Degen also stands among a distinguished group of individuals inducted into the NEWH College of Fellows
Shawano, WI — April 17, 2024 — NEWH, Inc. is excited to announce that long-time member Anita Degen, IIDA, Managing Principal of her namesake firm, Degen & Degen Architecture and Interior Design, was honored with the NEWH Pinnacle Award at the organization’s leadership conference. Receiving not one, but two honors, Degen was also inducted into the association’s College of Fellows alongside four other new members, bestowed during NEWH’s biennial Leadership Conference on February 17, 2024 in Nashville.
The NEWH Pinnacle Award, formerly known as the Recognition of Excellence Award, is awarded to an individual who has contributed extraordinary time and effort to NEWH over at least 15 years of membership. Selected by the executive committee, Degen has been a member of the organization for 28 years and has held the position of President both on the NEWH, Inc. Board of Directors and the NEWH/Northwest Chapter in addition to various other positions on both boards.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Degen co-founded Degen & Degen Architecture and Interior Design in 1994. With over 25 years of experience overseeing global hotel and resort design, Degen has established herself as a leader in the hospitality industry and a mentor to design professionals in and around the Seattle market.
“Anita exemplifies what it means to be a thoughtful, dedicated member of NEWH––utilizing her professional experience to uplift the professional development of those around her,” said Shelia Lohmiller, CEO of NEWH. “Her investment in the advancement and improvement of our association has made a vast difference to not only her local chapter but in the culture of NEWH as a whole.”
During the ceremony, five individuals were also inducted into NEWH’s College of Fellows. The distinction is dedicated to recognizing members who have played a role in notable improvements to the hospitality industry through not only their work but also their demonstrated commitment to NEWH.
The 2024 class included, in addition to Degen: Ron McDaniel, Commercial Sales Representative at Tilebar; Leigh Mitchell, Owner/Sales at LHDS; Hope Quintanar-Case, Contract/Hospitality Account Executive at Couristan Contract/Hospitality; and David Tracz, Partner at //3877. They received a lifetime membership to NEWH, signifying their continued investment in the organization. To learn more about NEWH, its events, and educational offerings, please visit www.newh.org.
