LAS VEGAS—Two top executives at MGM Resorts International have been recognized for their contributions in diversity, philanthropy and sustainability. Phyllis A. James, Executive Vice President, Special Counsel-Litigation and Chief Diversity Officer for MGM Resorts International, has been named one of 2014’s most influential women in corporate America by Savoy Magazine.Cindy Ortega, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for MGM Resorts International, was named one of the 10 most powerful women in sustainability by Green Building & Design (GB&D).“These honors demonstrate the effect that both Phyllis and Cindy have had in CSR, not just for our company but for...

SEATTLE—Paladino and Company, a leading sustainability and green building consulting firm, announced Dina Belon LEED AP ID&C is joining the company as a Director on its senior management team. Belon, who brings two decades of sustainability experience in the development and hospitality industries, will be responsible for working with Paladino’s clients to implement results-driven high performance building strategies.  “Dina has an incredible reputation for delivering measurable results through sustainable development,” said Paladino founder and CEO Tom Paladino. “Adding her expertise to our team will be instrumental as we continue in our quest to help our clients innovate and get...

YOUNTVILLE, CALIF.—Bardessono, the LEED Platinum certified wine country hotel located in Yountville in the heart of Napa Valley, announced that its General Manager Jim Treadway was named “General Manager of the Year” in the Small Property category by the California Hotel & Lodging Assn. This award honors a hotelier who has demonstrated superior professionalism in operating a CH&LA member property and has taken a leadership role in the industry by actively participating in association, community or industry programs.“I’m honored by this prestigious CH&LA award, but running a high-performing small luxury hotel is a team sport,” said Jim Treadway, General...

Name: Harith WickremaTitle: Chief Visionary OfficerProperty: Eco Serendib Villa and SpaYears property open: Three Primary responsibilities: “One of my most important responsibilities as chief visionary officer is to ensure the villa stays true to the original concept.”   Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “Educating guests while using resources to give back to the St. John Community.”  Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “Recycling. On St. John we don’t have recycling. Garbage gets shipped to St. Thomas.”  ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—As Chief Visionary Officer and owner of the eight-suite Eco Serendib Villa and Spa on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, Harith...

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...