Congratulations to the 2025 Award Winners! We were pleased to have over 600 people attend the Stars of the Industry Gala at the Governor's Conference on Hospitality & Tourism in Kingsport. From outstanding employees to community service, we handed out over 40 awards to the best of the best in our industry. Thank you to all of the nominees for your hard work and dedication to making Tennessee so wonderful.
If you are inspired by our award winners, please come back here next May to help us find our Stars of the Industry for 2026. You can nominate someone you know or nominate yourself or your business. We'll post the full list of categories as well as the link to submit your nomination. We look forwarding to continuing to honor the outstanding individuals and companies that are members of Hospitality Tennessee.
View the full 2025 Stars of the Industry photo gallery here
Outstanding Individual Awards
-
Elizabeth Whalen
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator for Tourism and Hospitality Management, Middle Tennessee State University
Industry Educator of the Year
-
Cassidy Brinkley
Vice President of Visitor Experience, Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Women in Hospitality and Tourism Award
-
Paige Atwell
Travel Editor, Journal Communications
Special Recognition Awards
-
Red Frogs
Community Service Award: Tourism
-
Huey's
1915 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Community Service Award: Restaurant
-
Lodgingsmith Hospitality, Inc.
5411 Pratt Road
Knoxville, TN 37912
Community Service Award: Lodging
-
Southall Farm & Inn
2200 Osage Loop
Franklin, TN 37064
-
55th Anniversary Block Party - Huey's
Huey's
Employee Excellence Awards
-
Sophia Posey
Director of Media, South Central TN Tourism Association
DMO Employee of the Year - Small
-
Morgan Smith
Visitor Services Coordinator, Chattanooga Tourism Co.
DMO Employee of the Year - Large
-
Michael Avery
Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours
Tourism Employee of the Year - Small
-
Sheldon Bell
General Jackson Showboat
Tourism Employee of the Year - Large
-
Terrell Yearby
Buddys Bar-B-Q East Ridge
Restaurant Employee of the Year - Chain
-
Sondra Williams
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Restaurant Employee of the Year - Independent
-
Willie McBride
Staybridge Suites Chattanooga-Hamilton Place
Lodging Employee of the Year - Small
-
Steve Smith
The Resort at Governor's Crossing
Lodging Employee of the Year - Large
Industry Leadership Awards
-
Donna Klempnow
Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau
DMO Manager of the Year - Large
-
Kristy Todd
ASM Knoxville
Tourism Manager of the Year - Large
-
Spencer Besaw
Butcher & Bee
Restaurant Manager of the Year - Independent
-
Valerie DeRose
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Restaurant Manager of the Year - Chain
-
Stephanie Keller
General Manager, Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Tullahoma
Lodging Manager of the Year - Small
-
Jennifer McPhail
The Resort at Governor's Crossing
Lodging Manager of the Year - Large
-
Kimberly Lynn
Director of Tourism, Visit Goodlettsville
DMO Director of the Year - Small
-
Deana Ivey
President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
DMO Director of the Year - Large
-
Paul Whitten
Founder, Nashville Adventures
Tourism General Manager of the Year - Small
-
Scott Williams
President and CEO, Discovery Park of America
Tourism General Manager of the Year - Large
-
Brody Laws
Puckett's Chattanooga | Grocery & Restaurant
Restaurant GM of the Year - Chain
-
Alan Laderman
Owner, The Grind Mac & Cheese Burger bar
Restaurant GM of the Year - Independent
-
Roger Burrows
Chattanooga Marriott Downtown
-
Lee Douglas
General Manager, Margaritaville Resort- Gatlinburg
Lodging General Manager of the Year - Small
-
Peter Kartanos
Westin Chattanooga
Lodging General Manager of the Year - Large
Best in the Industry Awards
-
Olympus Car & Coach
2425 Burnside Street
Knoxville, TN 37921-2643
Allied Partner of the Year
-
Leipers Fork Distillery
3381 Southhall Rd
Franklin, TN 37064
-
Greene County Partnership Tourism Department
115 Academy Street
Greeneville, TN 37743
-
Visit Franklin
400 Main Street Suite 200
Franklin, TN 37064
-
Ocoee Riverside Farm
1087 Reynolds Bridge Road
Benton, TN 37307-5620
Tourism Property of the Year - Small
-
Tiebreakers
1805 N. Roan St.
Johnson City, TN
Tourism Property of the Year - Large
-
Hospitality Achievement Award
-
Hospitality Achievement Award
-
Brenda Whitson
Executive Director, Johnson City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tourism Professional of the Year
-
Ramona Jackson
General Manager, MeadowView Marriott Resort & Convention Center
-
Andre Prince
Prince's Hot Chicken Corporate Office
-
Semone Jeffries
Prince's Hot Chicken Corporate Office
-
Senator Richard Briggs & Representative John Crawford
Tennessee General Assembly
Champions of the Industry Award
