CHICAGO—The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) honored IHLA member employees for their outstanding accomplishments, service and leadership in the hotel industry at its 2024 Stars of the Industry Awards. Colin Challender of the Claridge House Chicago was awarded Hotelier of the Year, alongside a number of other outstanding representatives from the industry who helped elevate the guest experience and make Illinois a great place to visit.
2024 Stars of the Industry winners include:
- Administrative Employee: Valeria Serrano, Hotel Arista (Naperville)
- Allied Employee: Lisa Nucci, Choose Chicago
- Bell Staff Employee: Spiro Diamantopoulos, The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North
- Department Division Head: Sarah Baker, Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center Bloomington
- First-Level Supervisor: Nancy Greene, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington
- Food and Beverage Heart of the House Employee: Joshua Henry, Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
- Food and Beverage Front of the House Employee: Beverly Christmas, Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris
- Guest Services Employee: Rosemary Robles, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bolingbrook
- Hotelier of the Year:Colin Challender, Claridge House Chicago
- Housekeeping Employee: Shady Gergis, Eaglewood Resort & Spa (Itasca)
- Maintenance Employee: Michael “Richie” Smith, W Chicago Lakeshore
- Manager: Willie Clay, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
- Mixologist: Adam Chase, Adorn Bar & Restaurant at the Four Seasons Chicago
- Security Employee: Dinelia Smiles, The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
- Community Service Property: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
- Sustainability Property: Hotel Arista (Naperville)
- Strategic Partner: Pepsi
IHLA’s Stars of the Industry Awards program recognizes individuals within the hotel industry who are considered by their peers to be the best of the best. Nominees include employees who go above and beyond and whose incredible hard work, dedication, attentiveness, and genuine kindness towards both guests and fellow colleagues is an inspiration to their peers.
“I want to congratulate all our winners and nominees for the 2024 Stars of the Industry Awards. Each year, these awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the dedication and talent that drive the hospitality industry in Illinois,” said Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. “Our employees are the most important part of our businesses, and we are proud to honor those whose contributions and services continue to elevate the guest experience and help our millions of visitors each year enjoy their stay across Illinois.”
A full list of nominees is available on IHLA’s website.
