�Through Mike�s strong leadership, guest satisfaction in all metropolitan and downtown Starwood properties has dramatically increased over the past two years,� said IHLA President and CEO Marc J. Gordon, CHA, FMP.

Other statewide award winners included:

Manager of the Year:  
Linda Warmoth-Shelton, Director of Sales and Marketing, Crowne Plaza Springfield.

Guest Services Employee of the Year: 
Victoria Schofield, Guest Service Representative, Residence Inn � Waukegan.

Bellstaff Employee of the Year:
Russ Deliberto, Doorman-Bellman-Concierge, Eagle Ridge Resort � Galena.

Housekeeping Employee of the Year:
Lupe Segovia, Housekeeping Supervisor, Residence Inn Chicago Downtown.

Food & Beverage Employee of the Year:
Susana Campos, Assistant Banquet Manager, Hawthorn Suites Hotel � Champaign.

Maintenance Employee of the Year
Ed Callaghan, Assistant Chief Engineer, Radisson Hotel & Suites � Chicago.
   
Dr. Gerald Bober of Roosevelt University in Chicago was named Hospitality Educator of the Year and Anthony Abbinante of Diageo Brands was named Allied Member of the Year.

WBBM-TV News Anchor Mary Ann Childers presented the awards before a luncheon crowd of nearly 375 industry leaders. Over 350 of the state�s finest hospitality employees were nominated for the awards, the highest total in the history of the state competition.