David Kong, Montine McNulty Receive Lawson Odde Award
Industry Leaders Honored at Annual AH&LA Summer Summit
David Kong, president/CEO of Best Western, and Montine McNulty, executive director of the Arkansas Hospitality Association, were presented with the prestigious American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Lawson A. Odde Award during the board of directors meeting at the AH&LA Summer Summit.
This distinguished award is named after Lawson A. Odde, the second executive vice president of AH&LA, who was responsible for the modernization of membership expansion and financial operations. The Odde Award is given annually to a member of the AH&LA board of directors and is chosen by a vote of past Odde Award winners.
Kong's 40-year career includes experience with other top hotel brands, including Hyatt Hotels, where he spent nearly 20 years in senior-level positions; Omni International; Regent International; and Hilton Hotels. Kong came to Best Western from KPMG Consulting's hospitality and real estate practice. Kong is immediate past chair of AH&LA and a member of the AH&LA Executive Committee, CEO Council and Government Affairs Council. In 2010, Kong was appointed to the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.
McNulty has served in her current position since 1996. Known as a strong champion for the industry in Arkansas, she educates policymakers and the public about the hospitality industry's role in creating jobs and driving economic development in the state. In addition to the AH&LA board of directors, McNulty is active in a wide range of organizations at both the state and national level, including the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission, the Arkansas Tourism Foundation, the Arkansas Society of Professional Lobbyists, and the Southeast Tourism Society. She is a former chair of the International Society of Hotel Association Executives (ISHAE).
"Montine and David have been active and long-time supporters of AH&LA, bringing a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience to the association and our executive board," said AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. "We are proud to honor them with this award reserved for the best of the best in the association's leadership ranks."
For more information on AH&LA's awards programs and board activities, please visit www.ahla.com.
About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80 percent of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.