Name: Andrea PinabellTitle: Vice President Sustainability, Global Citizenship Company: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Years with Starwood: Four Primary responsibilities: “My primary role is to reduce Starwood’s overall impact while helping to support the business. Additionally, it is my role to find best practices and scale them around the world.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “One of the most significant has been our 30/20 by 2020 program. We were the first company to include a franchise portfolio within its impact reduction goals.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: “Finding innovative and creative financing vehicles as we...

NAPA VALLEY, CALIF.—Mark Harmon, Founder and Managing Partner of the Auberge Resorts Collection, was honored by the Napa County Historical Society and inducted into its Lodging Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 12. Named for the company’s Napa Valley flagship hotel, the five-star Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection has played a pivotal role in putting Napa Valley on the map as a destination that is world-renowned for hospitality and culinary excellence. Harmon, who formed the company in 1998, has led Auberge’s growth in Napa Valley and beyond, to destinations as far-flung as Fiji and Costa Rica. The group’s...

OAK BROOK, ILL.—The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center has announced the appointment of Erica Tomei as Pastry Chef. In her new role, Tomei will head dessert and bakery operations for the resort’s catering functions, restaurant outlets and retail shops. The winner of the American Culinary Federation’s 2014 wedding cake competition makes Oak Brook Hills a one-stop-shop for house-made wedding cakes, pastries and other baked specialties, something few hotel kitchens can offer.“For me, Erica completes the equation,” said Executive Chef Sean Patrick Curry, who recruited Tomei from her post at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, where the two...

Name: Maxime Verstraete Title: Vice President, Sustainability & ADA ComplianceCompany: Hilton WorldwideYears in current position: Two years Primary responsibilities: “Ensuring that all 4,400+ hotels meet the highest sustainability standards in the industry. Making sure our global sustainability strategy becomes a reality at the local level.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “Launching LightStay, Travel with Purpose and our triple ISO certifications.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: “The challenges I see are the varying global legislations. We are in 97 countries. The other is supply chain which we have been focusing on.”MCLEAN, VA.—As Vice President, Sustainability & ADA Compliance...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Heathman Hotel in Portland, a property with a long history of environmental commitments, announces the appointment of Steven Hurst as General Manager. As General Manager, Hurst will oversee all property operations, sales and executive functions as well as focus on a post-sale re-imaging for the hotel, which is one of the oldest and most respected luxury hotels in the city.Hurst started his career in the hotel business at Pebble Beach Resorts. There, he enjoyed seven years of career advancement, starting as Clubhouse Manager, at The Beach and Tennis Club, Monterey Peninsula’s premier private social and recreational club...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Board of Directors announced that USGBC’s Chief Operating Officer Mahesh Ramanujam has been named incoming Chief Executive Officer, and will move into the role after Rick Fedrizzi, the co-founder of USGBC and current CEO, steps down at the end of 2016.“Mahesh has a highly impressive track record of success in both his role as USGBC’s COO and as President of Green Business Certification Inc.,” said USGBC Board Chair Marge Anderson. “He is a proven leader who has exhaustive knowledge of the organization, respect from its volunteer leadership and strong support from its...

Name: Rebecca MarshallTitle: Energy and Sustainability ManagerCompany: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New YorkYears in position: Two Primary responsibilities: “My primary responsibilities are monitoring and maintaining our sustainability program and ensuring that the facility is complying with the State mandates regarding sustainability such as Executive Orders 4 and 88.”Convention Center’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “The green roof has become a signature feature of our recent top-to-bottom renovation. As the second largest of its kind in the country, the nearly seven-acre green roof is serving as a model for sustainability nationwide, reducing our energy consumption while becoming a living...

DEATH VALLEY, CALIF.—Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. announced the appointment of Dominie Lenz as General Manager of Furnace Creek Resort, located in Death Valley National Park. In this role, Lenz will oversee all operations of both the AAA four-diamond, 66-room Inn at Furnace Creek and the 224-room, family-friendly Ranch at Furnace Creek. “We are delighted to welcome Dominie into her new role,” says Gordon Taylor, Vice President Operations South, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. “Her tenure with Xanterra Parks & Resorts and commitment to excellence in the hospitality and food and beverage industries mean she is in the perfect position...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Shore Hotel, a leader in sustainability among Santa Monica’s luxury hotels, announces the appointment of hotel veteran Joe Velasquez to its executive team as General Manager. Velasquez brings more than two decades of experience in the luxury hotel business, including success at brands in California, Arizona, and Hawaii.“We know that Joe will bring the expertise and experience Shore Hotel needs to continue providing the highest level of service on which the hotel prides itself,” says CEO Steve Farzam. “Shore Hotel is an extraordinary escape destination where we value our guests and know that Joe will further our...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of Rezidor, is the new Chairman of the International Tourism Partnership (ITP). He succeeds Ian Carter, President, Development, Architecture and Construction for Hilton Worldwide who steps down after four years. “It is an honor to succeed Ian Carter as Chairman of ITP,” Neumann said. “Responsible business must be an essential element of any business strategy today and tomorrow—we must care for our planet and our people. I look forward to continue to join forces with our peers and to keep sustainability high on the agenda of the international hotel industry.”During Carter’s tenure...