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ASAE Announces 2025 Individual Honors for Exceptional Leadership
By Todd McElwee
Recognizing a trio of association professionals for their exemplary support of ASAE and continued contributions to the sector, ASAE announced the 2025 recipients of the Individual Honors for Exceptional Leadership on May 15.
The 2025 honorees include Wendy-Jo Toyama, FASAE, CAE, CEO, American Epilepsy Society, who is this year’s Key Award honoree; David “DJ” Johnson, FASAE, CAE, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who is the Professional Performance Award honoree; and KiKi L’Italien, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M, who is the Academy of Leaders Award honoree.
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Marilia Pergola
Marilia Pergola has been appointed Vice President of Operations for the Caribbean and Latin America of Hotel Equities. Pergola will be based in the company’s Miami corporate office. Pergola has more than 20 years of experience in hotels. She spent the past eight years at Marriott International, where she recently served as the senior director of operations-owner & franchise relations for the Caribbean and Latin America.
Kenneth M. Hemsley Jr.
Kenneth M. Hemsley Jr., a 15-year veteran at Visit Indy, has been promoted to area sales leader—a new leadership role empowering senior staff to mentor sales managers and oversee specific markets. His purview includes associations based in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia and managing groups with 1,501 or more peak rooms. Previous roles at Visit Indy include senior national account director and national account director.
Dejan Djukic
Dejan Djukic is now Destination Restaurant Chef of Tía Carmen & Kembara at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. His career started at The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix in 2003 where he served as a banquet cook and culinary supervisor. Prior to his current position, Djukic was the destination restaurant chef of Tía Carmen. Now, he assumes the role of Destination Restaurant Chef for both eateries.
Shyam Lalu
Shyam Lalu has been named General Manager of The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality. The Statler is in Dallas and was built in 1956. It is recognized on the Historic Hotels of America registry. Lalu has spent 24 years serving in various roles in the hotel industry, most recently as the general manager of the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport.
Chef Denis Ehmig
Chef Denis Ehmig is now Executive Chef at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. Ehmig’s career began at Le Cordon Bleu Chicago. He has worked at the JW Marriott Chicago, McCormick Place, and Marriott Marquis Chicago, where he most recently served as executive sous chef. In his new role, Ehmig oversees a team of more than 130 culinary and operations staff. His cooking style is rooted in French technique.
Scott Siebert
Scott Siebert is the General Manager of Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in San Diego. The property opens May 15. He brings more than 35 years of experience to his role, including a variety of leadership positions across Marriott International. Most recently, he served as hotel manager at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. Siebert also held roles at Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort.
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Association NEWS
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NAMM Foundation Recognizes More Than 1,000 Schools and Districts as Best Communities for Music Education… NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), and The NAMM Foundation recently announced the 2025 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards. One of The NAMM Foundation’s signature programs, BCME is in its 26th year of recognizing and celebrating school districts and individual schools for their support and commitment to music education.
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase access and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) are recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
“Music education has numerous positive effects on communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM President & CEO and former educator. “The Best Communities for Music Education award winners serve as models for the power of music education to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and NAMM is honored to recognize the 2025 recipients.”
More than 46 states are being honored in 2025 including 103 first-time winners and two districts (Fulton County, Georgia, and Henrico County, Virginia,) being selected for the 26th consecutive year. Additionally, winners of the award for 25-consecutive years include Berea City School District (Ohio) and Torrington Public Schools (Connecticut).
“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s awardees for their outstanding commitment to music education access,” said Julia Rubio, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation. “These districts and schools demonstrate that access to music learning helps students thrive, in school and in life, and we celebrate their dedication to creating inclusive learning environments.”
Find more information at namm.org.
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
Extended Stay America and Grubhub announced on May 8 a new program offering benefits to guests who order from local restaurants during their stay. The partnership will allow Extended Stay America guests at properties nationwide to take advantage of no delivery fees on eligible orders” and a complimentary Grubhub+ membership valid for 30 days, tailored ordering through the Grubhub app, and 24/7 access to local restaurants, the pair said.
“At Extended Stay America, providing genuine care for our guests is at the heart of everything we do,” said Adam Cannon, Chief Brand Officer of Extended Stay America. “While all our spacious suites have fully equipped kitchens, we understand there are days when you just want to unwind with your favorite takeout, just like you would at home. This partnership with Grubhub allows our guests to do just that.”
The Nobleman Fort Worth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel, developed by Jeff Blackman of Bedford Lodging, opened its door in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 9.
The property features 121 guest rooms, 32 extended-stay suites with kitchenettes, a chef-driven restaurant called Duchess, a pool, fitness center and 2,000 square feet of meeting and outdoor event spaces.
“The Nobleman Hotel and our Duchess restaurant will be stylish and approachable additions to the Near Southside neighborhood,” said Blackman. “We want to be a destination for the weekend traveler, for those visiting our renowned medical district, for business purposes, and to serve as a new, consistent dining spot for our local residents—we want to be the go-to neighborhood place.”
For more information or to book a stay, visit thenoblemanhotel.com.
CVB Updates
Visit Tampa Bay on May 13 announced that it’s inviting travelers to press play on their best vacation yet with the launch of its new “Time to Play in Tampa Bay” campaign.
Designed to boost summer visitation to Hillsborough County, the multi-channel campaign showcases the destination’s world-class attractions, MICHELIN-starred dining, and laid-back vibes—positioning Tampa Bay as a must-visit getaway for both families and luxury travelers alike.
Starting in late May and continuing through July, the campaign developed by FKQ Advertising + Marketing focuses on key drive markets including Atlanta, Orlando, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale, reaching both English and Spanish-speaking audiences. With messaging centered around themes like Time to Play, Time for Adventure, Time to Savor, and Time to Breathe, the campaign encourages vacationers to make the most of their time.
”This summer, we’re letting everyone know—it’s time to play in Tampa Bay,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Whether you’re seeking big thrills, MICHELIN-starred cuisine, or just a chance to unwind, Tampa Bay offers it all. From vibrant attractions to luxurious experiences, it’s the ideal destination to make summer memories.”
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