TROY, N.Y.—The appointment of Doug Bechtel as president and chief executive officer of Audubon International (AI), a New York-based organization that works with organizations in 36 countries on environmental sustainability, was announced by the AI board of directors.Bechtel has been serving as associate director of environmental programs for AI. Prior to joining the organization, Bechtel was director of conservation science for The Nature Conservancy’s New Hampshire Chapter for more than 15 years.AI is a not-for-profit organization that works with nearly 2,500 golf courses, business and other organizations to encourage good management of natural resources. Its mission is to deliver...

WARRENTON, VA.—Airlie Center General Manager Kevin Carter announces the promotion of Jeremy Anderson to Executive Chef. A member of the culinary team for more than nine years, Anderson has worked hand-in-hand with Culinary Director Jeff Witte who served as Executive Chef for 11 years.“Chef Anderson has been working with Chef Witte for many years and is ready to take Airlie’s culinary program to the next level,” says Carter. “Jeremy’s culinary talents will allow him to tell lots of stories about sophisticated simplicity through his creations.”As partners, Witte and Anderson have developed a sustainable, local and organic program. Anderson’s passion...

Name: Jessica RosmanTitle: Director of Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Organization: Caesars Entertainment Corp.Years with Organization: FivePrimary responsibilities: “Encouraging minority- and women-owned businesses in our supply chain—focusing on economic inclusion. Looking at all the appropriations we currently deal with. I have also been extremely involved in waste management.”Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “We have reduced our carbon emissions by 12 percent over the last five years.”Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “Educating our supply chain so that companies will continue to be efficient. Working with our top suppliers and encouraging them to follow in our footsteps.”LAS VEGAS—Timing may not...

Name: Kathy McGuireTitle: Manager, Sustainable DevelopmentOrganization: PGA National Resort & SpaYears with Organization: Eight years Primary responsibilities: “I set the goals for our sustainability efforts each year. I itemize the things I believe are achievable.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “Minimizing waste has been our greatest achievement.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “Energy use. This building was built in 1981. We have replaced just about everything you can replace.” PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.—In recognition of her success in leading multiple sustainability efforts at the PGA National Resort & Spa—she helped save the property $350,000 in the last...

MEADOWLANDS, N.J.—Thirty-year hotel veteran Steven S. Kaiser has joined the 427-room Hilton Meadowlands as general manager. The hotel, which converted to the Hilton brand from the Sheraton Meadowlands on October 31, 2013, is located at Two Meadowlands Plaza in East Rutherford and features a 1.1-megawatt solar photovoltaic installation on its carport. The solar panels are expected to generate 20 percent of the property’s energy.  “Steve has worked for top-rated hotels on both coasts, the last 20 years on the East Coast, including multiple properties in New Jersey,” said Joseph Bojanowski, president of PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS), operators of the...

Name: Lindsay ArellTitle: Sustainable Programs Manager Organization: Colorado Convention CenterPrimary responsibilities: “I focus on the sustainability of our operations. I help to make sure recycling and composting are in place and that we are following energy efficiency policies. I work closely with clients to help them pull off sustainability goals. I network within the industry overall to let peers know what we are doing. We are in the middle of our LEED recertification. I am helping to mentor that process.”Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “The Center’s most significant accomplishment is putting in a position for a sustainability...

Name: Mandy MartinTitle: Global Sustainability Manager Organization: Las Vegas Sands Corp.Years with Las Vegas Sands Corp.: Just shy of two years. Primary responsibilities: Mandy leads Las Vegas Sands’ global sustainability efforts in the United States, Macau and Singapore. “Overall I run the Sands ECO360° program worldwide,” she says. “I am the ‘go to’ person for communications, public relations and community engagement. I also do reporting for the Carbon Disclosure Project, worked on our 2011 Environmental Report, and work on other similar reports.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “It changes every single year,” she says. “This year we...

LAS VEGAS—Corporate Responsibility (CR) Magazine, a preeminent publication which recognizes America’'s most socially responsible chief executives, has named Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International, a 2013 Responsible CEO of the Year Award winner. The annual awards are presented to CEOs across industries that clearly exceed standards in the areas of employee relations, environmental impact, human rights, philanthropy, and corporate responsibility practices.“In a business landscape where transparency, sincerity and social impact are an ever important business goal, we are pleased to shine a spotlight on a group of individuals and their organizations which exude a commitment to...

Name: Michael SuomiTitle: Founder of Futuregreen Hospitality Forum Years with Futuregreen Hospitality Forum: TwoResponsibilities with Futuregreen Hospitality Forum: Primary organizer of annual event—a one-day, intensive session focusing on one common goal: envisioning the future of sustainable hospitality. Futuregreen provides a platform bringing together designers, brands, owners, and manufacturers with the mission of leading the hospitality industry to positively impact the environment and society.   NEW YORK—Having heard enough “Green 101” and tired of attending green conferences at non-sustainable venues where he would get a “swag bag of junk made in China,” Michael Suomi hatched the idea of an intensive one-day...

AVON, COLO.—With more than 15 years of hospitality experience, Burrell helped open The Westin Riverfront in 2008 as the director of operations, a position that he held for more than four years and where he oversaw the sustainable luxury efforts that helped the resort become Colorado’s first Silver LEED certified hotel. Burrell most recently served as the general manager of Virginia’s historic Mountain Lake Lodge, which completed an extensive multi-million dollar renovation under his leadership. He also previously held management positions at the Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa and...