Names: Kate Wilson Title: Senior Director of Sustainability Company: Vail Resorts Years with Vail Resorts: Almost three years Primary Responsibility: “I am lucky to run Commitment to Zero. We own and operate 37 resorts globally. We made a bold sustainability commitment to have a zero-net impact by 2030. I work on the strategy and implement these goals.” Organization’s most significant accomplishment in global corporate responsibility: “We reached our 50 percent waste diversion goal nine months ahead of schedule.” Organization’s most significant challenge moving forward in global corporate responsibility: “Waste is still a huge challenge for us because of where these resorts are located. Two towns...

PENSACOLA, FLA.—Innisfree Hotels, the largest beachfront hotel owner-operator on the Gulf Coast, has appointed Rusty Branch to the position of Vice President of Community Engagement. The role is newly created, and as the first to take its title, Branch will focus on bettering and giving back to the communities where Innisfree does business. “Innisfree is working hard to create generational changes in the communities where it does business—and beyond,” said Julian MacQueen, founder of Innisfree Hotels. “We wanted to create a role that was solely dedicated to moving our community-based initiatives forward, so we can create tangible, positive impact in...

CHICAGO—Hotel Chicago West Loop has announced the appointment of a new, dynamic leader who plans to expand the property’s immersive art program in 2021. In his role as General Manager of the independent, four-year-old boutique hotel, Andrew Hilliker is responsible for overseeing operations as well as maintaining prominence within the competitive marketplace as the hospitality and travel industries rebound from COVID-19. His primary strategy for elevating the guest experience moving forward centers on the hotel’s unique art and culture initiative. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Hilliker, a passionate hotelier who has worked his way up from bellman to...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) staff and Board of Directors announced this year’s recipient of the Martha Honey Legacy in Responsible Travel Award: Judy Kepher-Gona, Founder and Principal Consultant at Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda (STTA). The inaugural Legacy in Responsible Travel Award was made last year to Dr. Martha Honey on the occasion of her retirement to honor her leadership and accomplishments in responsible travel. At that time, the CREST Board of Directors decided to make this an annual award to someone in the global tourism industry making a significant difference in pushing the envelope in responsible...

Names: Kate Mikesell Titles: VP, Global Corporate Responsibility, Hilton and President, Hilton Effect Foundation Company: Hilton Years with Hilton: 11 Primary Responsibility: “My primary responsibility is helping Hilton as it continues to redefine responsible travel. I spend most of my time talking about resources and how we are measuring. Are we on pace? Are we falling behind? It is a lot of conversation with team members and community leaders.” Organization’s most significant accomplishment in global corporate responsibility: “Being able to say this is the direction we want to go and letting our team take over. The Hilton Effect Foundation and the impact it is...

BETHESDA, MD.—Arne Sorenson, President and CEO of Marriott International, has been awarded the 2020 Out & Equal Ally Changemaker Award. According to Out & Equal, this award recognizes an LGBTQ Ally who has made a significant contribution to advancing workplace equality. As allies, they uplift the voices of marginalized groups and have shown a unique commitment to LGBTQ workplace rights and will have used their talents to further that cause, even if at some risk. “Marriott, like Out & Equal, is committed to creating a culture of belonging for all. I am honored to accept this recognition on behalf of...

INCLINE VILLAGE, NEV.—Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, the only waterfront resort in North Lake Tahoe, announces Kemp Dowdy as its outdoor and adventure specialist. Through this new role, Dowdy will work one-on-one with guests to curate and personalize their Lake Tahoe experience. “I am thrilled to be the outdoor and adventure specialist at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe,” said Dowdy.  “Lake Tahoe is a gem of a destination, and it provides endless possibilities for getting outside and enjoying unforgettable adventures. With such a wide range of premier experiences available right outside our doors, it is my role to...

INCLINE VILLAGE, NEVADA—Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, the only waterfront resort in North Lake Tahoe, announces Julie Orblych as its wellness and adventure specialist.  Through this new role, Orblych will work directly with guests to curate their on-site wellness experience, from morning meditation sessions to arranging flotation therapy sessions, and more. “I am thrilled to be named as the wellness specialist at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe,” said Orblych. “I’ve always had a passion for wellness and am happy to have the opportunity to help guests become a better version of themselves through self-care and by participating in...

NATIONAL REPORT—Landscape designer and educator, Julia Watson, will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, November 11 at the Greenbuild International Conference + Expo. She is a leading expert on indigenous technologies. Her bestselling book with Taschen, Lo-TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Monocle, Architectural Digest, and more. Regularly teaching at Harvard and Columbia University, Julia’s studio work involves landscape and urban design, along with public speaking and consulting with brands on sustainability. She has just completed the summer gardens for Rockefeller Center using a native plant palette inspired by the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Informa Connect are proud to announce that Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will headline the 2020 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Figueres will deliver the keynote address during the opening session on Tuesday, November 10. This year’s virtual Greenbuild experience will take place November 10 to 12 with three virtual summits focused on green business, resilience and global health and wellness, taking place September 10, October 1 and October 22 as a lead up to the main event. Registration is now...