LODGING Staff

🎉 Driftwood Hospitality Management celebrated its 27th anniversary in North Palm Beach, Florida. The company marked nearly three decades in hospitality with coast-to-coast events. Each property hosted celebrations, including breakfasts, lunches, games, prizes, and special activities for team members. Employees received matching commemorative shirts. Chief Operating Officer Bryan Postema emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of DHM’s staff. These events aimed to celebrate the company's culture and community spirit across all locations.

💻 Steve Marino appointed VP of IT + Hotel Systems at PM Hotel Group in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with over 25 years of experience at Marriott International. His recent role was VP, U.S. & Canada IT, managing technology for 700+ managed and 6,000 franchised hotels. Marino to oversee IT infrastructure, systems, and innovation, aiming to align technology with operational performance and guest experience. His leadership will enhance PM Hotel Group's tech strategy and operational consistency.

📈 Yvette Estrada, with over a decade of legislative experience, joins the AHLA to lead state and local government affairs in the Western U.S., including Alaska, California, Hawai'i, Nevada, and Washington state. Estrada will address the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance adopted last summer by the Los Angeles City Council, risking hotel closures and job losses. Brett Horton, AHLA chief advocacy officer, emphasizes the industry's current challenges, particularly in Los Angeles.

📅 Hapi appointed Jeff Bzdawka as CEO, succeeding founder Luis Segredo in October 2024. Pure Wellness named Zachariah Webster as president. Concord Hospitality announced Scott Ness's retirement. Allbridge appointed Jann Gorske as SVP. Tommy Bahama Resort named Janet Galippo as marketing director. W and Element Philadelphia appointed George Adel as GM. The Woodward appointed Héctor Lugo as GM. Hotel Viata named Gerard Kenny as executive chef. Aimbridge Hospitality appointed Alex Fiz as president of the LATAM Division, effective March 2.