AH&LA Presents John Whitaker Award To Leo Vogel

Washington | The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) today honored Leo Vogel, MHS, senior vice president of sales and marketing for American of Martinsville, with the John Whitaker Award, presented to an outstanding hotel supplier for his dedication to and innovation within the hospitality industry. Vogel accepted the award this afternoon at AH&LA’s Legislative Action Summit in Washington, D.C.

Vogel, who currently sits on the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation’s (AH&LEF) Golf Classic Committee, has been one of the most consistently active AH&LA members for more than 15 years. He was one of the first AH&LA allied members to achieve MHS certification, a designation that recognizes the expertise required of a hotel supplier.

This award was inspired by John Whitaker, a long-time hospitality veteran who died suddenly last year. Whitaker was the international sales manager for SICO America Inc. and his dedication to AH&LA, and to the industry, was demonstrated by regular participation in association events, his role as chairman of the Allied Executive Committee, and his ongoing support of the AH&LEF.

“It’s an honor for our association to recognize not one, but two, outstanding professionals whose contributions have shaped initiatives within our association and, in fact, the whole industry,” said AH&LA president/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. “While John is missed by many, we are proud to honor Leo Vogel, who maintains the same high level of enthusiasm for the future of the hospitality community.”

Vogel was elected for this honor by his peers on the AH&LA Allied Executive Committee. For more information on the John Whitaker Award and other member recognition programs, please visit . For pictures of Vogel, please contact Jessica Soklow at (202) 289-3153 or [email protected].

Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.