ShareAs part of the 2021 Adrian Awards program, HSMAI Hospitality Recovery Heroes is honoring hospitality professionals working toward recovery at the local and front-line levels, supporting hotels, destinations, safety measures, and charitable programs that have helped make a difference for their companies and in their communities. Nominations are open.
HOSPITALITY RECOVERY HERO: Kathleen Pettit, regional director of business development for HHM (Hersha Hospitality Management), based in New York City
CONTRIBUTION: Pettit spearheaded a first-responder discounted program that HHM offered New York police, fire, and medical professionals, as well as traveling healthcare providers who have come to the city’s aide. She contacted every New York police precinct, fire and ambulance station, and hospital to let them how to best take advantage of these deeply discounted rates should first responders feel the need to isolate from their families for fear of spreading the COVID virus to their loved ones while giving them an alternative accommodation to rest.
RESULTS: Due to Pettit’s vision and persistence, HHM not only was able to offer a safe place to first responders but also helped keep hotels afloat — and provided an important reason to stay open.
NOMINATED BY: Theresa Rayos del Sol, vice president of sales and marketing for HHM — “Kathleen manages to keep a positive outlook, even as she herself was dealing with a lot of personal challenges. She keeps the team motivated and is the first to offer assistance to anyone that seeks her out. She will go out of her way to make sure that she is able to meet and exceed her clients’ and our guests’ expectations. Her passion to succeed, no matter what it takes, is amazing to watch. I am in awe of Kathleen’s love for her industry and keeping a firm and good balance with her family values and priorities.”
The HSMAI Adrian Awards recognize travel marketing excellence. This year’s competition will focus on capturing the great work done by hotels, destinations, and their agency partners to get the country moving again, showcase safety and security, and welcome those traveling for the first time in more than a year. The 2021 Adrian Awards competition opens on Oct. 1. Learn more.