The HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds awards recognize outstanding leaders in sales, marketing, revenue optimization, and distribution within hospitality, travel, and tourism organizations for their achievements over the past 18 months. Chosen by a panel of leading industry executives, these honorees excel through their creativity, innovative approaches, groundbreaking campaigns, success in overcoming challenges, and efforts that have driven significant results.
“We are proud to celebrate HSMAI’s 2024 class of Top 25 commercial leaders and recognize their extraordinary contributions to our industry,” said Brian Hicks, President and CEO of HSMAI. “These leaders exemplify creativity, innovation, and dedication, and continue to inspire us all with their accomplishments.”
The 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds are:
- Keri Brown, Area Director of Commercial Strategy, OUTRIGGER Resorts and Hotels
- Janette Carter Baker, Vice President of Marketing, Visit Tampa Bay
- Jennie Bradford Curlee, Deputy Director, Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Karin Davis, Vice President of Sales, The Venetian Resort
- Lynette Eastman, General Manager, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
- Susan Estler, CEO, Travel Marquette
- Sarah Fults, Vice President, Distribution, MGM Resorts International
- Chris Heywood, SVP, Public Relations and Chief Communications Officer, Brand USA
- Ashleigh Irving, CHDM, Director of Marketing, CoralTree Hospitality
- Nancy Johns, CHDM, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Digital Solutions, Crescent Hotels & Resorts
- David Lau, CRME, Regional Director, Revenue Management, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
- Nicolas le Roux, EVP, Marketing, Global Hotel Alliance
- Theresa Lutz, Vice President Marketing, Camelback Resort
- Karin Mast, CHDM, Senior Vice President, Miles Partnership
- Jennifer Munro, Vice President, Global Loyalty, Preferred Travel Group
- Sue Murphy, CRME, Vice President, Revenue Management, ComOps
- Karem Planas Fernandez, COO & VP of Account Growth, Ideas Collide
- Kelly Poling, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Extended Stay America
- Jacqueline Robertson, Director, Digital Operations & Program Development, Marriott International
- Rich Tuckwell-Skuda, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, The Anything Group
- Natalie Vachon, Senior Director of Marketing, AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences
- Gaurav Varma, Senior Director of Marketing, Milestone Inc.
- Jeffrey Vasser, Executive Director, New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism
- Amber Voelker, Senior Vice President Sales Strategy, ALHI
- Jim Walter, Vice President, Visit Cheyenne
Nominations for the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds are reviewed by a panel of industry experts selected by HSMAI from among its membership and/or Board of Directors. HSMAI selects judges who have demonstrated exceptional leadership ability and possess outstanding knowledge of the hospitality industry. Judges are held to the highest standards of integrity and commitment to honoring individuals who have shown extraordinary leadership over the past 18 months. Nominations are scored on a scale of 1-10 based on the results of leadership for specific sales, marketing, and revenue management initiatives.
Tags: Brian Hicks, HSMAI
