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...

Name: Sunny PresslerTitle: Recycling CoordinatorOrganization: The BroadmoorYears at Hotel: Almost five yearsPrimary responsibilities: “To get the company as much as I can through recycling, and recycle as much as I can.”Hotel’s most significant waste-related accomplishment so far: “The volume of items that we recycle on an annual basis. We are earning between $30,000 to $40,000 a year from our recyclables.”   Hotel’s most significant waste-related challenge: “The biggest obstacle we need to overcome is food waste.”COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—As someone who loves the outdoors, Sunny Pressler is in her element as recycling coordinator for The Broadmoor in scenic Colorado Springs. She...

Name: Michael MilburnTitle: Director, Energy & Sustainability DepartmentOrganization: LQ Management L.L.C. (La Quinta)Years with company: 12 yearsPrimary responsibilities: “My primary responsibility is to work with all levels of management within the La Quinta organization to develop and implement energy management programs, conservation programs, and sustainability initiatives.”Organization’s most significant environment-related accomplishment so far: “I believe it would have to be when our senior management team recognized that we (La Quinta) had to establish a Sustainability Program in order to do our part in reducing the company’s environmental impact on our communities and planet.”   Organization’s most significant environment-related challenge: “Balancing our...

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CALIF.—Wuksachi Lodge, a full-service hotel nestled in the heart of Sequoia National Park and operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, recently announced the appointment of new executive chef Jeff Graham to its culinary team. The mountain hideaway also unveiled a new name for its restaurant. Previously known as The Wuksachi Lodge Dining Room, The Peaks is a nod to the towering summits visible through the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows.Bringing nearly 10 years of culinary experience to the table and a passion for using local ingredients, Chef Graham shares the Lodge’s commitment to sustainability, as...

Name: Christopher BrophyTitle: Vice President-Corporate SustainabilityOrganization: MGM Resorts InternationalYears in current position: FivePrimary responsibilities: He has a leadership role in developing, executing and communicating the company’s programs for environmental responsibility. He also oversees the planning, analysis, and capital budget management for energy conservation projects at all MGM Resorts International properties, and is responsible for the company’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory and reporting. Brophy reports to Cindy Ortega, the company’s senior vice president and chief sustainability officer.Organization’s most significant environment-related accomplishment so far: “I don’t know how you cannot say CityCenter. It is the most significant environmental construction achievement ever....

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Tourism Vancouver’s recent appointment of a tourism energy specialist is believed to be a worldwide first among destination marketing and management organizations. The role was made possible through sponsorship from BC Hydro with the mandate to guide member hotels, restaurants and attractions in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.The new tourism energy specialist role will enable Tourism Vancouver to more actively support the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan and goal to be the world’s “greenest” city by 2020. The services of the tourism energy specialist will build on the BC Hydro partnership and further assist Tourism Vancouver’s...