Front of House (Lodging) – AJ Anderson – Grand Traverse Resort and Spa 

AJ is the Guest Services Manager at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, where he has worked for six years, overseeing the Front Desk, Concierge, and Bell stand with exceptional leadership that has improved service scores and developed staff into leadership roles. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the resort through his work as a high school basketball coach, support for J-1 interns and H2B workers, and active involvement in the local hospitality community. His dedication earned him the Grand Traverse Resort Leader of the Year in 2023. 

Front of House (All Venues) – Stephen Brotschul - River Club Glen Arbor  

Stephen is an accomplished hospitality professional who successfully transitioned from front of house manager at Broomstack Kitchen to General Manager of River Club Glen Arbor in 2024, where he hired and trained over sixty staff members and oversaw the venue's successful opening and first season. He brings extensive experience from his two-decade career in boarding school education and administration, which he leverages to effectively train staff and manage complex operations. Beyond his professional work, Stephen actively contributes to his community as co-president of the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses and organizing events. 

Back of House (Lodging) – Matthew Byers – Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City 

Matthew has been a dedicated Great Wolf Lodge employee since 2012 and exemplifies company values through his enthusiasm, positivity, and welcoming demeanor that brings joy to both guests and fellow staff members. He has been recognized with multiple Wolf Pack Member of the Month awards, Wolf Pack Member of the Year, and a High Paw nomination for his contributions,s including hosting events, creating communications, and organizing orientations for new staff and Exchange Visitor members. Beyond his HR Coordinator role, Matthew volunteers at holiday events and with Gaming for A Cure for cancer research, demonstrating his exceptional ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Group Sales & Meeting Services – Katie Leonard – Grand Traverse Resort and Spa 

Katie is an exceptional sales leader at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa who has progressed from the golf department to national sales manager.  She demonstrated remarkable leadership as Interim Director of Sales during the pandemic, successfully navigating challenges and maintaining client trust while helping the Resort recover. Post-pandemic, she has driven record sales, collaborates with regional tourism organizations to promote northern Michigan as a meetings destination, and serves as a prominent advocate for the events industry in the Traverse City community. 

Marketing, Finance and Operations  – Brittany Roberts – Crystal Mountain 

Brittany Roberts has been Crystal Mountain's web content specialist for over 12 years, managing the website, social media presence, and e-commerce systems while collaborating across departments to keep information accurate and timely. Her creative video editing skills drive significant social media engagement, and she has led major website launches in 2018 and 2025. With a business degree from Central Michigan University, she also contributes to community projects and effectively showcases northern Michigan as a premier four-season resort destination. 

Festival & Events – Alexis Bremer – The Festival Foundation (National Cherry Festival) 

Alexis is a dedicated event planning professional with nine years of experience at The Foundation, known for her exceptional work ethic, innovative thinking, and solution-oriented approach. She has demonstrated leadership both locally and internationally through the IFEA, teaching event planning, and helping various organizations revitalize their events, including playing a key role in the More than 4 Foundation's cancer research initiatives. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she actively volunteers as a Board Member and dog foster mom and holds a CFEE certification that reflects her commitment to excellence in the event industry. 

Tastemaker – Alaina Hogerheide – Cultured Kombucha Company 

Alaina is an innovative leader in the beverage industry who has driven significant growth at Cultured Kombucha Co. over the past three years, securing major retail partnerships while promoting healthier, alcohol-free alternatives that foster community connection. She excels in fast-paced environments with a problem-solving mindset and creates collaborative cultures that support continuous improvement. As a passionate advocate for women's rights and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, she champions representation through her work with a certified women-owned business, while her culinary expertise and dedication to quality continue to shape a more inclusive future for both her company and the broader community. 

Cheer Leadership – Mike & Gina Sheldon – River Club Glen Arbor 

Mike and Gina Sheldon, who returned from retirement in 2022, launched River Club Glen Arbor on June 24, 2024, after two years of construction and securing numerous permits to revitalize a three-acre property. Despite having no prior experience in food, beverage, mini golf, retail, or live music, they hired top talent and built a successful venue with 60+ staff members. The couple actively supports local charities through donations and "Intentional Acts of Kindness" initiatives, having relocated from Los Angeles to Michigan in 2017 to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle of Northern Michigan. 

