OAK BROOK, ILL.—The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is putting an exclamation point on a multi-year, $25 million property wide transformation with the introduction of a new Executive Chef. Chicago-native Victor Martinez, who’s worked his way up from his father’s bistro as a teen to some of the most respected kitchens in the country, now looks to redefine hotel dining in the suburbs. By bringing an experiential, farm-to-fork culture to culinary operations at Oak Brook Hills Resort, Martinez is setting out to change the way people think about hotel food outside the city. “I see through ingredients, into...

DALTON, GA.—The Manufacturing Institute has awarded Diana Rosenberger, Sustainable Sourcing Manager at Shaw Industries Group, Inc., the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award. This national honor identifies high-achieving women in manufacturing who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their companies and communities. Rosenberger is honored for her contributions to Shaw’s sustainability efforts. As the sustainable sourcing manager, she partnered with fellow associates, aligning sustainability, legal and global sourcing interests to transform Shaw’s once stand-alone supplier code of conduct into a legally binding sourcing policy. She was also an instrumental part of the team that drove...

LAS VEGAS—BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) magazine named MGM Resorts International’s Phyllis A. James, Chief Diversity & Corporate Responsibility Officer, as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Corporate Diversity.” James leads the company’s Corporate Diversity and Philanthropy Departments and is responsible for managing MGM Resorts’ policy, business strategy and initiatives focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which includes the company’s diversity and inclusion, philanthropy and volunteer programs. “Corporate responsibility is an anchor of our company’s character, values and culture, and is central to our employee engagement, customer and business expansion and reputation growth,” said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM...

Name: Wanda Adams Title: Sustainability Manager Locations: Jones Hall, Wortham Center, George R. Brown Convention Center Years in Current Position: Four Primary Responsibilities: “My primary responsibility is to have the excitement of showing up to work every day and documenting my to-do list on things I need to accomplish on that day. My typical day is the normal checking of messages, reading over e-mail, and finishing tasks that were not completed the previous day. Also, looking at the events calendar to see what events are being held that week. I check on what food will be left over from an event. We try...

SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIF.—Green Spa Network (GSN) announced its recent board appointment and new Treasurer to the Board of Directors. Those elected are talented individuals who bring depth and experience in practicing sustainability and bringing international reach to the spa industry. GSN welcomes a pioneer in the health and wellness industry, Wendy Bosalavage, Chief Revenue Officer and President of LIVunLtd to the Board in the role of treasurer. LIVunLtd is a global luxury brand specializing in consulting, design and management of amenity services in residential and commercial properties, spas, and hotels. Helping people take care of themselves, however, is not exclusive...

SAN FRANCISCO—The InterContinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco announced that Michael Pace is the hotel’s new General Manager. Pace was previously Area General Manager for Sonesta Hotels, based at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, San Francisco. Walking back into the InterContinental Mark Hopkins brings General Manager Michael Pace’s nearly three-decade career in hospitality full circle. “My first hotel job in America was Convention Services Manager at the Mark Hopkins and my first apartment was ten blocks away,” says Pace. “I have great affection for the hotel and the neighborhood—it is really special to be able to come back to where...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International announces the appointment of Paul Pellizzari as Vice President of Global Social Responsibility. In his new position, Pellizzari will hold overall accountability for the growing entertainment brand’s social responsibility programs and initiatives. In his previous role, Pellizzari led social responsibility for Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and developed a global leadership position for the corporation. This work included building and leading OLG’s responsible gaming program, which was named “Best Overall Responsible Gaming Program in the World” by the World Lottery Association in 2014 and won 16 other national and international awards. “It is a pleasure to...

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.—GreenTree Hospitality Group Inc., a leading U.S. hotel owner, operator and franchisor of GreenTree Inn, recently announced the appointment and promotion of Amanda Saye as Vice President of Franchise Operations. Saye joined GreenTree in 2016 where she was tasked in leading the hotel brand’s marketing strategy and development efforts throughout the United States, including the successful launch of its GiveBack Rewards loyalty program in 2017. In addition, Saye completed a full web redesign and launch of its hotel brand website, implementing all print and digital promotions, managed the day-to-day and fulfillment of its loyalty program, developed all property marketing...

TROY, N.Y.—Frank LaVardera has been named the Director of Environmental Programs for Golf (ACSP) at Audubon International, the trusted name in environmental stewardship and certification on the world’s golf courses. In this new role, LaVardera will oversee AI’s highly regarded Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf as well as the Signature and Classic Sanctuary programs for new and renovating golf courses. His department will also include the organization’s newest programs—Monarchs in the Rough and the Raptor Relocation Network. LaVardera brings extensive experience as an environmental consultant working on a wide range of projects. This experience includes preparation of environmental resource plans,...

PARIS—AccorHotels announces the appointment of Emlyn Brown as Vice President, Wellbeing for AccorHotels’ luxury and upper upscale brands. “We are delighted to have Emlyn join our team; his experience, skill set and leadership traits position him well for future success within the Group,” said Rick Harvey Lam, Senior Vice-President, AccorHotels Luxury Brands, Global Brand Marketing. “Emlyn will direct our global strategy in the pivotal area of wellbeing, enhancing our global luxury wellness offering through transformative guest experiences integrated with our leading spa and wellness standards.” Brown brings over 20 years of international experience to this role, beginning his wellness career in 1996....