The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) celebrated its 2022 Hospitality Heroes winners and finalists during a reception today at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Hospitality Heroes recognition program shines a light on outstanding hospitality workers who go above and beyond to create “Only Vegas” experiences for our millions of visitors each year. The program garnered more than 140 online nominations this year and more than 300 since its inception in 2021.
Hospitality Heroes was created to celebrate the accomplishments of an elite group of frontline hospitality workers in Las Vegas while showcasing the resilience of the tourism industry.
Tourism is Southern Nevada’s top economic driver, representing nearly 30 percent of overall employment in the state. Hospitality workers ensure Las Vegas remains the world’s number one tourist destination. Nominees must be with their current employer for a minimum of one year, work in Las Vegas, and be in good standing with no pending disciplinary actions.
This year’s nominees represented hospitality-focused businesses including casino resorts, independent restaurants and tour operators. Winners worked in a diverse array of departments, including food and beverage, concierge and security. During the reception, winners and finalists were joined by members of their respective management teams as well as LVCVA executives and board members to help celebrate their achievement.
“Stellar customer service is the cornerstone of the Las Vegas experience,” says Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “It’s an honor to celebrate the remarkable hospitality workers who help make Las Vegas a world-class tourism destination.”
Hospitality Heroes winners are selected by an independent committee of local business and industry leaders including Mary Beth Sewald, president and CEO of the Vegas Chamber, Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, Stowe Shoemaker, dean of UNLV’s William H. Harrah College of Hospitality and Brenda Scolari, director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Winners received a trophy, an Only Vegas gift bag, and a staycation at a local resort and were honored during LVCVA Board of Directors meetings.
A complete listing of the 2022 Hospitality Heroes winners and finalists is as follows:
2022 Winners
- Paola Crow, Concierge, The Cosmopolitan
- Ericka Stokely, Lead Dispatcher, Resorts World
- Tania Torres, Busser, Bella Vita Restaurant
- Candace Ortiz, Guest Relations Manager, NoMad
- Keoki Hill, Security Supervisor, Planet Hollywood
2022 Finalists
- Stephanie Roper, Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Manger, MGM Resorts
- Jeremy Palow, Guest Services Supervisor, Waldorf Astoria
- Thomas Butson-Luthier, Director of Restaurants, Waldorf Astoria
- Lawrence Tien, General Manager Restaurants, The Cosmopolitan
- Asael Aguilara, Bellman, The Cosmopolitan
- Gigi Lujan, HR Business Partner, Tahiti Village
- Daniella Von Der Beeck-Corso, Valet Attendant, Waldorf Astoria
- Cheryl Lisama, Front Desk, Resorts World
- Ericka Stokely, Lead Dispatcher, Resorts World
- Aaron Hollerman, Banquet Bartender, MGM Grand
- Baby Susana Toring, Caesars Rewards Representative, Caesars Palace
- Noe Martinez Murillo, Casino Porter, Resorts World
- Jennifer Cassereau, Security Admin, Red Rock
- Maya Nikolova, Banquet Services Assistant Manager, Aria
- Delman Simpson, Cook, Caesars Palace
- Dorothy Caperonis, Table Games Dealer, Caesars Palace
- Robert Elkins, Strategic Sourcing, Resorts World
- Rose Tatum, Lead Cage Cashier, Tuscany Suites
- Enrique Ceja, Audio Visual Technician, Resorts World
- John “Hank” Grae, Security Officer, Park MGM
- Wenling Li, Housekeeping, Red Rock
- Allison Camerena, Quick Service Manager, Resorts World
- Cindy Camet, Lead Massage Therapist, The Linq
- Dustin Hanor, Security, Resorts World
- William Albin, Banquet Mixologist, The Cosmopolitan
Online nominations for the 2023 Hospitality Heroes program will open in January. For more information about Hospitality Heroes and how you can nominate a deserving hospitality worker, visit https://www.lvcva.com/advocacy/.
