VisitNorfolk has been recognizing top hospitality workers at the award-winning National Travel & Tourism Week “Norfolk Champions of Hospitality Rally” for nearly 20 years. Let us know who stands out to you by nominating a hospitality and tourism star today! Click here to nominate someone. This years’ rally has been postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19.
Each year, during the first full week in May, thousands of travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being.
The travel and tourism industry employs more than 7,500 Norfolkians in the city. We may not always realize it, but popular tourist spots like The Norfolk Botanical Garden and others like Nauticus and the Virginia Zoo, restaurants and even historic sights like the Hunter House Victorian Museum are the backbone of Norfolk. These places, and our neighbors and friends who work there, not only grow our local economy and support our workforce but also give so many visitors a lifetime of memories.
Last year, VisitNorfolk awarded the top hospitality workers at the award-winning National Travel & Tourism Week “Norfolk Champions of Hospitality Rally.”
2019 Champions of Hospitality Winners
Front Desk Associate of the Year
Darrell Rodgers, Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Military Associate of the Year
Charlene White, NAVY
Concierge of the Year
Lori Santiago, Hilton Norfolk the Main
Housekeeping Associate of the Year
Hernan Montoya, Navy Lodge Norfolk
Maintenance Associate of the Year
Fidel Ramos, NSA Hampton Roads
Beertender of the Year
Tatia Hansen, O’Connor Brewing Co.
Kitchen Associate of the Year
George Jackson, D’Egg Diner
Parking Associate of the Year
Lashaun Roberts, SP+ Corporation
Host of the Year
Macy Jordan, Chrysler Museum of Art
Steward of the Year
Myles Holly, Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Banquet Associate of the Year
Danny Espino, DoubleTree by Hilton Norfolk Airport
Administrative Associate of the Year
Sarrah Stevens, Slover Library
Valet Associate of the Year
Mark Strawn, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Event Coordinator of the Year
Katharine Sahene, Spirit Cruises
Server of the Year
Sara Bray, Blanca Food+Wine
Peter G. Decker, Jr. Hospitality Associate of the Year
Chelsea Jackson, Hilton Norfolk the Main
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