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...

MAUI, HAWAII—Lumeria Maui, a member of Healing Hotels Of The World and a leading Hawaiian wellness retreat located in Upcountry Maui between Paia and Makawao, announces the appointment of Gary Sterman as the property’s general manager. Sterman brings extensive tactical and strategic leadership in operations, sales and marketing to the position, with more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry.Sterman comes to Lumeria from his role as general manager and consultant for the Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Namaste Spa, the leading guest house and spa in the resort town of Provincetown, Mass. Other important general manager positions...

Name: Scot HoppsTitle: Environmental Program ManagerCompany: Saunders Hotel Group & EcoLogical Solutions, Inc.Time in current position: Two yearsPrimary responsibilities: “Figuring out how to implement what we want to do. Setting goals and finding projects that can make an impact. Looking for the products and technologies that make sense for our business.”  Company’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “Infusing the culture of sustainability into every management team.”Company’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “An increasing part of our expense is waste water costs. That really seems to be something that has gone up in price. We see that as an increasingly...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—National Restaurant Association (NRA) president and CEO Dawn Sweeney has been recognized by the Campaign to End Obesity for her work in helping inspire and guide the foodservice industry’s nutrition initiatives. Sweeney, in recognition for her efforts, received the award at a December 6 awards gala at Discovery Channel Worldwide headquarters in Silver Spring, Md.“Dawn has been an enthusiastic and engaged leader in the fight to reverse America’s obesity epidemic,” said Stephanie Silverman, a founding director and senior advisor to the Campaign to End Obesity. “We applaud Dawn’s work encouraging and supporting restaurants’ innovative efforts to provide nutritious options...