WASHINGTON, D.C.—Brian T. Mullis, who founded global nonprofit Sustainable Travel International in 2002 and continues to serve as its CEO, was recently appointed to the United States National Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. The official announcement was made by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank.The Board, established in 2003, serves as the advisory body to the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the travel and tourism industry in the United States. Its members represent a broad cross-section of the industry, including transportation services, financial services, and hotels and restaurants, as well as a mix of small and...

Name: Eric DominguezTitle: Corporate Director Engineering, Utilities & Environmental Affairs Organization: Caesars EntertainmentYears at Caesars Entertainment: EightPrimary responsibilities: Implementing energy efficiency and conservation projects across more than 50 million square feet of hotel, casino, restaurant and entertainment space; procuring natural gas and electricity in deregulated markets; managing enterprise utility spend exceeding $180 million a year, including budgeting and efficiency improvements; and ensuring environmental compliance associated with the Clean Air and Water Acts.Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far, as it relates to energy conservation: “In the last year and a half we changed out 65,000 halogen MR16 lamps and...

BOULDER, COLO.—A kid’s voice can go a long way. Just ask Milo Cress, an 11-year-old from Boulder, Colo. Two years ago, Milo noticed that restaurants were automatically giving straws to customers—straws that ended up in the trash and ultimately the landfill. That did not sit right with him. The environmentalist that he is—he developed a solar-powered popcorn machine when he was six—Milo decided something needed to be done. With the help of his family he founded the Be Straw Free Campaign, an effort to encourage foodservice businesses to either eliminate straws altogether or at least transition to an “offer...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recently announced the appointment of Mauro Marrocu as its new CEO. Marrocu will lead the organization through its next phase of growth and extended global partnerships, which includes its official relocation within the offices of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Madrid. Marrocu is an experienced executive and entrepreneur in the travel industry. He has worked on various continents in developed and developing markets. His passion for travel will lead the organization in encouraging public and private sector partnerships necessary to build sustainable travel systems, strategies and policies for future growth and...

IRVING, TEXAS—Cheryl Forberg, R.D., one of the nation’s leading authorities on nutrition, a James Beard award-winning chef, and nutritionist for NBC’s The Biggest Loser, has joined Omni Hotels & Resorts culinary team as the luxury hotel brand’s in-house nutritionist. From Omni’s award winning restaurants to in-room dining, Forberg will work closely with Omni chefs to create both delicious and nutritious menu choices. This year Omni will embark on several unique and captivating food and beverage campaigns, drawing on Forberg’s expert guidance. She will play an instrumental role in each of Omni’s culinary initiatives, expanding healthy dining options with cuisine...

HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLO.—Continuing their mission to make green travel possible in locations spanning the country, Adoba Hotel Brand announces the hiring of its new VP of Development, Michael Lapporte.“As Adoba Hotel Brand expands into its third location, it is time to address the company’s rapid growth and need for an organizational chart that reflects these new developments,” says Adrienne Pumphrey, Global Head, Adoba Eco Hotel & Suites.”Lapporte is no stranger to the hotel industry, bringing with him 13 years of experience as a senior real estate broker specializing in retail, hotels, mixed-use, land, and investment sales.“His strong track record...

Name: Stephanie KlettTitle: Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Tourism Organization: Wisconsin Department of TourismYears at Department of Tourism: TwoPrimary responsibilities: “My job is to help make Wisconsin the premiere vacation destination in the Midwest.” Department’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far, as it relates to tourism: “The relaunching of the Travel Green Wisconsin program with a lower fee structure.”Department’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “Getting the word out about Travel Green Wisconsin.”  MADISON, WIS.—Growing up in Wisconsin with a father who was an outdoor enthusiast and a “bird nerd,” Stephanie Klett was introduced early on to the wonders of nature. “You...

DENVER—Xanterra Parks & Resorts has appointed Catherine Greener as vice president of sustainability. In this position, Greener is responsible for continuing and strengthening the company’s sustainability initiatives in the areas of energy, water and waste management; pollution prevention; sustainable cuisine; sustainable design and more. “We are pleased that Catherine is bringing her wide-ranging expertise to our company,” said Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of Xanterra. “The diversity of our operations requires someone who can provide leadership in many sustainability disciplines.” Xanterra operates lodges, restaurants, gift stores and other concessions in state and national parks as well as Kingsmill Resort, Windstar...

Name: Paul SnyderTitle: Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Global Lead on Environmental Sustainability Organization: InterContinental Hotels Group PLCYears at company: TenPrimary responsibilities: “Leading, developing and executing IHG’s sustainability strategy across the globe, leading IHG's Public Affairs efforts in the Americas and co-leading diversity initiatives within the region.”Company’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “I think we have many but we have 2,250 hotels that have subscribed to our environmental platform. It is called Green Engage. It allows you to track energy, waste and water and compare your performance again benchmarks.”Company’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “How...

SEATTLE—The Pan Pacific Seattle, known for its PanEarth Sustainability Program, has named Sam Johnson general manager. Prior to joining Pan Pacific, Johnson was the general manager of the Sorrento Hotel in Seattle.Johnson brings more than 30 years of hospitality industry expertise to the property. He previously led asset management of a portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts for a private real estate investment firm, and held general manager positions at many of Seattle’s top boutique hotels, such as Salish Lodge & Spa, the Alexis Hotel, and Hotel Vintage Park. He brings leadership, marketing expertise, decades-long ties to the local...