Providence-Warwick CVB Honors Top Tourism Professionals with Industry Awards

Providence-Warwick CVB Honors Top Tourism Professionals with Industry Awards

The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) was among dozens of those honored at the Providence Warwick CVB annual meeting.

PPAC was named the organization’s “Partner of the Year,” with the PWCVB recognizing not only the theater’s role as a top tourist attraction but also its conservation and education efforts.

“At the PWCVB, we never forget that the work we do has an impact on the lives and families of thousands of people, who rely on full hotels, restaurants, buses and tourist attractions to keep their jobs. We do our best so we can provide other people with the opportunity to do their best, like the award winners we honor today,” said PWCVB President and CEO Kristen Adamo.

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The meeting took place on Tuesday, at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

The Honorees

Paul Adams was honored with the Sports Champion Award for his 40 years of sports and hospitality experience in Rhode Island, both at Rhode Island College and the Providence Marriott.

Dr. Karen Silva, department chair of graduate business programs at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), was inducted into the PWCVB’s Hall of Fame.

Silva has been an instructor and faculty member at JWU for more than 30 years and has touched the lives of thousands of students studying for a career in the hospitality industry. She has also contributed years of service and dedication as a longtime PWCVB board member.

The evening also honored 27 tourism employees with ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards.

Those honored are:

• Brendan Adams, busser and food runner at the Lobster Pot;
• Scott Alexander, docent and walking tour guide at the John Brown House Museum;
• Laura Amato, waitress at Andino’s;
• Amanda Bogardus, server and bartender at Providence GPub;
• Robert Carmody, shuttle driver at the Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown;
• Michael Cesario, cook at Wicked Good Bar & Grill;
• Steven M. Fiorentini, customer service senior analyst at the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority;
• James Fogarty, banquet captain at the Crowne Plaza Providence Warwick;
• Reynell Guerrero, line and prep cook at the Tiverton Casino Hotel;
• Charbelle Khattar, server and bartender at the Rooftop at the Providence G;
• Michael Laurent, head of maintenance at Homewood Suites by Hilton – Warwick;
• Ingrid Lopez, sales coordinator at the Fairfield by Marriott Providence Airport Warwick;
• David Martinez, server and trainer at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar;
• Laura McCoy, housekeeping supervisor at Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown;
• Kelly McDonald, house manager at Trinity Rep;
• Jose Minaya, houseperson at the Omni Providence Hotel;
• Jennifer Noble, events assistant at the Ballroom at the Providence G;
• Andrea Oliva, bartender at Iron Works;
• Arleen Oliva, senior national sales manager at the Rhode Island Convention Center;
• Daiana Pina, cook at the Twin River Event Center;
• Haydee Ramos, banquet captain at the Providence Marriott Downtown;
• Desiree Rinaldi, banquet server at the Graduate Providence;
• Eva Rocha, bartender and server at the Twin River Casino Hotel;
• Freddie Rodriquez, bartender at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse;
• Audrey Sweetwood, server at Sarto;
• Jessie Winters, private event assistant at Gracie’s;
• And Monika P. Zuluaga, vice president of membership and marketing at the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.