Newport Hospitality Group Teams Earn Top Apple Hospitality REIT Honors Showcasing Culture of Excellence and Impactful Leadership
Shining Apple Award and Individual Apple Award highlight Newport’s performance-driven culture and people-first leadership
Newport's Fairfield Inn Charlotte Matthews won Apple Hospitality REIT's Shining Apple Award while team member Tom Johnson earned individual Apple Award recognition.
(From left) Justin Knight, CEO at Apple Hospitality REIT Inc., presents the 2025 Shining Apple Award to James Childress, General Manager of the Fairfield Inn by Marriott Charlotte Matthews. — Photo by Newport Hospitality Group
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Newport Hospitality Group is celebrating two of the most prestigious recognitions within the Apple Hospitality REIT portfolio, underscoring the company’s commitment to operational excellence, strong owner returns, and a culture built on people and performance.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Matthews earned the 2025 Shining Apple Award, a distinction recognizing outstanding achievement across financial performance, operational execution, guest satisfaction, and brand standards. In addition, Newport team member Tom Johnson of the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Valley Forge/Collegeville was named a recipient of the 2025 Apple Award, one of only five individuals honored companywide.
These awards speak to what defines Newport — disciplined operations, strong accountability, and a deep commitment to both our people and our ownership partners. We are proud to deliver results that matter, not just for today, but sustainably over time. Wayne West III, President of Newport Hospitality Group
The Shining Apple Award is presented annually to a select group of high-performing hotels within Apple Hospitality REIT’s portfolio. At Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Matthews, that performance is the result of a focused, consistent approach to operations.
“The Shining Apple Award reflects our team’s commitment to operational excellence,” said General Manager James Childress. “We pursue this honor each year because it keeps us focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and delivering strong value to ownership.”
Equally significant is the recognition of Tom Johnson, whose impact extends beyond operations.
Johnson was honored for his exceptional service, community involvement, and ability to inspire others. Over 14 years, he has become a defining presence at his hotel demonstrating that exceptional hospitality is driven by people who lead with heart and consistency.
What These Awards Say About Newport
In today’s operating environment, where rising costs, labor challenges, and performance expectations continue to intensify, recognition from ownership groups like Apple Hospitality REIT carries added weight.
These awards affirm that Newport:
- Delivers consistent financial and operational performance
- Builds strong, values-driven property-level cultures
- Develops and retains high-impact team members
- Creates long-term value for ownership partners
“Owner recognition is one of the most meaningful indicators of success in our business,” West added. “It tells us we are executing at a high level at the property, within the team, and for the investor.”
Newport Hospitality Group continues to operate across multiple leading brands, maintaining a disciplined, scalable model that drives results regardless of market or flag.
Newport Hospitality Group is a third-party hotel management company based in Williamsburg, Virginia, managing mid-scale, full-service, and independent hotels across the United States under Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, Wyndham, Choice Hotels, and Best Western brands. We turn hotel operations into measurable growth by aligning revenue management, sales, digital marketing, and daily leadership through a unified commercial strategy. Living Hospitality guides how we lead, serve, and build relationships. Learn more at nhghotels.com.
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Barb Worcester
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