Stars of the Industry Awards

A night to honor the best of Tennessee's hospitality & tourism industry...

Now accepting 2026 nominations!

Nominations close July 31, 2026.

View our 2025 Winners Here!

The annual TNHTA Stars of the Industry Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across Tennessee’s hospitality and tourism sector. This prestigious event honors outstanding individuals, organizations, and establishments that have made meaningful contributions to the growth and success of the industry. From dedicated professionals to visionary leaders, the awards recognize hard work, exceptional service, and lasting impact in a variety of roles.

Held in conjunction with the annual Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism, the Stars of the Industry Awards are included with your conference registration. Individual tickets are also available for those who wish to attend the awards ceremony without participating in the full conference.

Among the most distinguished awards at the Stars of the Industry are the Restaurateur of the Year, Tourism Professional of the Year, and Hotelier of the Year.

These honors celebrate individuals who aren’t just successful in their roles—they show up for the Tennessee industry in meaningful ways. Whether it’s mentoring the next generation, advocating for positive change, or supporting their peers, these leaders help move hospitality and tourism forward in Tennessee.

Their impact goes beyond their own organizations—it’s felt across communities and throughout the industry.

Take a look below to see past winners who have helped shape hospitality in Tennessee.

Hotelier of the Year Past Winners

1989 JACK VAUGHN
1990 FRED HIRSHOVITS
1991 MARTHA AXFORD
1992 PAUL COHN
1993 JOE HENRY
1994 MEL BETTCHER
1996 ROBERT MONTGOMERY
1997 RICK STANFIELD
1999 CHARLES STARKS
2000 MICHAEL GIBSON
2001 JOHNNY WALKER
2002 FRED CHAMBLISS
2004 DAVID LATTURE
2005 TOM NEGRI
2006 JOHN FLEMING
2007 STEVE HOIDA
2008 SHANNON BOWLES
2009 RAY OGLE
2010 DOUG BROWNE
2011 MICHAEL GIBSON
2012 KEN MAPLES
2013 WAYNE TABOR
2014 JOHNNY HILL
2015 MARY CALORIO
2016 KARL THOMAS
2017 RAY WATERS
2018 JACKIE LEATHERWOOD
2019 DARIK DAWES
2020 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID
2021 DEE PATEL
2022 JACKELYN SCHAFER
2023 ANDREA ANDERSON
2024 LOGAN COYKENDALL
2025 RAMONA JACKSON

Restaurateur of the Year Past Winners

2010 JEFF MESSINGER (FIRST YEAR FOR THE AWARD)
2011 DANNY SUMRALL
2012 RANDY RAYBURN
2013 BO CONNOR
2014 PETER DEMOS
2015 LAUREN MCHUGH ROBINSON
2016 MAX POPPEL
2017 ANDY MARSHALL
2018 SHAWN DANKO
2019 MIKE MILLER
2020 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID
2021 TOM LOVENTHAL
2022 DIANE KAUKER
2023 KIRBY SMITH
2024 ERNIE MELLOR
2025 ANDRE PRINCE & SEMONE JEFFRIES

Tourism Professional the Year Past Winners

2015 BUTCH SPYRIDON (FIRST YEAR FOR THE AWARD)
2016 BOB DOAK
2017 SEVIER COUNTY TOURISM INDUSTRY
2018 HUGH MORROW
2019 JUD TEAGUE
2020 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID
2021 MARK EZELL
2022 LEON DOWNEY
2023 JERRY CALDWELL
2024 JOE BAKER
2025 BRENDA WHITSON