Washington, D.C., April 15, 2015—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has announced this year’s winners of its awards for leaders in hospitality training and education. The following people were honored at the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Legislative Action Summit in Washington, D.C., during the AH&LA Stars of the Industry Awards Brunch on Tuesday, April 14.
Gerald Chase, president and chief operating officer of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, is the 2015 recipient of the Arthur Landstreet Award. Named after the Tennessee hotelier who founded the Educational Institute, the Arthur Landstreet Award is presented to an individual who has made a lasting impact on the quality of education and training in the hospitality industry.
Dr. William Frye, CHE, CHO, associate professor, College of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Niagara University, is the 2015 recipient of the Anthony G. Marshall Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant long-term contributions to the hospitality industry in educating future leaders.
Steven J. Belmonte, CHA, CEO of Vimana Franchise Systems, and K.V.Simon, CHA, retired vice president, AHLEI-India, were honored with the title of CHA Emeritus. The Emeritus honor is presented to select individuals who hold the designation of Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA®) after a career of distinguished contributions.
AHLEI presented four Lamp of Knowledge Awards this year. These awards are given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to advancing the quality of professionalism and education in the hospitality industry. This year’s honorees are:
- Outstanding Educator (International): Dr. Phillip Brown, CHE, Sandals Corporate University, Jamaica.
- Outstanding Educator (U.S.): Dr. Samer Hassan, CHE, Johnson & Wales University, North Miami, Florida.
- Outstanding Educator (High School): Eric Chong, CHE, Simon Sanchez High School, Guam.
- Outstanding Student (Distance Learning): Marion Green, general manager, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, Marysville, Washington.
NOTE: Individual releases on each of the individuals named above are available in our online newsroom.
