HSMAI Hospitality Heroes | An Adrian Awards Honor

Regardless of the circumstances, heroes rise to meet the occasion. This year,  industry professionals nominated the colleagues they thought deserved recognition 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. The call for Hero nominations preceded the call for entries to the upcoming Adrian Awards. Nominations were reviewed each week by a panel of Adrian judges and selected Heroes have been honored weekly online leading up to the Adrian entry period, as well as at the 2021 Adrian Awards celebration.

Meet the Heroes

» Matt Maddox, president and CEO of Wynn Resorts

» Holly Zoba, CHDM, owner of Scout Simply and Influencer Sales Training, based in Chandler, Arizona, and an HSMAI member

» Geoffrey A. Mills, regional vice president and general manager at Hudson New York for sbe Lifestyle Hospitality

» Ardy Edgerton, CGTP, senior national account executive for Red Roof

» Yvette Koebke, director of sales and marketing for Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona

» Brian Stiglets, general manager of The Inn at Longwood Medical in Boston

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

» Dr. Peter Ricci, CHA, CHSE, CRME, director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), and an HSMAI member.

» Jean-Cédric Callies, director of sales and marketing for Hotel Monville in Montreal, Quebec, and an HSMAI member

» Ava Espano, guest services agent, Accor

» Kenan Tekin, dual opening general manager, Hyatt House/Hyatt Place Los Angeles International Airport

» Jill Flynn, director of sales, events, and marketing for the Hyatt Regency Dulles in Herndon, Virginia

» Jonathan DiFonzo, district sales representative for Cheney Brothers Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida

» Mary Parks, director of sales for the Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis Downtown

» Sheela Martinez, most recently front office assistant and manager at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills in West Hollywood, California