our strengths — we’re deeply invested. We’ve learned how to lean into each other’s strengths while keeping the Inn’s long-term success at the center.

What advice would you give to students interested in your profession?

My advice would be to understand that owning a bed and breakfast is both a lifestyle and a business. It’s not just about beautiful rooms and great breakfasts — it’s about systems, finances, staffing, marketing, and consistency. Spend time learning the operational side of hospitality and talk to current innkeepers about the realities. Passion is important, but preparation is essential. I would encourage students to approach it as both hospitality and entrepreneurship. Learn about revenue management, branding, guest experience design, and customer acquisition. The most successful innkeepers think strategically — they understand their market, their numbers, and their differentiation. Hospitality is heart work, but it’s also smart business.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of building the Keystone Inn into a place known not just for comfort, but for care. Creating a space where guests feel welcomed, seen, and restored — and doing that consistently — is something I’m incredibly proud of. I’m also proud of intentionally integrating my culture and values into the work, building and sustaining a Black-owned business that is respected in the hospitality field for its excellence and authenticity. Hospitality at its best is invisible work done well, and I’m proud of the standard we’ve set.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I prioritize connection. I treasure time with my close circle of friends — especially the four girlfriends I’ve had for more than 35 years. I also sing in my church’s gospel choir, which has been a grounding and joyful part of my life for decades. And lately, I’ve really embraced wellness — regular exercise and staying active are important to me in this season of life.

What is your favorite food to make or eat?

My favorite breakfast to make is a beautifully prepared baked French toast with fresh fruit and a touch of something seasonal. I love dishes that feel indulgent but still thoughtful — something that makes guests feel like they’re being treated.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

At the top of my bucket list is traveling to Africa — not just as a tourist, but to deeply experience the culture, history, and connection to the diaspora. I’d love for it to be reflective, grounding, and joyful. I’m also drawn to places like Morocco and Ghana, where history, design, and culture intersect in powerful ways. Beyond that, New Zealand and Australia are high on my list for their breathtaking landscapes and sense of adventure, and Greece for its history, beauty, and connection to ancient civilization. And of course, wherever I travel, I love seeking out locally owned bed and breakfasts — there’s something special about experiencing a place through intimate hospitality and personal storytelling.