Courtyard Downtown Chattanooga Manager Recognized by American Hotel & Lodging Association

(CHATTANOOGA, TN– 07/19/10) Leonard Hudson, Operations Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Chattanooga Downtown, received top honors recently at the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) “Stars of the Industry” Awards in Phoenix, Arizona.  Hudsonwas recognized as Outstanding Manager of the Year, Medium Property (101-300 rooms). 
 
Leonard began his career at the Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown in 2001 as a Guest Service Representative and part-time Night Auditor.  Over the next 4 years, he worked and gained experience in six different departments, learning all aspects of hotel operations.  In 2006, Leonard became part of the property’s leadership team as Guest Services Manager, and in 2008, he was promoted to Operations Manager.  In 2008, Leonard Hudsonwas recognized by Marriott International as Courtyard’s Operations Manager of the Year. 
 
Leonard’s passion for guest service and ability to motivate and inspire a similar sense of enthusiasm in his front desk team are unheralded, helping to set the Courtyard apart from its hotel competition in the downtown Chattanoogaarea.  Through his leadership, guest service scores for the Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown are consistently 8% or more above scores for other Courtyards nationally.
 
Leonard Hudson’s service efforts go beyond the workplace, where he is actively involved each year with the Courtyard’s renowned Riverbend “PottyPass” campaign, consistently raising over $7,000 for organizations like Chattanooga’s Ronald MacDonald House.  He is also a member of the Homeless Health Care and Advisory Board and active with the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services.
 
“We are so proud of associates like Leonard Hudson, who has worked his way through the ranks in our company to become one of the shining stars in the industry,” explained VannHerring, CEO and President of McKibbon Hotel Management, owner and operator of the Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown.  “His leadership and enthusiasm will continue to set us apart from the competition and keep our guests coming back.”
 
Since this award was announced, Leonard has taken his leadership skills to the Residence Inn Downtown Chattanooga, a hotel also managed by McKibbon.  Serving as the lead Operations Manager, he has made a significant difference in developing associates to provide the service Marriott guests have come to expect.
 
The AH&LA Stars of the Industry awards program was created more than 40 years ago to recognize outstanding accomplishments in the lodging industry.  Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry.
 
The Courtyard by Marriott Chattanooga Downtown is located at 200 Chestnut Street.  For more information, call (423) 755-0871 or visit www.courtyardchattanooga.com.