Portsia Smith is the General Manager of avid Hotel Richmond North – Ashland, an IHG property in Virginia. A hospitality leader with more than a decade of experience, she is passionate about building high-performing teams, creating memorable guest experiences, and developing innovative operational strategies. Under her leadership, the hotel has earned multiple IHG and ownership awards for quality, financial performance, and guest service, including three consecutive 100% Quality Assurance inspections. Portsia was also selected to serve on IHG's 2026 avid Culture Council, where she collaborates with fellow industry leaders to help shape the future of the avid brand. She is a strong advocate for community engagement and human trafficking awareness, believing that hospitality professionals have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside their hotels.