US Hospitality Industry Celebrates Leadership Excellence as AHLA Honors 2025 General Managers Across Six Hotel Categories: You Need to Know

Posted on October 28, 2025

The U.S. hospitality industry continues to evolve through innovation, customer-focused service and agile leadership, and at the heart of this transformation stand general managers who shape operational excellence every day. This dedication to service was celebrated as the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) announced the winners of this prestigious award. 2025 General Managers Awards during Hospitality Exhibition Held in Denver, Colorado.

Recognized as one of the most esteemed in American hospitality, these awards highlight outstanding professionals who play vital roles in elevating the guest experience, supporting workforce development, and driving long-term business performance. With more 64,000 hotel facilities At the national level, the role of the general manager is critical in setting industry standards. Many of these leaders begin their careers in entry-level roles, and rise through dedication to become strategic executives who guide teams, implement innovative guest services, and ensure operational excellence.

The 2025 honorees were selected from a competitive pool of nominations submitted from across the country. An independent panel of judges representing diverse sectors of hospitality evaluated each nominee based on leadership, quality of service, operational impact and community involvement. This year’s winners reflect the highest levels of professional achievement across multiple categories of hotel operations, including extended stay, full service, independent, select service and resort.

2025 AHLA General Manager of the Year Award Winners

The winners represent a diverse group of leading hotel brands and independent properties in some of the country’s top travel and tourism markets.

General Motors Lifetime Achievement Award

Boyd House – The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
Boyd, recognized for his distinguished career in hospitality leadership, is recognized for his decades of contributing to operational excellence and team development at one of the world’s most iconic luxury resorts.

General Manager of the Year – Extended Stay Ownership

White Cardwell – Residence Inn Dupont Circle, Washington, DC
Cardwell has transformed the standards of guest service in the extended stay industry, providing value-based hospitality and proven leadership in extended stay operations.

General Manager of the Year – Full Service Ownership

Trish Droz – DoubleTree by Hilton McLean Tysons, Virginia
With more than three decades of industry experience, Droz has led its properties with consistency, efficiency and strategic service management in the competitive full-service market.

General Manager of the Year – Selected Service Ownership

David Giacco – Dolphin Sands Clearwater Beach, Florida
Giacco provided operational innovation and guest engagement strategies that raised the performance of one of Florida’s premier coastal properties.

General Manager of the Year – Independent Ownership

Eric Kreeft – One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach, Florida
Kreft has proven its leadership in the hospitality industry by providing personalized service and enhancing brand loyalty in the independent hotel sector.

General Manager of the Year – Al Malakiya Resort

Seth McDaniels – Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Florida
McDaniels has made a significant impact in resort management, promoting culture-building initiatives and delivering high service standards at a premier tourism destination.

Leadership that shapes American hospitality

The AHLA Awards Ceremony was not only a celebration of individual success, but also a reminder of the essential role hospitality workers play in the American economy. General Managers are responsible for leading diverse teams, maintaining operational efficiency, overcoming market challenges, and creating environments where guests feel welcome and valued. Their commitment drives the resilience of the tourism and accommodation sector, especially at a time of changing guest expectations and evolving travel dynamics.

Behind every successful property is strategic leadership that guides performance in areas such as financial planning, workforce training, sustainability practices, technology integration, and guest engagement. The AHLA stressed that general managers are more than just chief operating officers – they are growth drivers, brand ambassadors, and key contributors to local communities by supporting tourism revenues and job creation.

A continuing legacy of excellence

The 2025 award winners embody the values ​​of American hospitality – dedication, integrity and service. Their success stories are a testament to the industry’s culture of opportunity, where talent and hard work can lead to career advancement and national recognition. Through this annual recognition program, AHLA aims to inspire future hospitality professionals while honoring the achievements of high-performing leaders who continue to redefine excellence in lodging management.

As the hospitality industry in the United States continues to expand, the leadership demonstrated by these general managers sets a national standard and enhances future possibilities within the sector. With innovation, passion and strong service values, these honorees represent the next chapter of hospitality leadership in America.

Image: Amnesty International