HSMAI Hospitality Hero: Nicole McAlister

As part of the 2020 Adrian Awards, HSMAI Hospitality Heroes is honoring hospitality professionals for their efforts to take a leadership position, champion a cause, or create a program that has directly benefited industry workers, medical personnel, first responders, or communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Nominations are open.

HOSPITALITY HERO: Nicole McAlister, CHSE, area director of franchise services for Choice Hotels International, working out of Schertz, Texas, an HSMAI member and Austin chapter board member

CONTRIBUTION: McAlister has focused on spreading positivity and energy not just in the industry but throughout her community. At the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, she sent personal letters to owners in Choice’s portfolio as well as other industry contacts — enclosing for each a packet of flower seeds, reassuring them that they will get through this, and urging them to focus on the beauty that will bloom from the seeds. She also chairs her local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, championing virtual 5K “hot runs” to raise awareness and promote fitness, and has coordinated donations and volunteer work by her hotel for area food banks.

RESULTS: Through her efforts, McAlister has served as a beacon of optimism during a dark time.

NOMINATED BY: Nick Miller, area director of franchise services for Choice Hotels International — “Nicole has a passion for others’ success, achievements, and happiness, and that is what makes Nicole a great colleague, friend, and leader. I sometimes don’t think she stops thinking; she is always creating ways for everyone to be involved, give to the community, be stronger leaders, and she definitely puts service above self to the fullest.”

The HSMAI Adrian Awards have been honoring excellence in travel marketing for 64 years. Entry for the 2020 Adrian Awards will open October 1. For more information, visit www.adrianawards.com.