TORONTO—Demonstrating their commitment to leadership in environmental sustainability, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) has hired Tonya Lagrasta for the role of sustainability coordinator. Tonya will focus on minimizing the MTCC’s operational footprint by enhancing the several environmental and social initiatives currently in place, expanding the MTCC’s roster of green meeting services—including the increasingly popular Zero Waste events—and further infusing sustainable approaches into everyday operations. “Hiring a sustainability coordinator reaffirms that our commitment to green practices goes beyond token initiatives,” says Vince Quattrociocchi, vice president of operations. “Every aspect of our operations will benefit from Tonya’s integrated approach, which comes...

Name: Stephen Tagliatela Title: Co-owner, Saybrook Point Inn and Spa, Old Saybrook, Conn. Years as co-owner: Since 1980 My primary responsibilities: “I oversee the general manager and establish the overall goals for the property.” Property’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “Keeping our energy costs down.” The inn was the first full-service lodging establishment in Connecticut to earn the Energy Star from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Our biggest environmental challenge: “Reducing the volume of food waste that ends up in our dumpsters.” What makes going green worthwhile: “It is good for the customers. It is...

Name: Joel Southall Title: Director of Environmental Health & Safety Company: Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Death Valley National Park Years with company: 1.5 years My primary responsibilities: “I manage the environmental initiatives here and oversee worker health and safety as well.” Organization’s most significant environmental accomplishment so far: “Our solar installation which includes 5,740 panels and generates one megawatt of electricity.” Our biggest environmental challenge: “Trying to reduce our waste generation. It is a challenge because we are so remote here in our Death Valley location. It is a challenge in terms of hauling waste away and getting supplies here.” What I like...

STATE COLLEGE, PA.—Developers of The P Hotel and Spa, in conjunction with Hospitality Asset Management Co., announced that Megan Morath has accepted the position of assistant general manager of the new condominium-hotel, slated to open in 2010. The P Hotel and Spa is slated to be the first luxury condominium hotel in State College and will be among the first environmentally superior LEED certified hotels in the country. “Megan represents the start of our process to build a management team of excellence at The P,” said Benjamin Heim, CEO of Tricore Group, LLC. “She brings extensive experience in the...

PITTSBURGH—Paul Tormey, regional vice president, Northeastern U.S. and Bermuda for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, has announced the appointment of Leonard S. Czarnecki to general manager of Fairmont Pittsburgh. Czarnecki brings more than 18 years of experience, at some of the world’s most notable properties, to this position. As general manager, he will manage the grand opening and operation of Fairmont Pittsburgh. “Fairmont Pittsburgh is an exciting project, and I am delighted to be its first general manager,” Czarnecki said. “Pittsburgh is a vibrant community, and we are looking forward to bringing Fairmont’s luxury service to the city and to becoming a...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council announced the appointment of Rebecca Flora to the position of senior vice president, Education and Research, replacing Peter Templeton, who was named president of the Green Building Certification Institute in mid-November. The appointment is effective January 15, 2009. “Rebecca’s leadership as executive director of the Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh makes her uniquely qualified to lead USGBC’s far-reaching education program and expanding research initiatives,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “Under her guidance Pittsburgh rightfully has become a national leader in green building market transformation.” “I’m thrilled to join the incredible team...

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA—Gayana Eco Resort, Borneo Malaysia announces the appointment of Michael Maguire as executive chef. Michael joins the team from New Zealand where he has successfully led a number of luxury boutique resort properties’ culinary teams. Michael brings a wealth of international experience with him, having worked in London at the Drones Restaurant under Marco Pierre White and AXIS at One Aldwych Hotel along with serving as the private chef to the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. His most recent position was executive chef at Clearwater Resort in New Zealand where he helped the restaurant to win gold at...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) recently announced that Peter Templeton will assume the new role of president of GBCI. In his leadership role at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Templeton was vital to the early development of the LEED green building certification system, the launch of the LEED Accredited Professional (LEEP AP) program, the expansion of USGBC’s educational programming, and the successful spin-off of GBCI earlier this year. “Peter’s long history of exceptional leadership within the green building movement makes him the ideal president of GBCI,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “Peter has...

Name: David Mahood Title: Vice President of Sustainability Organization: NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) Length of involvement: Four years. His primary responsibilities: In this volunteer position with NEWH, David sits on the organization’s Executive Committee with 11 other industry leaders and helps to develop NEWH’s green initiatives. What he enjoys most about this position: “Working with a group of talented industry leaders who are committed to bringing change to our industry.” MINNETONKA, MINN.—As Vice President of Sustainability for NEWH, David Mahood helps to carry out the organization’s sustainability hospitality mission which reads as follows: “Leading the hospitality industry to educate and promote...

PHOENIX—Best Western International announced that staff interior designer Ciji Hoffman has earned the honor of being the first Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) accredited professional (AP) for the World’s Largest Hotel Chain. Hoffman’s accreditation allows her to guide the hotel chain’s green building, sustainability and environmental impact initiatives for hotel construction and renovation. “We’re proud to have a LEED accredited professional on staff who can help our members build and renovate hotels with the environment in mind,” said Rich Bennett, Best Western’s vice president of supply and design. “We have multiple Best Western properties that are interested in...