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Governor Martinez released her administration’s budget proposal which calls for a $3.5 million increase for the New Mexico Tourism Department to be used for a significant marketing push in the San Francisco area. “Governor Martinez continues to demonstrate her commitment to growing New Mexico’s economy through her prioritization of the Tourism Department’s marketing budget. Year after year, New Mexico True … Read More

2017 Tourism Professional of the Year Finalist Kelly Stewart Marketing Specialist – Los Alamos County What was your first job in the hospitality industry? After I graduated from college with a degree in journalism and international studies, I did a short stint in the hospitality industry, working at several hotels and restaurants on Nantucket Island. While I honed my marketing … Read More

2017 Back-of-House Food & Beverage Employee of the Year Finalist Rocky Durham Executive Chef – Sunrise Springs Spa Resort What was your first job in the hospitality industry? Washing dishes Who has helped/mentored you through your career? Every individual I have worked with has helped shape who I am today. Some of my earlier mentors have passed and I carry … Read More

2017 Front-of-House Food & Beverage of the Year Finalist Jessie Lopez Regional Events Director – Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces What was your first job in the hospitality industry? Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Who has helped/mentored you through your career? Belia Alvarez, Peggy Smith What has been the highlight of your career? Watching my community smile as they enjoy … Read More

2017 Back-of-House Hospitality Employee of the Year Randall Kludt Executive Housekeeper – The Blake of Taos Ski Valley What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I began working as a line cook. Who has helped/mentored you through your career? I’ve been lucky enough to have many great mentors. Ski bums & Spaniards & S. Rose. I learn something … Read More

2017 Hospitality Professional of the Year Finalist Boris Revilla Food & Beverage Director – Indian Pueblo Cultural Center What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I worked as a prep cook for Artiste in Washington, D.C. when I was 22 years old. I had never worked in this industry and a prep cook from El Salvador took me … Read More

2017 Hospitality Professional of the Year Presented by Visit Albuquerque Kenneth Riege General Manager – Comfort Suites Gallup What was your first job in the hospitality industry? General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Gallup Who has helped/mentored you through your career? Yogash Kumar What has been the highlight of your career? When I visit with our guest and … Read More

2017 Hospitality Professional of the Year Finalist Joani Jones Director of Sales – Crowne Plaza What was your first job in the hospitality industry? Breakfast waitress at Best Western in Washington DC Who has helped/mentored you through your career? The grace of God What has been the highlight of your career? Employees telling me how much I have encouraged and … Read More

2017 Tourism Personnel of the Year Brian Hatchitt Director of Sales & Marketing – Albuquerque Convention Center What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I was hired – after 6 interviews – as a concierge at a super swanky resort in a town I knew nothing about. I lasted 5 days. Who has helped/mentored you through your career? … Read More

2017 Back-of-House Food & Beverage Employee of the Year James Hice Executive Chef – Albuquerque Convention Center What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I started as a dishwasher at the Ramada Mount View Inn in 1997 and was then promoted to cook 6 months later. A year after I was promoted to kitchen manager. Who has helped/mentored … Read More