McLean, Virginia - The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMAI) is proud to recognize the 20th class of the 'best and brightest' in the hospitality industry with its list of the 2022 HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution.

These 25 professionals, selected by a panel of senior industry executives, will be celebrated February 23 at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles in conjunction with the annual Adrian Awards Celebration.

HSMAI's 2022 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds not only adapted to the post-COVID travel environment but anticipated and capitalized on the market shifts-some of them almost imperceptible-accompanying the pandemic. Individually, the Top 25 are leaders, mentors, and role models; collectively, they are the engine driving the industry's recovery and the foundation for its future success.

The 2022 'Top 25' celebrates the innovators in our industry, and marks the 20th anniversary of Top 25 recognition. During a year when the travel and hospitality industry rebounded sharply and faced unprecedented challenges, these extraordinary professionals 'rewrote the book' and forged new paths to success in commercial strategy. Their exemplary performance will set new standards for others to follow. Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI The 2022 HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds:

Hege V. Barnes - Managing Director, Innovation Norway

Susan Barr - Vice President One Yield, Marriott International

Paul Beirnes - Executive Director, Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades CVB

Shane Brossard - Chief Marketing Officer, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Natasha Caputo - Director, Westchester County Tourism & Film

Shelley Airhart Cooper - Deputy Director of Marketing, Colorado Tourism Office

Dax Cross - CEO, Revenue Analytics

Michael Curran, CHDM - Vice President of eCommerce Strategy, Aimbridge Hospitality

Cristina DiStefano, CHDM - Director of Enterprise Marketing, Oneida Nation Enterprises

Laurie Garzon - Director of Sales and Marketing, Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui

Richard Geiger - President, Visit Winston-Salem

Kristi Gole - Executive Vice President, Global Hotel Alliance

Michael Klein - Vice President of Global Revenue Management, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Melissa Kouvelas - Senior Director of Worldwide Sales, BWH Hotel Group

Sabrina Lillew - Vice President of Loyalty Programs and Partnerships, North and Central America, Accor

Yola Marshall - Vice President America Sales, IHG

Kevin McAteer - Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Concord Hospitality

Monika Morrobel, CHDM, CRME - Senior Corporate Director of Commercial Strategy, Kessler Collection

Todd O'Leary - Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Sonoma County Tourism

Edelyn Parker-Frye - Director of Brand Events, Communications and Partnerships, Red Roof

Linda Parker Sanpei - Chief Operating Officer and Chief Creative Officer, The Anything Group

Brent Shiratori - Vice President of Global Brand, Outrigger Resorts and Hotels

Stephanie Smith, CHDM - CEO & Digital Matriarch, Cogwheel Marketing

Joe Spirito - Vice President of Global Digital & Marketing Operations, Preferred Travel Group

Gillian Ware - National Sales Director, San Diego Tourism Authority

For additional information on the Top 25 Minds, the HSMAI Adrian Awards, and the HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards, visit http://www.adrianawards.com.

About HSMAI

HSMAI is a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines, as well as connecting its members with customers. Founded in the United States in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprised of nearly 5,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide. HSMAI operates regionally around the globe via Regional boards of directors and staff. There are four regions: the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Each region has signature programs and services for association members. HSMAI has a Global board that is comprised of delegates from each Region.

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