Dennis Clark, GM of Fairmont Olympic Hotel is AH&LA's GM of the Year

Large Property Award

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. October 14, 2008

SEATTLE, WA, June 11, 2008. Mr. Dennis Clark, General Manager of The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, was honored today with the American Hotel & Lodging Association's (AH&LA) prestigious Stars of the Industry Award for General Manager of the Year, Large Property. The Stars of the Industry Awards, sponsored by U.S. Foodservices, were presented on June 11 during the AH&LA Summer Summit at The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In a time when tourism has seemingly started to show signs of slowing, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is reminded that they have a fearless leader that believes wholeheartedly in the art of refined responsible tourism. A panel of judges recognized Clark's superior professionalism in the hotel industry, dedication to the city of Seattle and his strong leadership in his role as general manager.

Clark was appointed to the General Manager position in August 2003. In the three short years that the hotel had been a Fairmont property, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts singled out the leadership Clark provided to his team to deliver outstanding results when the hotel was awarded the coveted "Hotel of the Year." Clark, while working tirelessly to achieve the hotel's financial and quality measures, also found the time and energy to serve Seattle's hotel and tourism industry. He was elected President of the Seattle Hotel Association (SHA) and due to his visibility and leadership, Clark was chosen by Governor Gregoire and his peers to serve as a Commissioner for the newly formed Washington State Tourism Commission.

In addition, Clark is heavily involved in several philanthropic and community efforts. The hotel continues to serve as a major sponsor for many fundraising events, among them Children's Hospital's "Season of Light." It is one of the most time honored holiday events in the city and serves as Seattle's kick-off event for the holidays.

Clark brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience to the position. After beginning his career with Hyatt Hotels, Clark joined Ritz-Carlton Hotels in 1983, where he held several positions, including General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Double Bay, Australia. Clark joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 1994 as Director of Food and Beverage at The Fairmont San Jose and was promoted to Hotel Manager in 1997. In 1998, he was appointed General Manager of The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston. In 2002, Clark received the Massachusetts Lodging Association's General Manager of the Year award.

Clark has undoubtedly served as a steward of outstanding hospitality service and his involvement and dedication to both the tourism and hotel industry have been widely acknowledged. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, the Pacific Northwest's iconic luxury hotel, under his exemplary management has maintained its unrivalled presence and has continued to provide unparalleled and engaging service to visitors and local guests alike.

Making the decisions in this year's competition were Stephanie Ricca, managing editor, Hotel & Motel Management, and Stefani C. O'Connor, executive news editor, Hotel Business.