Name: Renée Swoger Title: Senior Manager of Energy & Environment Services Company: Accor North America (NA) My primary responsibilities: “I manage the energy capitalization budget. I also manage certification, rebate programs, Earth Day activities, and the energy reporting of hotels in the United States, Canada and Mexico. I oversee the execution of our three-year environmental plan.” Company’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “I consider our No. 1 accomplishment in 2009 to be energy reporting. Each property’s three-year energy consumption history is considered—with controls for weather and variations in occupancy. We created a baseline for each property. We plug in actual weather and...

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—Keli Misak of the Hilton Grand Rapids, Mich., has received the prestigious Spirit of Hilton award, the highest honor for a Hilton team member. The award is a result of nominations submitted throughout the entire Hilton family with only a select few chosen. Misak has worked as assistant front desk manager at the Hilton Grand Rapids since December 2007. Formerly, she was with the Ramada Plaza, also in Grand Rapids. “Keli is an essential member of our team who truly deserves this award,” said Bob Orr, general manager of the Hilton Grand Rapids. “This is an amazing accomplishment...

FRIANT, CALIF.—The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) appointed David Farley, CEO of Anatomic Global, as the chairman of the mattress/bedding industry Green Initiative. The Green Initiative, sponsored by the SSA, is a process designed to identify, define and standardize how mattress manufacturers and retailers label “green” and natural sleep products. Farley joins Anatomic Global’s president, Jeff Scorziell on the founding Initial Governing Board. Farley founded Anatomic Global, formerly Anatomic Concepts, in 1989 as a supplier of foam support devices and mattresses to the medical industry. Renamed Anatomic Global in 2007, it is the world’s leading OEM supplier of memory foam products...

Name: Michele Diener Title: Director of Corporate Sustainability Strategies Company: MGM Mirage My primary responsibilities: “I help design the companywide sustainable operations strategy and help to develop and implement new programs and sustainability initiatives.” Company’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “CityCenter. It is a transformational project and its sustainability message has already reached millions of people.” Our biggest environmental challenge: “Making sure that all of our hotels’ individual efforts align with our internal corporate strategy.” What I like most about what I do: “Breaking new ground and working with extremely talented and dedicated people.” What advice I would give to someone considering starting a sustainability...

BERLIN, GERMANY—J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International, has been named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF), scheduled for March 8 to 10, 2010, at the InterContinental Berlin, Germany. The IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who, over his or her lifetime, has made a significant difference in the hospitality industry by their actions, deeds, and great accomplishments. Since 1975, when Marriott opened his opened his first hotel in Europe, until now, his successes are many and the hotel industry worldwide has admired his...

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—For almost 70 years a unique Florida Georgian façade has distinguished The Betsy hotel from its Art Deco neighbors in South Beach. Since reopening its doors in April 2009, The Betsy’s debut in five-star hospitality has been internationally recognized as a destination that includes great food, exquisite design, and luxurious comfort. Now there is a movement afoot from behind the signature white shuttered windows overlooking Ocean Drive that is attracting extra notice. After a two-year restoration, and through a range of strategic partnerships, the newly restored hotel has become a catalyst for energized discourse, innovative thinking, and...

Name: Sarah Dayboll Title: Manager of Environmental Affairs Company: Fairmont Raffles Hotels International My primary responsibilities: “My responsibilities include helping to integrate our environmental policy into our hotels, serving as a resource for our green teams, environmental champions and executive committees, and promoting our future and existing environmental strategies.” Company’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “Fairmont has had a Green Partnership Program since 1990. I am proud of how it has been embraced. Fairmont is leading by example.” Our biggest environmental challenge: “Planning for the future as we look to grow outside of North America. Coming up with innovative ways to engage our...

Name: Elaine Strunk Title: Director of Green Hotels: The Lenox and six other hotels within the Saunders Hotel Group Companies: The Saunders Hotel Group and EcoLogical Solutions, Inc. Primary responsibilities: “I work on sustainability efforts within various departments in the Saunders Hotel Group—developing outreach programs for guests and staff.” Hotel group’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “Helping to pioneer eco-hospitality in the U.S. lodging industry. The Saunders Hotel Group began its environmental efforts back in 1989 when few hotels were thinking about sustainability.” Our biggest environmental challenge: “Constantly working to create behavioral change so that sustainability becomes intuitive within our organization.” What I...

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE—Embassy Suites Hotels, the national brand of upscale, all-suite hotels, has honored David Hansen, chief engineer of the Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Hotel & Ski Resort, with the company’s Spirit of Embassy Award. This award designates Hansen as a top performer within Embassy Suites Hotels. Nominated by their peers because of exemplary loyalty, attitude and service, Spirit of Embassy Award winners continually exceed expectations of both customers and fellow team members. Less than 1 percent of all Embassy Suites team members nationwide receive this honor each year. Hansen was nominated for the award by his peers after proving...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—The Crossings, Austin’s premier green destination and wellness spa, has named Alan Goldschneider as its new general manager. An accomplished and award-winning professional, Goldschneider brings more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. His wealth of expertise in opening and transitioning luxury properties has consistently earned them rankings among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 100 destinations. Prior to joining The Crossings, Goldschneider oversaw the transformation of David Geffen’s Malibu Beach Inn into a world-class hotel destination, while simultaneously serving as president of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce. Establishing European management principles, ensuring unsurpassed levels of service—including the...