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...

KIRKLAND, WASH.—The Heathman Hotel, a full-service luxury hotel in Kirkland, Wash., with a long history of environmental commitments, has selected Troy Longwith as general manager. He will have full responsibility for the operation of the Heathman Hotel and Trellis Restaurant while maintaining the high visibility and community goodwill within the vibrant city of Kirkland.“I am extremely excited to be joining the Heathman family,” said Longwith. “The Kirkland property is incredibly dynamic, with a highly professional, dedicated staff that is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences.”Longwith comes to The Heathman from Tulalip Resort Casino, where he was acting executive vice...

Name: Dina BelonTitle: Sustainability/Energy SpecialistHotel: Peabody OrlandoTime in current position: Four monthsPrimary responsibilities: “Everything related to sustainability such as water consumption, energy conservation, employee engagement, transportation, public relations related to sustainability, and green purchasing. I’ve done everything from integrated pest management to car pooling.”Hotel’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “I would say the crown jewel has been the waste management program. We do single-stream recycling but also this spring the hotel started composting all of its food waste. It was a huge undertaking to try and capture the food waste that is coming out of our facility. Waste...

Name: Denise N. NaguibTitle: Vice President, Sustainability and Supplier DiversityOrganization: Marriott International, Inc.Years at company: 7 yearsPrimary responsibilities: “I lead the sustainability strategy for global operations and drive sustainability through the design and development processes. I also am the primary communicator to our customers of our sustainability efforts.” Company’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment so far: “Our progress in rolling out Green Hotels Global, . We previously did not have visibility into each individual hotel’s environmental initiatives. The system is in place in 2,100 hotels as of today.” Company’s most significant sustainability-related challenge: “At the individual hotel level, helping...