CHICAGO—The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) honored IHLA member employees for their outstanding accomplishments, service, and leadership in the hotel industry at the 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards. Brit McKinney of the Hampton Inn Decatur/Mt. Zion was awarded Hotelier of the Year, with several more industry leaders also recognized for helping elevate the guest experience and ensuring Illinois remains a great place to visit.
2025 Stars of the Industry winners include:
- Hotelier of the Year: Brit McKinney, Hampton Inn Decatur/Mt. Zion
- Administrative Employee: Scott Tucci, Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
- Allied Employee: Michael Krause, Kendall College
- Bell Staff Employee: Mirham Mahmutagic, Omni College Hotel
- Department Division Head: Jen Rickleman, Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference
- First-Level Supervisor: Nicole Espana, Park Hyatt Chicago
- Food and Beverage Heart of the House Employee: Dennis Jones, Hotel Arista
- Food and Beverage Front of the House Employee: Brian Ortega, Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, The Ashburn
- Guest Services Employee: Casey Frankel, Park Hyatt Chicago, Aja Miller, The Westin O’Hare
- Housekeeping Employee: Sheila Miller, The Gwen Hotel
- Maintenance Employee: Brian Wilson, Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center
- Manager: Racquel Toro, Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare
- Mixologist: Jeremy Foissac, Adorn Bar & Restaurant, Four Season Chicago
- Security Employee: Edmund Amegatcher, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
- Community Service Property: Marriott Business Council of Chicago
- Sustainability Property: Hotel Arista
- Strategic Partner: Boston Beer Company
IHLA’s Stars of the Industry Awards program celebrates those employed within the hotel industry who are recognized by their peers to be the best of the best. Nominees include employees who went the extra mile to provide first-class service, and their exceptional hard work, dedication, attentiveness, and genuine kindness towards both guests and fellow colleagues is an inspiration to their peers.
“Congratulations to the 2025 Stars of the Industry award winners. Each year, these awards give us the opportunity to come together and recognize the exceptional hard work and talent that drive our state’s hospitality industry,” 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 service set Illinois apart on the national and global stage.”
A full list of nominees is available on IHLA’s website.
