American Hotel & Lodging Association Names 2026 General Managers of the Year at The Hospitality Show

MIAMI BEACH, FL (Nov. 3, 2026) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced the recipients of its 2026 General Managers of the Year Awards during The Hospitality Show in Miami Beach, Florida. The awards recognize general managers (GMs) who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional guest service, support their teams, and strengthen their communities.

Across the more than 64,000 hotels in the United States, general managers play a vital role in each property's success. Many rise through the ranks from entry-level positions, demonstrating how the hospitality industry nurtures talent, rewards dedication, and develops frontline team members into leaders. This year's winners were selected by a panel of fellow general managers and industry leaders from more than 250 nominations.

"Hospitality is an industry where talent and hard work can take you anywhere," said Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of AHLA. "This year's honorees are proof. They grew into leaders who develop their teams, drive results, and make their communities stronger. We're proud to celebrate them. There's no greater joy than recognizing the important role they play in shaping the guest experience and bringing hospitality to life."

AHLA introduced two new categories this year: the GM Rising Star Award, honoring a general manager within the first two years of their first GM role, and the GM Community Ambassador Award, recognizing a general manager whose property has become a cornerstone of its local community. AHLA also presented the GM Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors a general manager whose career reflects exceptional leadership and whose impact as a mentor and role model extends beyond their property to the industry and community.

AHLA's 2026 General Managers of the Year are:

• GM Lifetime Achievement Award: Greg Leonard, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
  • Recognized for his more than 45 years of leadership with Hyatt, including leading a transformative hotel renovation while maintaining operational excellence and making lasting contributions to Denver's tourism industry and community.
• GM of the Year, Extended Stay Property: Marie Ciss, General Manager, Extended Stay America Select Suites BWl Airport, Baltimore, MD
  • Recognized for her people-first leadership, devotion to guest and team safety, and ability to foster a supportive workplace where team members feel valued and guests feel welcomed and cared for.
• GM of the Year, Full-Service Property: Sam Ioannidis, General Manager, The Plaza Hotel, New York, NY
  • Recognized for his focus on team empowerment, fostering colleague engagement, and emphasis on elevating service standards while preserving The Plaza's legacy of world-class luxury hospitality.
• GM of the Year, Select-Service Property: Nilesh "Neil" Patel, General Manager, Best Western Opp Inn, Opp, AL
  • Recognized for his hands-on leadership, dedication to exceptional guest service, and investment in mentoring employees, supporting their professional growth, and strengthening the hospitality industry through longstanding involvement and industry advocacy.
• GM of the Year, Independent Property: McClinton Heil, Area Managing Director, Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, Denver, CO
  • Recognized for empowering his team through a culture of collaboration and personalized hospitality, driving strong employee engagement and internal promotions, and championing initiatives that support local organizations and neighborhood growth.
• GM of the Year, Resort Property: Greg Cook, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, FL
  • Recognized for exemplifying the values of responsible leadership and service that define the very best of the hospitality profession and developing future hospitality leaders.
• GM Rising Star Award: Chris Egbert, General Manager, Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Buffalo, New Buffalo, MI
  • Recognized for transforming his hotel's workplace culture, inspiring his team, and delivering exceptional business results while strengthening team morale and creating a positive environment for employees and guests.
• GM Community Ambassador Award: Brad Everett, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn & Manhattan Conference Center, Manhattan, KS
  • Recognized for his unwavering commitment to community service and for helping grow Manhattan's annual Festival of Lights into a beloved local tradition that has created meaningful connections between the hotel and the wider community.

View GM Award Video Profiles and Photos

About AHLA
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide - including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.