AH&LA Stars Of The Industry Names Jennifer Yang Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Award Recipient
Terranea Resort's Jennifer Yang Recognized for Her Extraordinary Leadership
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA. June 7, 2016 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) awarded Terranea Resort's Director of Reservations Jennifer Yang, with the Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Award at the Annual Stars of the Industry Celebration on Thursday, May 19. Yang received this honor for her leadership and dedication to guest service.
The Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Award, which is named after the industry's most beloved hoteliers, recognizes young lodging employees that have embraced the core values necessary to grow and succeed in the hospitality industry.
"These men and women represent the outstanding talent, dedication and service that make both the hospitality industry and the hotel experience so unique," said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. "The stories of each hotel professional are truly special, and it is our privilege to celebrate their accomplishments - because their triumphs and stories define who we are as an industry. Whether a 25-year veteran whose leadership inspires colleagues and the community, or a dedicated newcomer whose drive and talent sees her promoted in rapid succession, the hotel industry welcomes hardworking professionals and fosters an environment that allows them to receive the training and resources they need to move up the ranks and establish life-long careers."
The Stars of the Industry Awards, honors the nation's top employees and properties for their outstanding accomplishments, service, and leadership in the hospitality and lodging industry. The honorees were chosen among a talented pool of more than 400 nominees nationwide. Judges included Lynne Dougherty, Hospitality Industry & Franchise Business executive; Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle Hotels & Resorts; Terri Haack, president of Terranea Resort; Karen DiFulgo, senior vice president of Human Resources at Benchmark Hospitality; Minaz Abji, executive vice president of Asset Management at Host Hotels & Resorts; and Jim Donivan, director of national accounts with the Wall Street Journal, an important partner to our industry.
About American Hotel & Lodging Association
Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides focused advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry generating $155.5 billion in annual sales from 4.9 million guestrooms.
About Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel
Located on California's Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea is Los Angeles' premier oceanfront resort with 102-acres of unparalleled Pacific Ocean views. Terranea opened its doors in June 2009 and offers world-class accommodations that range from hotel suites to bungalows, oceanfront casitas and luxurious villas, which are also available for purchase as seaside second homes through Terranea Real Estate. Amenities include The Links at Terranea, a nine-hole, par three golf course; award-winning 50,000 sq. ft. oceanfront spa and fitness center; four swimming pools and a 140-foot waterslide; marea luxury boutique; 135,000 sq. ft. of conference and meeting space; and eight dining venues including signature restaurant mar'sel; Nelson's, a cliff-side spot ideal for whale watching; and Asian-inspired bashi. Terranea is proud of its farm-to-Terranea culinary philosophy that focuses on utilizing local and sustainable ingredients. Terranea's bountiful land boasts herb and vegetable gardens, lemon groves, bee hives, a Sea Salt Conservatory and more. As well, the resort's innovative activity center and adventure concierge, Pointe Discovery, lets guests discover and explore Terranea's rich terrain with miles of scenic coastal trails, secluded beach cove and ocean environment. Fun, enriching programs and activities such as habitat photography, falconry, kayorkle and paddle boarding also abound. Terranea Resort is owned by a joint venture comprised of Lowe Enterprises and JC Resorts and is a member of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program and AAA Four-Diamond property. Since its opening, Terranea Resort has been named one of Travel + Leisure's 500 Best Hotels in the World and earned a spot on Conde Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards and Gold List. The resort also received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and has been recognized numerous times on U.S. News & World Report's Best U.S. Hotels list. For additional information about Terranea Resort, www.terranea.com, call 866-802-8000 or follow Terranea on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Destination Hotels
Destination Hotels (Destination) is a collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States. Offering authentically-immersed and enriching experiences, each property is individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to drawing upon the best of each location. Highly distinct, the Destination experience is always memorable and matchless; guests will feel the locale in a genuine way through each property and during the engaging moments cultivated both in and outside of them. Continuously growing with more than 40 properties from coast to coast, the award-winning portfolio features 20 renowned golf courses, 20 indigenous spas, and 110 exceptional bars and restaurants. Destination Hotels are true to our place; diverse by design. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.
Media Contact:
Laura Bonfiglio
MMGY Global
[email protected]
Jessie Burns
Terranea Resort
[email protected]
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
