Announcing the 25th Annual Tourism Awards Finalists

Staff Report

Tuesday, October 24th, 2023

We received so many amazing stories of wonderful individuals who make our tourism community great. It was very difficult to narrow it down to the top finalists in each category. Please keep scrolling to see if your nominee is a finalist!

A Word About the Selection Process 

Each nomination is assigned a reference number. Then, any information that would allow a selection committee member to ascertain the identity or even the company where the nominee works is removed from all documents given to the committee.

This blind selection process means only the stories told and the quality of the nominee is taken into consideration during the selection process. Even at the conclusion of the process, the identities of the winners and finalists are not revealed to the committee. This email is the first time that even the selection committee is learning the identities of the individuals the committee selected.
 
All of us on the TLC team would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Award and Scholarship Selection Committee for their tireless efforts. The committee work requires a large amount of reading, reviewing, and discussion, along with a significant time commitment.
 
On behalf of the Award and Scholarship Selection Committee, the Board of Directors, and the members of the Tourism Leadership Council, we are proud to announce the finalists below. We extend our warmest congratulations to all of the incredible nominees this year!

Best Front Desk / Concierge Employee

David Hill, Kehoe House
Chris Edscorn, Old Town Trolley Tours 
Chelsea Williams, Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District

Best Valet / Bellman

Greg Banner, The Marshall House
Cedric Brown, The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront

Corey Williams, Hyatt Regency Savannah

Best Tour Guide

Stefanie Stark, Kelly Tours
James Caskey, Cobblestone Tours
Clarissa "Red" Santana, Old Town Trolley Tours

Best Support Staff

Roslyn Ferrell, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Chris Westbrook, The DeSoto Savannah
Teena Wheless, Hyatt Regency Savannah

Best Server

Sheila Brown, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Jean Lockhart, The Cotton Exchange Tavern
Celia Riddick, River Street Sweets

Best Housekeeper

Luis Emiro Caraballo, Perry Lane Hotel
Ayanna Free, The Gastonian
Wanda Bryant, Courtyard by Marriott Savannah Airport

Service Leader

Kelly Brown, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Christian Ruiz, Perry Lane Hotel
Cheryl Talley, Hyatt Regency Savannah

Last Chance to Grab a Seat!

If you do not already have your table, half table, or seat reserved for our big event, time is running out! Reservations for the "Oscars of Tourism" will close Monday, October 30! Make sure you and your colleagues get a table ASAP! Click the button below to contact Ron Scalf, our Member Services & Sales Manager.

RESERVE YOUR TABLE