CHICAGO—Aparium Hotel Group, a leading hotel company specializing in management and development of independent properties across the United States, announces the appointment of Sean Castady as General Manager for The Charmant Hotel, a boutique and historically relevant hotel in La Crosse, Wis. In his role, Castady will direct and oversee all daily operations of the former chocolate factory turned 67-room hotel, scheduled to open in the Summer of 2015.  “Sean’s past experience with reputable brands and award winning boutique hotels will complement our translocal philosophy perfectly,” said Kevin Robinson, Chief Operating Officer/Managing Partner, Aparium Hotel Group. “More importantly, Sean...

LAS VEGAS—Trump International Hotel Las Vegas announced the appointment of Sydney Jones as the hotel’s new executive sous chef. Jones, known for using cutting edge and progressive cooking techniques, oversees all aspects of culinary operations at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas including its in-room dining, meetings and banquet facilities and DJT, the hotel’s signature restaurant. With an impressive culinary background that includes positions at some of the country’s most prestigious resorts and notable dining destinations, Jones brings a flare for cooking with Italian influences and a passion for utilizing local, seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients to his new role.“Executive Sous Chef...

Name: Jeff Benavides, LEED AP O+MTitle: Energy & Sustainability Specialist, Resort ManagementOrganization: Wyndham Vacation OwnershipYears with organization: Five Years in current position: 1.5 Primary responsibilities: “We manage all energy, water and waste tracking and reduction initiatives and assist resort properties with energy conservation projects. We analyze product proposals and work with national product managers with FFE and amenities. The sustainability team provides educational resources for all of our resort staff—for any sustainability-related initiatives or training. Also, I help administer Green Tool Box, an enterprise-wide energy and sustainability tracking software used for performance reporting, site level energy management and GHG...

OAK BROOK, ILL.—Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center has announced the appointment of Sean Patrick Curry as Executive Chef. In his new role, Chef Curry is responsible for menu creation and daily culinary operations at the hotel and its restaurants, Windows and The Grille. In the coming weeks, Chef Curry will revamp the food culture at Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center, elevating the banquet and catering service and introducing what he refers to as modern farm cuisine.“Chef Curry brings an exceptional talent to the Hilton team, beginning with an innovative vision and an inspirational...

Name: Tom GriffinTitle: Executive Director, Virginia Green Travel AlliancePrimary responsibilities: Through the Virginia Green Travel Alliance, Tom’s primary tasks are to support and expand the marketing and outreach efforts of the Virginia Green program and provide training and certification opportunities, technical assistance and auditing services, and develop innovative marketing partnerships. Organization’s most significant accomplishment so far: “We are really just ramping up but what I am really excited about is our staff-level education series,” Griffin says. Organization’s most significant challenge: “Funding is one of our challenges and we are looking for different types of partnerships,” Griffin adds. RICHMOND, VA.—This...

MILL VALLEY, CALIF.—Auberge Resorts Collection, owner and operator of boutique luxury hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs, announced that Ken Springer has joined the company as Vice President of Design and Construction. In this newly created position, Springer will oversee all aspects of new construction and capital expenditures on current and future Auberge properties.“Ken possesses a reputation for the highest degree of attention to detail and design, as well as timely execution at each step of the development process,” said Craig Reid, Chief Executive Officer, Auberge Resorts Collection. “His professionalism and experience will be invaluable to Auberge as we...

Name: Erin RowlandTitle: Sustainability CoordinatorOrganization: Oregon Convention Center Years: Almost two yearsPrimary responsibilities: “Every day is very different. When we were working on LEED certification, I was working on policy and employee training. Now, I am working on strategic planning—determining how we can continue to push the envelope in how we operate our building.”Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “The most obvious is the recertification at LEED Platinum. Our center was not built to any LEED standards. It shows we have committed to improving our building operations over a decade.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “We feel proud...

DUCK, N.C.—Sanderling Resort, the Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond property on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, welcomes Chef de Cuisine John Botkin to the Lifesaving Station culinary team. The restaurant, which reopened last spring in conjunction with the property’s redesign, embraces the coastal Carolina region through its seafood-centric menu—a fitting destination for Chef Botkin and his expertise in seafood.At Lifesaving Station, Chef Botkin will continue the restaurant’s focus on S.O.A.L. cuisine—sustainable, organic, artisanal, and local—under the aegis of Executive Chef Jeffrey Russell. Menu highlights include the Grilled Carolina Grouper with hoppin john, smokey spinach, and maque...

OAK BROOK, ILL.—Oak Brook Hills Resort announces the appointment of Stefan Mühle as General Manager. Bringing over 25 years of hospitality experience to the property, 12 of those with Portfolio Hotels & Resorts, Mühle oversees all operations at the renowned IACC Certified convention resort soon to become a member of the Hilton brand this summer. The resort features 386 guestrooms including 38 suites, 42,500 square feet of meetings space, and the award-winning Willow Crest Golf Club, a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, preserving and enhancing wildlife habitat and protecting resources.“Seasoned leaders such as Stefan have the ability to bring heart...

Name: Rocio HammershaimbTitle: Sustainability Manager—The Americas Organization: Starwood Hotels & Resorts WorldwideYears with organization: 27Years in current position: onePrimary responsibilities: “I support our hotels so they can reach their sustainability goals. We want sustainability embedded in everything we do.”  Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “Working with organizations that help children. We have also had success in reducing energy and water and carbon. We just launched a Starwood Cares for the Community program.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “Keeping up with all of our initiatives and maintaining a consistent approach for our guests.” STAMFORD, CONN.—If you chat with Rocio Hammershaimb about...