Mary Ann KenmotsuEmbassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Kenmotsu as General Manager Freedom Plaza Convention Center. In addition to overseeing operations at the two-year-old convention center, Kenmotsu is focused on injecting a new service-based, community-driven culture. By drawing on close to 30 years of experience in hospitality and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, Kenmotsu aims to set a gold standard for social and c orporate events at the area’s largest hotel banquet facility. Kenmotsu’s previous role as Director of Catering & Conference Services at the IACC-certified Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center has positioned her well to lead a staff of 50 team members at Embassy Suites Naperville Convention Center, which boasts a 13,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom. At Oak Brook Hills, Kenmotsu was responsible for the creation and execution of memorable events, from the planning to the menus to the vendors. She quickly distinguished the 30-year-old Oak Brook Hills as the place to be for the hol idays with unique events that sold out annually like Easter Brunch, Mother’s Day Brunch, Father’s Day “Bentleys, Bourbon & Bowties” and New Year’s Eve “Timeless.” The scope of Kenmotsu’s expertise goes far and above her primary job functions. Kenmotsu’s experience in hospitality began early in her teenage years in restaurants, where the native Hawaiian was introduced to dining room service and restaurant operations. The University of Illinois grad started her hotel career as the Food & Beverage Director at the Queen Kapiolani in Honolulu. There she was the youngest department head and received numerous awards for her leadership and management skills. Upon moving to Chicago, Kenmotsu accepted the position of Executive Vice President for Premium Food Products before taking a role with Mitchell Hospitality Group where she was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. While working as Director of Catering & Convention Services for the Omni Ambassador East Hotel and the Pump Room, Kenmotsu earned national brand recognition as a top performer. Her career has also led her to positions a s Food & Beverage Director and Director of Catering and Conference Services at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center Chicago North Shore, the Sofitel Chicago O’Hare, the InterContinental O’Hare and most recently, the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center. Kenmotsu holds the prestigious designations of CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) and CPCE (Certified Professional in Catering and Events), and is an active NACE member, CMP Conclave attendee and former IACC committee member.