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American Hotel & Lodging Association and AHLA Foundation Announce 2026 Stars of the Industry Winners

Awards recognize on-property hospitality professionals including emerging scholars, guest services agents, maintenance teams, and rising leaders

WASHINGTON (January 26, 2026) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and AHLA Foundation announced the 2026 Star of the Industry Award winners – four property-level employees and emerging leaders who represent the excellence frontline professionals deliver to guest experiences every day – at the eighth annual Night of a Thousand Stars Gala last night in Los Angeles. The event brought together nearly 400 industry leaders to celebrate the hotel workforce and raise funds for hospitality career development programs.

“Night of a Thousand Stars is about celebrating the people who are the backbone of our industry,” said Kevin Carey, President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. “These awards recognize the dedication of our frontline teams, and the funds we raise support our mission of championing the hotel industry, one career at a time, and helping employees find their home in hospitality at every stage of their journey.”

The gala raised more than $1.1M to fuel Foundation programs, including scholarships, apprenticeships, mentorship, and professional development that supports hotel employees throughout their careers.

At the event, AHLA also honored Mit Shah, Founder and CEO of Noble Investment Group, with the 2026 Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. Introduced in 2022, the award honors the legacy of the late Marriott International president & CEO, who was known for his commitment to social impact, diversity, and sustainability. It is presented each to a senior lodging executive who demonstrates extraordinary efforts to advance positive societal change through leadership and community engagement. Recipients are selected by their industry peers on the AHLA Executive Committee. 

“Mit has been a tireless champion of access and opportunity across hospitality,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA. “He understands that our industry is strongest when it reflects the communities we serve, and he’s committed his career to making that vision a reality.”

The 2026 Star of the Industry Award Winners are:

The North Star Award recognizes the industry’s superstar who goes above and beyond daily, makes guests feel special, and demonstrates unwavering commitment to their property and passion for hospitality.

Anntoinette Peterson discovered her passion for hospitality while working a housekeeping job during nursing school, quickly rising through the ranks to roles across various departments. Known for her care and genuine connection with guests, she consistently goes above and beyond, often leaving lasting impressions through heartfelt, personal gestures – particularly for those seeking care at the Cleveland Clinic. Anntoinette’s commitment to her guests was exemplified when she saved a life by performing the Heimlich maneuver, reflecting her dedication, professionalism, and true spirit of hospitality.

This award honors an exemplary young professional under 30 who energizes the industry with fresh perspective, inspires those around them, and represents the future of hospitality leadership.

Brandon Markle began his hospitality career behind the counter at a fast-food restaurant before rising quickly through hotel leadership. In 2017, he joined Staybridge Suites as Front Office Manager and today, at just 28, serves as General Manager of a Courtyard Marriott. Known for his hands-on, inclusive leadership, Brandon also partners with Peckham, a nonprofit organization that

provides vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities, to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the Lansing community.

The Hotel Hero Award recognizes a team member who went above and beyond in a true time of need—putting their own interests last to aid a guest, colleague, or property during a difficult situation or unexpected event.

Daniel De La Cruz is a dedicated hospitality professional with more than 16 years of service in hotel maintenance, known for his reliability, care for others, and quiet leadership. His impact extends far beyond daily operations – through quick thinking and selfless action, Danny has saved multiple lives, including rescuing a child from a pond and performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking guest. His courage and compassion exemplify the true “Hotel Hero” spirit.

This award honors an outstanding hospitality student who exemplifies both academic excellence and the bright future of the industry through stellar performance and dedication to pursuing a hotel career.

Jazmen Wilkerson is an emerging hospitality leader currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Morgan State University. A highly engaged student leader, she co-created her university’s Hospitality Mentorship Program and is conducting undergraduate research on artificial intelligence in hotels, which she will present at a professional conference in May 2026. An 11-year U.S. Navy veteran and licensed realtor, Jazmen brings a unique perspective and is positioning herself as a next-generation hotel owner and innovator.

For more information about the AHLA Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.ahlafoundation.org. 

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About AHLA Foundation

AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industry’s greatest asset – our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org.

About AHLA

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.