Career Achievement Awards

The Albert E. Koehl Award for Career Achievement in Hospitality Marketing and the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Career Achievement in Hospitality Public Relations awards recognize individuals who have spent a major portion of their careers in the hospitality and travel profession and have contributed to the betterment of the industry in a significant and lasting way, over an extended period of time.

2023 Honorees

Jeff Senior, a recently retired marketing executive, is receiving the Albert E. Koehl Award for Career Achievement in Hospitality Marketing. Gina Stouffer, president of Lou Hammond Group, is receiving the Winthrop W. Grice Award Hospitality Public Relations. Both awards will be presented in conjunction with the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration on February 13 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

The HSMAI Career Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have spent most of their careers in hospitality and travel and have contributed to the betterment of the industry in a significant and lasting way over an extended period of time.

“Jeff and Gina stand out as trailblazers in marketing and public relations for the travel and tourism industry,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “Their influence extends far beyond the organizations and individuals they have led and continue to lead, leaving an indelible mark on the entire hospitality industry.”

Jeff Senior: Albert E. Koehl Award for Hospitality Marketing

Jeff Senior, MBA, is recently retired from his chief commercial officer role with KSL Resorts. Previously, he was executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. Senior has also held executive commercial positions with a number of global brands including Marriott International, Doubletree Hotels, Kimpton Group, and IHG. His responsibilities have spanned the globe, providing commercial guidance to a variety of hotels, resorts, and destinations, including owned, managed, asset managed, and franchise operations. His experience includes commercial guidance across the US, Canada, Western Europe, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and China.

He is an acknowledged industry expert, and has been featured on a variety of media including television on Fox Business, NBC, and on Chinese Television while supporting the state of California on a trade mission. He has been featured in publications including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, a variety of consumer facing publications, and industry media and journals.

A proponent of lifelong learning, Senior holds a MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, a certificate in Consumer Marketing Strategy from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, and a certificate in Customer Focused Innovation from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Senior has been active in giving back to the travel industry, and has served in executive capacities across a variety of groups, including U.S. Travel Association; Visit California California State University Hospitality & Tourism Alliance Council; American Travel Marketing Association Executive Committee; and finally, with HSMAI as Global Chair, Americas Chair, Executive Committee and Board.

Senior’s most recent venture is the creation of 5 Vines Travel Advisors, a boutique travel consultancy focused on assisting clients optimize commercial opportunities, where he is Principal and Owner.

Gina Stouffer: Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations

A born leader and an inveterate traveler, Gina Stouffer has spearheaded the growth of Lou Hammond Group since joining the firm in 1998. A 28-year public relations veteran, she has been instrumental in the development of the agency’s award-winning team and vast collection of destination, hotel/resort and cruise accounts.

Beginning in LHG’s New York office, Gina went on to establish an agency presence in Miami and Charleston and later laid the business development and team recruitment plans for the firm’s expansion into Houston, Denver, Atlanta and Tampa.

In her current capacity as president of the Charleston office, Gina oversees a broad portfolio of national and international accounts. An industry force, Gina is respected by clients, media and peers alike, transforming her professional contacts into long-lasting relationships.

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gina graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas with a degree in history and political science. She first honed her public affairs skills as an intern in the Clinton White House in Washington, D.C. before joining Forte Hotels in New York.

She and her husband, Blake, along with their son, Sebastian (Baz) now call Charleston home. She is past president of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Charleston chapter and currently serves as an executive board member for the Charleston Library Society, the oldest cultural institution in the South.

For additional information on the HSMAI Adrian Awards and the HSMAI Career Achievement Awards, visit HSMAI Adrian Awards.

ALBERT E. KOEHL & WINTHROP W. GRICE SELECTION COMMITTEE: