The Resort Executive of the Year is awarded to a resort executive in the United States who has demonstrated superior management ability, a commitment to staff training and motivation, active participation and leadership in lodging industry association activities, support of legislation beneficial to the lodging industry, and leadership within his or her community. The presentation of the award is one of the highlights of the annual Resort Management Conference, which is attended by leaders from throughout the hospitality and travel industry. 

In September 2000, Fuerstman, a 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, formed his own hospitality company to serve the affluent traveler by creating a collection of distinctive luxury hotels, resorts and residences devoted to comfortable elegance, unique experiences and authentic sense of place reflected in architecture and interior design. 

Montage Laguna Beach, the company's oceanfront Craftsman-style flagship, opened in the arts community of Laguna Beach in February 2003 and has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the first-ever Mobil 5-Star spa award.  The company's second property, Montage Beverly Hills, will open in the fall of 2008 in the heart of the Beverly Hills golden triangle. Montage Deer Valley is scheduled to open in Park City, Utah, for the 2010-2011 winter ski season. Montage Los Cabos, set on Santa Maria Bay and the Sea of Cortez in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is currently under development and slated to open in 2010. Montage Royal Island, the centerpiece of a private luxury resort and residential island community in the Bahamas, is also scheduled to open in 2010. 

Before launching Montage, Fuerstman was the opening vice president of hotel operations at the Bellagio Las Vegas, joining the pre-opening management team in April 1998. From 1994 to 1998, Fuerstman was the president and managing director of The Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. During his tenure there, he was responsible for ITT Sheraton Luxury Collection's St. Regis Aspen and St. Regis Houston hotels, as well as overseeing all ITT Sheraton properties in Arizona. 

Fuerstman was recognized as ITT Sheraton's 1993 "General Manager of the Year" and in 1996, the company named The Phoenician its "Hotel of the Year." Under his direction, The Phoenician earned the prestigious Mobil 5-Star award and several rankings as the top resort in North America by various travel magazines. 

Prior to joining The Phoenician, Fuerstman served as general manager of the El Conquistador Resort and Country Club in Tucson, Arizona. He began his distinguished career with Marriott International in 1978. His tenure with Marriott culminated with the opening of several new properties, including their flagship resort, the Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa. 

Fuerstman currently serves on the board of trustees of Gettysburg College and on the Northern Arizona University School of Hotel and Restaurant Management's advisory board.  Prior public service includes a board position with the Nevada Hotel/Motel Association, the American Red Cross in Tucson, Business Advisory Council for Public Schools in Tucson, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Industry Advisory Council in Scottsdale, the board of directors of Arizona Hotel/Motel Association, the Phoenix and Valley of the Sun Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as a trustee for the Arizona Hotel Foundation. 

A native of New Milford, New Jersey, Fuerstman graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He is married to Susan J. Fuerstman and they have four children. 
 
The Resort Executive of the Year Award is sponsored by Ypartnership, Orlando, Fla., the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and The University of Denver's School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management. 

Rod Caborn, Ypartnership
407-838-1799
[email protected]