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Hotel Equities Announces the 37th Annual Leadership Award Winners

March 25, 2026
Transforming, Together.

Alpharetta, GA - Hotel Equities, a best-in-class hospitality operator and developer, recognized its top-performing hotels and associates during the company’s 2026 Leadership Conference, “Transforming, Together,” held in Las Vegas, Nevada in February 2026. Nominees were selected by Hotel Equities’ selection committee based on exceptional performance, leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence during the past year. 

“We are proud to recognize the exceptional leadership, ingenuity and dedication of this year’s winners and nominees,” said Ben Rafter, Chief Executive Officer of Hotel Equities. “In a year that demanded agility and innovative thinking, our hotel teams were unwavering in their commitment to delivering exceptional results for our owners, partners, and guests.  

The annual awards celebrate associates and properties that exemplify Hotel Equities’ culture of hospitality excellence and commitment to maximizing revenues, delivering strong performance, exceptional guest experiences, and meaningful impact across its portfolio. 

The 2026 Award Winners: 

CEO Award 
Barry Dively, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing 

General Manager of the Year 
Full Service: Peter LaMontagna, Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place 
Focused Service: Carla Carlson, Comfort Suites Kelowna 
Lifestyle: Chazz Cage, Hotel Fusion 

Director of Sales of the Year 
Full Service: Stacy Benson, Holiday Inn Bismarck by IHG 
Focused Service: Darci Schroedl, Hampton Inn by Hilton Pullman 
Lifestyle: Matt Scarpato, Stoneridge Mountain Resort 

Revenue Manager of the Year 
Srinivas Krishnan, Sr. Regional Director of Revenue Management 

Team Member of the Year 
Front of House: Kim White, Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites 
Back of House: Ismael Moreda, Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa 

Hotel of the Year 
Full Service: Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown by IHG Hotels & Resorts 
Focused Service: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Lincolnshire 
Lifestyle: Stoneridge Mountain Resort 

The conference theme, “Transforming, Together,” displayed Hotel Equities’ continued evolution as a unified organization, bringing together its people, expertise, and resources to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences across its portfolio.