Hospitality All-Star – William "Bill" Autenreith – Chateau Chantal 

Bill has dedicated over 20 years to Chateau Chantal and the wine industry, bringing passion, kindness, and genuine enthusiasm for Michigan wine that creates memorable experiences for guests through tastings, tours, and events. Colleagues praise his energy, charisma, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued—remembering return visitors' names and treating all guests like family. Bill's contagious laughter, attention to detail, and authentic warmth are key reasons guests return to Chateau Chantal. 

Community Impact – Joe Short  – Short's Brewing Company 

Joe has dedicated 21 years to building a hospitality destination in Northern Michigan, growing from a basement start and the Bellaire Pub into one of Antrim County's largest employers while remaining hands-on in creative efforts and event organization. He has significantly shaped Up North hospitality, inspiring former employees to open their own establishments and creating a welcoming space for the community. Beyond his business success, Joe actively serves on boards, supports non-profits, plays in a band, and enjoys waterskiing and time with his family. 

Front of House Award (All Venues) - Rachel Payne - Shorts Brewing 

Rachel is the epitome of hospitality excellence. Her colleagues cited her unwavering dedication, exceptional service, and remarkable ability to create memorable experiences for guests. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every person she encounters - whether a guest or a colleague - feels welcomed and cared for.   

Front of House (Lodging) - Stephanie Gray - Crystal Mountain 

Clients that work with Stephanie have never given a negative comment – and that is an astounding accomplishment for someone working in Conference Services! She was recommended by her colleagues for being both a wonderful person and a colossal strength! Stephanie represents the perfect blend of professional demeanor and friendly warmth.   

Back of House (All Venues) - Maria Leggett - Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse  

Maria is a dedicated hospitality pro; when she joined Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse, she was credited with elevating their operations and culinary offerings. She also helped the restaurant add a new successful catering operation. Maria has planned winery, brewery, and distillery dinners with our local purveyors and partners. She is an ardent supporter of local farms and food suppliers and finds innovative ways to incorporate more and more local offerings onto the menu! 

Back of House (Lodging) - Aurora Bernal - Sleep Inn & Suites 

Aurora is the role model for her team. Since 2015, she has worked hard to make her way up to executive housekeeper. She leads, trains, and assists her team in every aspect of housekeeping. 

Seasonal Award - Jayson Spaulding - Crystal Mountain 

Jayson Spaulding has been a valued member of the Crystal Mountain seasonal team since 2009. Each season he returns, he goes above and beyond in everything he does and continues to represent Crystal Mountain’s mission, vision, and values. Jayson consistently receives compliments from guests and fellow employees.  

Rookie of the Year - Lilyona Macguire - Tru by Hilton 

Lilyona is willing to do anything to help the team. She’s one of our more dependable employees and always comes in with a positive and productive attitude. Lilyona is recognized by her team as one of the top performers. 

Sales/Marketing/Finance Award - Kristin Toedebusch - Superior Hospitality 

Kristin started as a Front Desk Associate and, through her dedication, she has worked her way up through group sales to her current role as Director of Sales, overseeing four Superior Hospitality properties. From the first sales lead through post-event follow-ups, she keeps clients happy with consistently high-quality customer service. Kristin is frequently graced with wonderful comments from happy group, meeting, and corporate organizers.  

Festival & Events Award - Kat Paye - The Festival Foundation (National Cherry Festival) 

Kat is the heart and soul of The Festival Foundation. Under her guidance, her small but mighty team puts on the National Cherry Festival, the Iceman Cometh Challenge, the Cherry T Ball Drop, and the Leapin' Leprechaun 5K each year, driving $40 million dollars in economic activity to the area. She always goes the extra mile to ensure that these complex events are successful. Kat is fully vested in the goal of ensuring that every event participant can make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Hospitality All Star - Kimberly Zacharias - Black Star Farms 

Kimberly exemplifies excellence in hospitality; her customer service skills have been honed over her strong career in hospitality, and specifically in the wine industry. Her attitude towards helping the team is incredible. She is a dedicated learner - spending time in all aspects of Black Star Farms business –, and she is known for being a team player who is willing to jump in to help out in any department whenever she’s needed.  

Leadership Award - Michaelene V’Soske - Grand Traverse Resort & Spa 

Michaelene has been with Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for almost 20 years. She is responsible for leading one of the biggest departments at the Resort and she persevered through challenging issues and unique circumstances over the past few years. Michaelene has proven she can get creative in finding solutions to help make sure every day is successful for her team, the guests, and the resort overall.