Before her appointment at Nisbet Plantation, Kathie spent ten years working with Sonesta International Hotels.  Most recently, she served as Director of Human Resources for the Sonesta Beach Resort in Bermuda.  Prior to her work at Sonesta Bermuda, she served as Director of Human Resources and Acting General Manager at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA.
The following excerpt, taken from the gala event, was provided by the HTA:
The winner of the 2002 Hotelier of the Year Award has not only helped to transform their property into one of the most successful accommodation sites in the Federation, but they have also been generous in their support for their association and neighbourhood communities.

The 2002 Hotelier of the Year has led their team in providing excellent customer service.  And, they have been richly rewarded with the AAA Four Diamond Award, for six consecutive years.

The levels of accommodation, food and service at their property have seen dramatic improvements since their tenure as manager.

Their personal and corporate contributions to the HTA are exemplary.  Not only have they served as a member of the Board of Directors but also as Vice President.

Whether it has been the Pelican Awards, Tourism Expo, Caribbean Tourism Pageant or human resource programmes, our Hotelier of the Year always finds time and resources to participate.

Premier of Nevis, Hon. Vance Amory, describes their recent schools reading programme as one with foresight, vision and an expression of commitment.
Their kind generosity has benefited the Taste of Nevis fundraiser, beach clean ups, food donations to the needy, the Police, special education students, the Alexandra Hospital and various sporting events for children.

Our winner is a couple who complements each other and has earned the respect of their guests who describe the hotel as a �well-oiled� machine.
For 2002, the hospitality industry salutes the management team of Don & Kathie Johnson as the Hotelier of the Year.�

Nisbet Plantation sits on the north shore of Nevis along a half-mile stretch of white coral sand beach, where the average daily temperature is 75° � 85°F.  With just 38 tastefully-appointed guest cottages set among 30 acres of lush landscaping, intimate Nisbet Plantation provides one of the world�s most relaxing and romantic vacation experiences.  With its magnificently restored 1778 Great House, Nisbet retains the grace and ancestry of its rich heritage and is renowned as the Caribbean�s only historic plantation inn located directly on the beach.