Name: Gwen MigitaTitle: Director of Sustainability & Community EngagementOrganization: Caesars Entertainment Corp. (formerly Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.)Years with Caesars Entertainment (& Harrah’s): Seven years Years with current title: Less than onePrimary responsibilities: “Overseeing sustainability strategy and programs for Caesars Entertainment. I focus on social responsibility, corporate philanthropy and employee voluntourism policies.”Organization’s most significant environment-related accomplishment so far: “Since 2003, we have invested more than $60 million on more than 100 projects. This investment has resulted in $20 million in savings each year. We are saving enough energy to run three mega-resorts annually.”Organization’s most significant environment-related challenge: “Making sure we are...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—The Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Inge Huijbrechts as new Director Responsible Business. She succeeds Sarah Rooney who has left Rezidor. “We are delighted to welcome Inge Huijbrechts to Rezidor,” said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor. “She brings 15 years of international experience in the areas of corporate social responsibility and sales and business development with her and will further strengthen our dynamic team. Doing business in a responsible way is crucial for us. We were one of the first international hotel groups to implement our own Responsible Business Program in 1989, and we aim to...

Name: Karlene HollomanTitle: Senior V.P. of OperationsOrganization: Joie De Vivre HospitalityYears with Joie De Vivre Hospitality: Almost 13 yearsYears in current position: 5 yearsPrimary responsibilities: “My main objective is to make sure all hotels meet the objectives of their business plans.” Organization’s most significant environment-related accomplishment so far: “The LEED certification of the Hotel Carlton. The general manager of the hotel at that time took the lead. The hotel earned LEED Gold and we were thrilled with that.”Organization’s most significant environment-related challenge: “So many of our buildings are older. We do fabulous renovations but we have to put a...

DALLAS—Accor North America, one of the largest hotel chain owners and operators in North America, announced 10 employee promotions for 2011 as part of the company’s ongoing effort to reward the contributions of team members and provide professional growth opportunities. One of the 10 promotions involves Renee Swoger. Renee has been promoted to Director of Energy & Environment Services. In less than two years, Swoger has made significant progress on Accor’s energy and sustainability programs. She piloted the Green Key Certification program in 2010, which will expand to all corporate locations and franchises in 2011. Swoger led the company’s first...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced that Sal Mendoza has been named Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion, reporting to Robb Webb, Chief Human Resources Officer. In this newly created position, Mendoza will be responsible for the development of a core global framework for Hyatt that enhances the company’s diverse and inclusive workplace and focuses on strategies that can be implemented locally by colleagues around the world. “I am delighted to appoint Sal to this new position,” said Robb Webb, Chief Human Resources Officer. “With his guidance, we’ve made great strides in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, which have...

Name: Debbie FriedelTitle: Director of SustainabilityOrganization: Delaware North Companies Parks & ResortsYears with Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts: EightYears in current position: Three Primary responsibilities: Debbie Friedel is responsible for implementing and managing environmental, interpretive, facilities stewardship and sustainability programs for Delaware North Companies’ Parks & Resorts division.Organization’s most significant environment-related accomplishment so far: “The most significant is voluntarily implementing GreenPath at our properties. It’s verified by a third party which adds credibility. We have to show continuous improvement. GreenPath is a process and we are never done.”Organization’s most significant environment-related challenge: “Getting our guests and associates to...

ASHLAND, OHIO—A 160-acre parcel located just southwest of Ashland, Ohio could soon be the home of the United States’ greenest retreat center. Developer Wendy Kertesz says she hopes to break ground this summer on Windy Retreat Center, a 25,000-square-foot, 16-guestroom facility that will include two indoor conference rooms, one outdoor conference space, three classrooms, great room, dining room, commercial kitchen, fitness center and conservatory. The goal is to open the center by late 2012. Constructed in part using straw bales, Windy Retreat Center will pursue at least Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification and Passive House...

NEW YORK—The Kitano New York Hotel continuously seeks new and unique opportunities to showcase art, music, and culture. As part of this initiative, The Kitano has introduced a new and unique cultural series wherein the hotel will work with carefully selected local artists to showcase their collections. A rotating repertoire of gallery pieces will be placed in the glass display on the hotel’s mezzanine during the year as part of this new “Artist in Hospitality” exposé. Ever heard of chain mail art? It’s the main component of ’s ceramic sculptures. While The Kitano values tradition it is just as important...

DALLAS—The Fairmont Dallas announces Sean Springer of Springer Design Studio as the first Artist in Residence of 2011. Springer crafts furniture, home accessories and sculptures using salvaged wood creating purposeful, functional pieces from materials that would otherwise end up as waste. Springer’s resume is a veritable journey through a series of high-profile internships and jobs, working for and learning from artists, each in a different craft, who shaped him and helped hone the skills that allow him to create poignant, consequential pieces. The deliberate edges, complimentary contours and fluid arches of Springer’s work are manifestations of his experience, which...

Name: Michelle R. VeaseyTitle: Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant Program ManagerOrganization: New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Assn. (NHL&RA) Years with NHL&RA: SixPrimary responsibilities: “I promote the and its members. I certify new members and recertify existing members. At the Environmental Champion level, it involves going to the property. I am responsible for the education arm of the program.”Organization’s most significant environment-related accomplishment so far: “The most significant has been getting a lot of the larger facilities to get involved in composting. Energy is an easy sell. Composting is the most significant challenge but very rewarding. In Portsmouth, hotels have gotten...