Isenberg Hospitality and Tourism Management Department Annual Awards Ceremony to Honor Industry Leaders, Alumni

The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department of UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management will hold the HTM Annual Awards Dinner from 5:45 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 7. The event—at Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, 450 Summer St., Boston—serves as not only a celebration of individual achievements but also as a reminder of the enduring impact of mentorship, community, and dedication within the growing hospitality and tourism industry.

“This celebration commemorates excellence, dedication, and the vibrant legacy within our industry and is a testament to the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department's commitment to shaping the industry’s future,” said HTM Department Chair and Professor Melissa Baker, PhD. “Prominent industry leaders, alumni, and friends are expected to attend the event, which provides opportunities to leverage connections and expand personal and professional networks. We hope to continue to grow our partnerships across the hospitality industry and are always looking for new ways to engage industry leaders and firms.”

Three exceptional members of the HTM industry will be honored:

Stephen Elmont Award / Recipient: Gwen Weisberg ’80, Of Counsel, Tanowitz Law Office, P.C.

• Tribute to a visionary professional who has left the world a better place.
• Recognized for pursuit of excellence in the HTM field.
• Demonstrated outstanding contributions to HTM and the Isenberg School of Management.

Weisberg, who earned her bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and JD from Temple University School of Law, is a trained mediator. She has extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts, through trial and appeal, including construction, corporate, commercial, real estate, surety and insurance defense litigation matters. She provides proactive risk management services to clients to assist in effectively operating their practices and avoiding litigation, including presenting industry innovations and legal developments, restructuring and redrafting contracts, and negotiating matters in advance of litigation to enable project delivery. Weisberg has served as a member of the HTM Leadership Board, UMass Alumni Association, and Hillel, and as a mentor to HTM students. She regularly attends UMass and HTM events and is a supporter of the future leaders in the HTM department and field.

Distinguished Industry Leader Award / Recipient: Michelle Russo, founder and CEO, HotelAVE

• Achieved distinguished achievement in the industry.
• International distinction and dedicated commitment to enriching the HTM industry.

Russo has more than 35 years of practical, hands-on experience with hotels, restaurants, resorts, convention centers, real estate, and finance. She has worked on thousands of hotel assets across the United States and in 2003, founded Hotel Asset Value Enhancement—the industry’s leading international hotel asset management and owner advisor firm. Russo is an ALIS Award Winner, named Jack A. Shaffer Financial Advisor of 2021. She has been named one of the 30 Influential Women in Hospitality by Hotel Management Magazine (2017), one of 20 Women in Lodging by Lodging Magazine (2015) and one of 15 Women of Hospitality Finance by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). HotelAVE is certified through the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) as a woman-owned business.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award / Recipient: Lyman Phillips ’16, founder and CEO, Golden Lion Capital Investments
 

• Recognized based on outstanding professional and personal success in the HTM industry.
• Shows outstanding promise and success in their professional career.

With a foundational background in the hospitality and commercial real estate industries, Phillips is responsible for developing and implementing Golden Lion Capital Investment’s overall strategic initiatives and plays the primary role in the company’s investment activities which include real estate and early-stage startups. He visualizes the big picture and abstract concepts throughout the industry to find value in any situation. Under his leadership, Golden Lion Capital, based in Palm Beach, Fla., has brokered and closed over $300 million in transactions since inception with many more deals in the works. Watch this video of Phillips.

Individuals or companies interested in sponsoring this event, donating a charity auction item, purchasing individual tickets, or learning how their firm could be more involved with Isenberg HTM should contact HTM Department Chair Melissa Baker at mbaker@isenberg.umass.edu.

Click here to register to attend and/or sponsor the HTM Annual Awards Dinner.