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 Cole, Director of Safety and Security, Wailea Beach Resort
CONTRIBUTION: Cole has been a tremendous champion for safety and compliance with the ever-evolving standards that impact the industry, associates, and guests. Throughout the resort’s closure, she stayed on as a critical member of the care team, giving Malama to the property and to associates who were at home waiting for the island to reopen.Cole has a vigilance toward guest and associate safety that is to be admired.
RESULTS: Cole sourced high tech temperature scanning equipment to ease the stress of associates returning to work, and she evaluated and improved countless processes during and after the reopening. She was a coordinator for food drives and developed and implemented the Commitment to Clean plan for Wailea Beach Resort. She has also personally trained every single associate on health and safety protocol, has remained engaged with the Maui Health Safe Reopening Task Force, and has been instrumental in executing vaccine clinics to support team members.
NOMINATED BY: Stacy Morataya-Pilkington, Resident Manager, Wailea Beach Resort
“When I hear the word “HERO”, I think of Cole immediately. She is humble, caring, dedicated and brilliant, and stays out of the spotlight. She has overseen pool rescues, ocean rescues, emergency medical situations, and manages to keep her gentle smile and steady demeanor regardless of the circumstances. Kathy recently became certified as an Certified Safety Professional and is so very deserving of this accolade.”
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 is now open. Learn more.