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Personnel Profile

Whether at the property, company or association level, an environmental program cannot be successful without a leader championing the cause. Green Lodging News is always looking for “green” champions to profile. Who at your organization deserves to be featured? Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

Personnel Profile

Home Personnel Profile
Whether at the property, company or association level, an environmental program cannot be successful without a leader championing the cause. Green Lodging News is always looking for “green” champions to profile. Who at your organization deserves to be featured? Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

GLM Names Lynn White as Show Manager of IH/M&RS

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—GLM, a dmg world media business, has named Lynn White, a 27-year tradeshow industry veteran, as show manager of the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS). As show manager, White will be responsible for day-to-day direction of the annual hospitality industry tradeshow. White will report directly to GLM senior vice president Phil Robinson, who retains his responsibilities as show director. White succeeds Christian Falkenberg, who has been named show manager of GLM’s New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). “Lynn brings nearly three invaluable decades of show management experience to her new position,” Robinson said. “She will be leading a...

Moore Promoted to New Position at Seaport Hotel, Trade Center

BOSTON—Further increasing the property’s emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of its hotel and meeting facilities, Seaport Hotel and Seaport World Trade Center (Seaport) announced the appointment of Matthew V. Moore as director of rooms and environmental programs. In 2005, Seaport established its comprehensive environmental program called Seaport Saves. Today with more than 20 green initiatives in place, the program focuses on energy-saving and carbon reducing features including BioX composting, ‘smart’ thermostats, and an ozone laundry system. “At Seaport, we believe in providing guests with a luxury experience while also minimizing our impact on the environment,” said Jim Carmody, vice president...

Carmen Baker Aims to Elevate Carlson’s Green Commitment

Name: Carmen Baker Title: Vice President of Responsible Business Organization: Carlson Hotels Worldwide My primary responsibilities: “My primary responsibilities include overseeing our business ethics, culture, community and environmental programs.” What keeps me motivated each day: “It feels really good to have this job. There is an ROI associated with it. It is a lot of fun for me.” My biggest challenge: “The environmental piece is the biggest challenge. There is so much communication around the environment that it is difficult to read through what is real. Another challenge is staying focused on infrastructure strategy.” MINNETONKA, MINN.—Carmen Baker, who took on the role of vice president...

Dan Ruben Builds Boston Green Tourism Into Energy Star

Name: Dan Ruben Title: Executive Director Organization: Boston Green Tourism My primary responsibilities: “To help Greater Boston hotels and convention centers determine their environmental goals, improve their environmental performance and increase the number of green-certified facilities in the Boston area." What keeps me motivated each day: “There are many hoteliers in our organization who are passionate about greening their facilities, and who build excitement by initiating new programs and sharing them with their peers. I’m also motivated when I can bring ideas to the group, like combined heat and power or green cleaning products, and see hotels pursue them.” Organization’s most significant environmental accomplishment...

Mexico’s Eco-Resort Boca de Iquanas Hires Sustainability Manager

COSTALEGRE, JALISCO, MEXICO—Boca de Iguanas, the newest eco-resort project along Mexico’s pristine Costalegre, has named Lorena Vargas sustainability manager responsible for eco-friendly programs that reflect the project’s commitment to the environment. Vargas is a recent graduate from the University of Guadalajara with a degree in environmental biotechnology, and has ecological sustainability in her blood. Her father, José Roberto Vargas, set up the first organic production farm in Rancho Petacal, Jalisco 18 years ago. Part of Vargas’ work includes introducing unique touches of nature to the hotel rooms, restaurant, and homes, establishing the on-site composing program, overseeing the cultivation of...

Brigitta Witt Brings Energy, Focus to Hyatt’s Green Efforts

Name: Brigitta Witt Title: Vice President, Environmental Affairs Company: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts My primary responsibilities: “I oversee Hyatt’s environmental programs across the entire company. I work with our offices around the world in helping to develop a sustainability strategy. I am also responsible for providing our 90,000 employees with the tools and information they need to make environmental responsibility a part of their everyday jobs.” What keeps me motivated each day: “I am motivated by having an opportunity to do something I am fundamentally passionate about.” Company’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “Having so many employees who are so engaged and motivated...

Stafford President Invests Wisely in Green Technologies

Name: Greg Brosius Title: President Company: Stafford Hospitality My primary responsibility: “To provide the forward vision and the structure for the company to grow.” What keeps me motivated each day: “I work for an exciting company. We are basically developers at heart. We are finding new things to do every day that are fiscally and environmentally beneficial.” Company’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “Last year our company reduced its energy consumption by 25 percent.” Our biggest environmental challenge: “Keeping staff trained so they don’t lose focus.” What advice I would give to another hotel company president considering taking a company in this direction: “I would...

Golden Arrow Resort Owner Inspired by Picturesque Lake Placid

Name: Jenn Holderied Title: Owner Property: The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, Lake Placid, N.Y. My primary responsibilities: “In addition to being owner, I am director of marketing and public relations.” What keeps me motivated each day: “I really enjoy meeting new people. Lake Placid is an international town and I get to meet people from all over the world. I also get to work with my family every day. Our staff is like a giant extended family.” Property’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “Obtaining a Four Green Leaves Rating from Audubon International. The rating encompasses all the efforts we have put...

Xanterra Appoints Environmental Affairs Director

DENVER—Xanterra Parks & Resorts has appointed Beth Pratt environmental affairs director in Yellowstone National Park. Pratt is responsible for continuing and strengthening the concessioner’s environmental initiatives in the park including energy, water and waste management, pollution prevention, sustainable cuisine, sustainable design and more. Xanterra operates lodging, restaurants, gift shops and activities in the park. Pratt joined Xanterra after more than eight years as vice president and chief financial officer for the Yosemite Association in Yosemite National Park, where she developed educational programs that promoted environmental stewardship. During her career in environmental management, she has designed and instituted waste minimization and...

Kimpton’s Jesse Suglia Successfully Blends Sales, Sustainability

Name: Jesse Suglia Title: Corporate Director of Hotel Sales Company: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant Group LLC Began working for Kimpton: July 2007 Primary responsibilities: “I oversee the national sales team and room revenue performance. I am responsible for monitoring and capitalizing on industry trends and identifying areas of opportunity to ensure Kimpton’s maximization of revenue and market share for the brand as a whole, as well as individual hotels. I also help to make sure that Kimpton has the least amount of impact on the environment as possible.” What I enjoy most about my work: “I like working for a company like Kimpton where...