DENVER — The American Hotel & Lodging Association named its 2025 general managers of the year awards during The Hospitality Show in Denver. The awards recognized general managers going above and beyond for their guests and employees.
This year’s winning general managers were chosen from submissions received across the entire nation selected by an independent group of judges from various cross-sections of the industry.
AHLA’s 2025 General Managers of the Year are:
GM Lifetime Achievement Award
Pete Boyd, General Manager, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Boyd was nominated by his colleagues for his deep commitment to people, purpose, and culture over the course of his career.
GM of the Year, Extended-Stay Property
Wyatt Cardwell, General Manager, Residence Inn Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.
Cardwell was nominated by his colleagues for his compassion, gratitude and resilience.
GM of the Year, Full-Service Property
Trish Drews, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton McLean Tysons, McLean, Va.
Drews was nominated by her colleagues for her 35 years of dedicated service to her team members, property, and community.
GM of the Year, Select-Service Property
David Giaco, General Manager, Dolphin Sands Clearwater Beach, Fla. (formerly Winter the Dolphin's Beach Club, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Giaco was nominated by his colleagues for his innovation, confidence and resilience.
GM of the Year, Independent Property
Erik Kreft, General Manager, One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach, Fla.
Kreft was nominated by his colleagues for creating moments of care and belonging through compassion, integrity, and humanity.
GM of the Year, Resort Property
Seth McDaniels, General Manager, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Fla.
McDaniels was nominated by his colleagues for his exemplary efforts as a culture builder and champion of people.
“General managers are the heart of every hotel. The best of them are focused equally on the guest and the team, providing excellent experiences for visitors, driving results, problem solving, building careers and community at the same time,” Rosanna Maietta, president & CEO of AHLA, said in a statement. “This year’s honorees reflect that magic perfectly, building their teams and talent while supporting the communities in which they live and serve and making us all so proud to be part of this dynamic industry.”