NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center continues to lead the way into a green future with their award-winning Sustainability Program, which aims to improve the environment through innovations in the use of energy conservation techniques, renewable energy, and more. The Convention Center continues to follow through on its commitment to being a sustainability champion through collaborative efforts with like-minded community partners. Beginning in 2010, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s sustainability program continues to be a model of excellence for the steps taken to reduce the building’s impact on the environment. The Convention Center recently...

Name: Vicki McMichael Title: Director of Compliance and Sustainability, Parks and Resorts Company: Delaware North Companies Years in Current Position: Two Primary Responsibilities: “There’s not a typical day for me. One of my most important roles is connecting the dots between the properties, interacting with NGOs, being an ambassador for GreenPath and keeping the program strong.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “Rolling out a strong stewardship program that supports sustainability and features five key branches that go beyond environmental management.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: “Striving for zero waste and operating at zero waste.” BUFFALO, N.Y.—More than seven years ago, Green Lodging News profiled...

NEW YORK—Humanscale announced that Jane Abernethy has been promoted to Chief Sustainability Officer. The creation of this C-suite position at Humanscale reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and strengthens its position as a sustainability leader in the office furnishings industry and beyond. “At Humanscale, sustainability has never been pushed off to the side, but rather it’s at the front and center of everything we do,” says Humanscale Founder and CEO Robert King. “This new executive level position reflects that commitment.” Abernethy joined Humanscale in 2007 as a Product Designer, where she developed a passion for sustainability. In early 2012, she was...

HALF MOON BAY, CALIF.—The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay—the San Francisco Bay Area’s only oceanfront spa and golf resort—announced the appointment of Alain Zhang as Chef of The Conservatory, the resort’s acclaimed restaurant featuring homegrown, handcrafted California cuisine. Zhang joins the award-winning resort from The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay, where he served as Chef de Cuisine for Sand restaurant. Zhang was raised in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, China. Surrounded by cooking throughout his childhood—his mother’s exceptional cooking was famous around town and his aunt and uncle owned a restaurant in Ordos—Zhang knew at an early age that he wanted...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that Hyatt has selected Mia Kyricos as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Wellbeing, underscoring Hyatt’s commitment to care for people so they can be their best. Kyricos will report to Mark Vondrasek, Hyatt’s Chief Commercial Officer. “As a pioneer in the business of wellbeing, Mia is uniquely qualified to further define Hyatt’s wellbeing efforts across all 14 brands to ensure colleagues, guests and customers can be their best,” Vondrasek said. “She is a respected leader in the wellbeing industry and her expertise across wellness, hospitality and brand strategy will fervently support and expand Hyatt’s already...

MIAMI—Armando Hernandez has been named Chief Wellness Officer at Even Hotel Miami Airport. Equal to a general manager role at a traditional hotel, Hernandez’s responsibilities include overseeing operations at the new property, as well as sales, marketing and food & beverage. Additionally, as Chief Wellness Officer, he will also ensure the brand pillars—Eat Well, Rest Easy, Keep Active and Accomplish More—are manifested throughout the guest experience. Hernandez has a notable career track with more than 20 years in the hospitality industry. Through his leadership, Hernandez has achieved remarkable outcomes in revenue growth, employee retention and guest satisfaction results. His management...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, home to six 52-foot, 4-kilowatt wind turbines and other green initiatives, announced the appointment of industry veteran Kathryn Day as the property’s new general manager. In this role, Day will leverage her expertise in award-winning customer service and internal operations to lead the path for success at the 374-room full-service residential resort. “I am excited to have been granted the opportunity to join the talented team at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort,” said Day. “The resort already boasts a high degree of hospitality, and I look forward to levering my expertise to expand...

Name: Karly Pulido Title: Sustainability and Social Responsibility Specialist Company: Legacy Vacation Club Months in Current Position: Four Primary Responsibilities: “A lot of what I am doing is knowing where we are and figuring out where we need to go.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “Introducing a living wage for our hourly employees who have been with us two years or more. The employees loved that. We had some people go from $9 an hour to $12.99. Also, implementing a companywide recycling program.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: “Outreach is a huge challenge. Teaching the importance of sustainability to employees and guests.” ORLANDO, FLA.—As...

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts announced the appointment of Erik Hansen as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer. In this newly-created role, Hansen is responsible for the development of the company’s global sustainability strategy and energy procurement goals. “Erik has proven to be a visionary as we continue to deepen our company’s sustainability strategy and make monumental moves towards taking control of our energy future,” said Kim Sinatra, EVP and General Counsel for Wynn Resorts. “His experience extends across all facets of environmental protection and government regulation, and his understanding of cutting-edge technologies will continue to shape our use of a new...

Name: Samantha Sorrin Title: Director of Responsibility Company: Saunders Hotel Group & EcoLogical Solutions Years in Current Position: seven months Primary Responsibilities: “I might be screening a new lightbulb, organizing a fundraiser, or going to a fitness class we offer to employees. No two days are the same.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “One of the most impressive is the managerial team doing its part. We also have a sustainable purchasing policy. It is built into operations here. It is really impressive.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: “Industry-wide, waste is becoming a much bigger issue. Recycling has gotten stricter. Recycling hauls are being...