California Hotel & Lodging Association 2023 Stars awards: Honoring hospitality excellence

Published on December 5, 2023

By: Rana Pratap

The annual Stars of the Industry Awards by the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) recognized eleven hospitality leaders and four exceptional properties today.

Lynn S. Mohrfeld, President & CEO of CHLA, congratulated the 2023 winners and nominees, stating, “Congratulations to our 2023 winners and nominees who embody the spirit of hospitality and help make California a global industry leader. Your dedication serves as a reminder that our industry thrives when all of us are engaged and committed to excellence on a local level.”

The 2023 awards received nominations from hundreds of exemplary employees and properties in the California hospitality industry. CHLA judges selected winners based on their accomplishments and unique contributions to their properties, guests, and communities.

This year’s winners reflect the diverse range of employees, properties, locations, and professional growth opportunities within the California hospitality industry.

“The lodging industry uniquely offers committed individuals expansive career growth opportunities,” said Mohrfeld. “It’s one of the few remaining sectors where you can start in an entry-level position and end up as an executive.”

The awards ceremony took place at the Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley. The 2023 Stars of the Industry winners include:

Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year:

• Ryan Ochs, Wyndham San Diego Bayside (Large property)
• Chelsea Corona, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Medium property)
• Joseph Mangiaracina, The Lodge at Bodega Bay (Small property)

Outstanding Manager of the Year:

• Firas Muheisen, InterContinental Mark Hopkins (Large property)
• Denette Henry, Rosewood Miramar Beach (Medium property)
• Nancy Morgan, Napa Valley Lodge (Small property)

Outstanding General Manager of the Year:

• Terry Lewis, Hilton San Francisco Union Square & Parc 55 (Large property)
• Julie Oliff, Sensei Porcupine Creek (Medium/small property)

Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Award:

• Sunny Arunkumar Patel, Aelius Management Group

Women in Lodging (WIL) Connect Leader of the Year Award:

• Helen Simmons, Omni Hotels & Resorts

HD Supply Housekeeping Award:

• Raquel Reyes, The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Community Service Award:

• Silverado Resort, Napa

DEI Award:

• Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco

Good Earthkeeping Award:

• Temecula Creek Inn, Temecula

Guest Relations Award:

• Magic Castle Hotel, Los Angeles