Each year, the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSHTA) proudly honors exceptional individuals and properties
from across the state who demonstrate excellence, dedication, and a lasting impact on New York’s hospitality and tourism industry.
This year, NYSHTA received more than 100 nominations for our annual Stars of the Industry Awards.
This is a true testament to the passion and dedication driving New York State's hospitality and tourism community.
From these outstanding submissions, our panel of judges selected this year’s winners for their extraordinary contributions
to their workplaces, communities, and the industry at large. These honorees embody the very best of hospitality,
setting the standard for service, leadership, and innovation across New York State.
from across the state who demonstrate excellence, dedication, and a lasting impact on New York’s hospitality and tourism industry.
This year, NYSHTA received more than 100 nominations for our annual Stars of the Industry Awards.
This is a true testament to the passion and dedication driving New York State's hospitality and tourism community.
From these outstanding submissions, our panel of judges selected this year’s winners for their extraordinary contributions
to their workplaces, communities, and the industry at large. These honorees embody the very best of hospitality,
setting the standard for service, leadership, and innovation across New York State.
Meet the 2026 Stars of the Industry
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ROOMKEEPER OF THE YEAR
(150 rooms or less) Carmen Fuentes Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany ROOMKEEPER OF THE YEAR (151 rooms or more) Corrina Millington Fort William Henry Hotel LODGING EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Gad Ayeh The Statler Hotel at Cornell University MANAGER/SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR (Non-Lodging) Jodi LaPierre Visit Ithaca MANAGER/SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR (Lodging) Timothy Lopez M Social New York Downtown DIRECTOR OF SALES OF THE YEAR (150 Rooms or Less) Michael O'Connor Staybridge Suites Albany Wolf Rd-Colonie Center by IHG DIRECTOR OF SALES OF THE YEAR (151 Rooms or More) Joanna Fairs The Saratoga Hilton |
GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
(150 Rooms or Less) Tyler Herrick The Queensbury Hotel GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR (151 Rooms or More) David Salcfas Hard Rock Hotel New York HOTEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR Highgate TOURISM EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR Judi Hess Visit Binghamton SMALL/INDEPDENDENT PROPERTY OF THE YEAR Landmark Inn Cooperstown, NY LARGE PROPERTY OF THE YEAR The Statler Hotel at Cornell University Ithaca, NY PROPERTY MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR The Otesaga Resort Hotel Cooperstown, NY PARTNER OF THE YEAR Barclay Damon EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY Don Jeffries Visit Rochester |
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Congratulations to all 2026 Stars of the Industry Winners!
RECOGNITION Winners will be recognized at the 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on October 26 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY (following the Hospitality Summit). |
