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 Awards 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

Darryl Mathis, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Tania Smith-Allen, JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
Mary Beckworth, Best Western Savannah Historic District

Best Valet / Bellman

Brandon McNatt, JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
Cedric Baldwin, The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront
Dele Afolabi, Hyatt Regency Savannah

Best Tour Guide

Tim Scott, Kelly Tours
Dennis Morrison, Kelly Tours
Peter Pearson, Outside Brands

Best Support Staff

Chase Cooper, Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District
Eric Coney, Old Town Trolley
Ernie Davis, River Street Inn

Best Server

Michal Zajicek, JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
Cathy Hodges, The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Corey Stewart, Belford's Seafood & Steaks

Best Housekeeper

Keidi Martinez, JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
MacKenzie "Mack" Poole, Eliza Thompson House
Emiro Caraballo, Perry Lane Hotel

Service Leader

Jennifer Watson, Eliza Thompson House
Meagan Reiley, Hotel Bardo Savannah
Amanda Schelp Everson, The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

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, February 10th!

Make sure you and your colleagues get a table ASAP! Contact Ron Scalf at [email protected] to reserve your table. You can also reserve your table through our website by clicking the button below.

RESERVE YOUR TABLE