BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS—The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has appointed Dominican native Amanda Charles as Sustainable Tourism Specialist. Charles will coordinate and implement the CTO’s sustainable tourism program aimed at enhancing the development, growth, quality, competitiveness and sustainability of Caribbean tourism. Charles is a tourism professional with several years of experience, having worked most recently as the adviser to the Directorate of Sustainable Tourism at the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, a position she held for five years. While there Charles coordinated the directorate’s sustainable tourism program and managed the financial, technical and logistical aspects of...

Name: Tom Rhodes Title: NC (North Carolina) GreenTravel Initiative Program Manager Organization: North Carolina Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (NC DEACS) Years with NC GreenTravel Initiative: Almost five years Primary responsibilities: “I manage our website, write updates for Visit North Carolina newsletters, review applications for the NC GreenTravel program, visit businesses to present the program and talk about how to become a green destination. I coach applicants and provide technical assistance with our waste reduction partners.” Program’s biggest accomplishment so far: “We are at 176 businesses in the NC GreenTravel Initiative, 64 of which are lodging establishments.” Program’s biggest challenge moving forward: “When...

BANGKOK—Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas announced that Jeffery Smith has joined the group in the role of Director of Sustainability. In his new role, Smith will ensure that Six Senses remains at the leading edge of sustainable tourism practices. These include environmental performance of each property, support for the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and enhancing social and economic benefits to local communities in destinations where Six Senses operates. Smith joins Six Senses with 11 years of broad experience of delivering green programs, with internal and external engagement. His most recent role was in the delivery of solar energy...

Name: Rick Werber Title: Senior Vice President, Engineering and Sustainability | Development, Design and Construction Company: Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Years with Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.: Seven Primary responsibilities: Werber is responsible for global strategic capital infrastructure planning and execution, enterprise-wide supply-and-demand-side energy and utility management, and the evaluation and implementation of energy and utility-related ROI initiatives, with a focus on improving sustainability and increasing efficiency of operations to create and drive value. Additionally, Werber co-chairs Host’s Corporate Responsibility (CR) team, a cross-functional team charged with developing the organization’s CR framework and integrating policies within its business practices at the corporate...

NASHVILLE, TENN.—Arizona volunteer Rashmi Bhakta was awarded P&G Professional’s “Community Hotelier of the Year Award” in conjunction with the Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. (AAHOA). Bhakta was chosen as the grand prize winner after submitting an essay detailing her participation with and support of Child Crisis Arizona. The charity will receive a $10,000 award in Bhakta’s name. Bhakta, who was not able to attend in person, was recognized on stage during the 2016 AAHOA Annual Convention and Trade Show awards presentation at the Nashville Convention Center. Amiti Bhow, who nominated Bhakta for the honor, accepted the recognition on Bhakta’s...

HIGHLANDS, N.C.—Old Edwards Hospitality Group announces the appointment of Ezra Gardiner as Head Farmer. Ezra will oversee Old Edwards Gardens at Sequoia Lake and The Gardens at Cherrywood including greenhouses and hoop houses. Ezra will be responsible for cultivating vegetables and herbs to support the culinary offerings throughout Old Edwards, including Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, the Spa Café, the country inn at Half-Mile Farm and the Grill Room at Old Edwards Club, as well as weddings and special events.Gardiner was raised in Ashe County, N.C., an agricultural community of small homesteads and sustenance farming where growing things for...

SPRINGFIELD, MO.—John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) announced the addition of David (Dave) Bishop to the capital planning and asset management department in the company’s Springfield, Mo.-based corporate offices. With 20 years of experience in progressive facilities management, Bishop joins JQH as Corporate Director of Facilities Management beginning March 1, 2016. JQH is a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, including operating more than 1 million square feet of meeting space.“We are pleased to add Dave’s unique education and experience to the JQH family,” said Bill George, JQH’s Vice President of Capital...

CRYSTAL CITY, VA.—The Hyatt Regency Crystal City has launched a new culinary initiative that includes partnerships with regional farms and providers. The new menu features modern interpretations of southern classics made with seasonal ingredients from local farms such as Kreider’s Farms in Lancaster, Pa.; Meadow Creek Dairy in Grayson, Va. and others. The new menu items are now available at the hotel’s Cinnabar restaurant. David Carlson, who recently joined the Hyatt Regency Crystal City team as chef de cuisine, has always had an interest in finding ways to incorporate more locally-grown produce in menu items. Carlson has over 15 years...

YOUNTVILLE, CALIF.—Bardessono Hotel & Spa, the LEED Platinum Certified wine country retreat in the heart of Napa Valley, announces the appointment of Nate Lindsay as the new Executive Chef. Lindsay will oversee all aspects of the culinary experience at Bardessono and for Lucy Restaurant & Bar, the hotel’s award-winning, signature restaurant presenting innovative, garden-inspired cuisine that embodies the property’s “exceptional by nature” modern aesthetic and eco-spirit.“We are delighted to welcome Chef Lindsay to Bardessono and excited to watch Lucy thrive from his fresh culinary vantage, talent and enthusiasm,” said Sileshi Mengiste, Divisional Vice President, Luxury Division Remington Hotels. “Chef...

Name: Lorraine Francis AIA, LEED BD+CTitle: Director, NEWH Sustainable Hospitality CommitteeYears as Director: 1.5 Committee’s Primary Responsibilities: “The main focus is on the Green Voice series. We try to do three presentations at Boutique Design New York, Boutique Design West, and HD Expo. We also have two student scholarships that get awarded at HD Expo.” Additional Title: Regional Director of Hospitality Interiors, Gensler NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF.—As Director of NEWH’s Sustainable Hospitality Committee, Lorraine Francis leads monthly committee meetings in preparation for educational discussions at key industry events. She works with various subcommittees within the Sustainable Hospitality Committee and has...