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Press Release General Management

The Greater New York Chapter Of HSMAI Announces Annual Chapter Award Winners At Gala Dinner

Mayor Michael Bloomberg Honored with the 15th Annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award

The Greater New York Chapter of Hospitality Sales and Marketing International (HSMAI) is pleased to announce the 2008 recipients of the chapter’s annual awards recognizing the area’s hospitality industry leaders that display and share a passion for New York City, tourism, and the hospitality industry. The gala dinner and awards presentation was recently held at the celebrated Rainbow Room in New York City.

HSMAI (USA)

NEW YORK | The Greater New York Chapter of Hospitality Sales and Marketing International (HSMAI) is pleased to announce the 2008 recipients of the chapter’s annual awards recognizing the area’s hospitality industry leaders that display and share a passion for New York City, tourism, and the hospitality industry. The gala dinner and awards presentation was recently held at the celebrated Rainbow Room in New York City.

The chapter also acknowledged key individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in their field and a strong contribution to New York City tourism. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was honored with the night’s prestigious 15th Annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award for his continuous commitment to growing and enhancing the city’s tourism. George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company and chief architect of many of the successful initiatives set forth by the Mayor, accepted the award on the Mayor’s behalf. The Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award is named after a former executive vice president and chief operating officer of HSMAI, who is credited with establishing HSMAI as a highly influential international organization. In addition, OPEN Hospitality received the President’s Award, which is given by the chapter’s executive committee for organizational excellence in the industry and support of HSMAI.

“This year’s gala was a remarkable success that allowed our distinguished award recipients to shine,” remarked Donna Quadri-Felitti, NYU Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management; immediate past president of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI and organizer of the awards gala.

Brenda Fields, current president of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI added, “These individuals represent the Greater New York Chapter’s broad range of membership and the passion that lies within all of us to be effective leaders and role models in the hospitality and tourism industry.”

The Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI Awards presented the following awards:

  • General Manager of the Year Award: Rudy Tauscher, general manager, Mandarin Oriental, New York
  • Sales Professional of the Year: Diana Voto, national sales director, Disney Resort Destinations
  • Marketing Executive of the Year: John Moser, chief marketing officer, Denihan Hospitality Group
  • Operations Excellence Award: Mike Stengel, market vice president and area general manager, Marriott International
  • Hospitality Professional of the Year: Merrie Davis, president and publisher, MVP, NY
  • Revenue Management Professional of the Year: Kerry Mack, regional vice president of revenue management, Highgate Hotels
  • E-Marketing Professional of the Year: Alex Zesch, director, interactive marketing and development, Affinia Hotels
  • Hospitality Student of the Year Award: Dominique N. Kun, New York University

For more information regarding the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI membership and more, please visit: or call 914.762.1456

Past Presidents of Council of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI organize and run the annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Awards each year. Shown (left to right) are: Richard S. Kahn, Rose Genovese, Brian Kotula, Neil Ostergren, Maureen O’Hanlon, George A. Ramirez, Donna Quadri-Felitti, Frank J. Stapleton, Geraldine Traino, Lucille Yokell, Thomas J. Travers.

George Fertitta, (left) CEO of NYC & Company accepts the Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award for Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg from Donna Quadri-Felitti, NYU Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management and immediate past president of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI.

Alex Zesch, (left) director, interactive marketing for Denihan Hospitality Group, receives the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI E-Marketing Professional of the Year Award from Markus Boeker, senior market manager for Orbitz.

Diana Voto, (left) national sales director, Disney Resort Destinations, receives the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI Sales Professional of the Year Award from previous winner Lucille Yokell, The Wellington Hotel.

The Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI is the greater New York area division of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, a professional association whose members are committed to the sales, marketing, management, educational or planning disciplines within the hospitality industry. We are a socially conscious organization dedicated to educating our members in the most efficient sales and marketing techniques and industry trends. We provide a positive forum to meet with clients and other hospitality executives.

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HSMAI (USA)
Association

HSMAI is a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI leads the way in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry. Operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and for sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines, HSMAI connects its members with customers.