The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will celebrate four remarkable sales professionals during HSMAI’s Sales Leader Forum in Long Beach, CA on Nov. 8. The following hospitality executives have demonstrated a passion for their professions, extraordinary talent, and exemplary work in the hotel sales discipline and are being recognized for at this year’s forum.
HSMAI’s Award for Career Achievement in Sales
Kimberly Furlong, Chief Commercial Officer, Atrium Hospitality
With 30 years of experience in the hotel industry, Kimberly Furlong serves as chief commercial officer of Atrium Hospitality, which is one of the nation’s largest hotel operators. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Atrium Hospitality manages a portfolio of more than 80 hotels in 28 states, representing well-known brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham. Kimberly’s leadership focuses on the importance of quality data in shaping strategic business decisions. She spearheads Atrium’s substantial investments in data science and cutting-edge technology. Kimberly joined Atrium Hospitality in 2015 as a founding member of the executive team, instrumental in growing the company from zero assets to overseeing 80+ hotels nationwide.
Prior to being CCO at Atrium, Kimberly was senior vice president of revenue strategies at the company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly showcased her nimble leadership by advocating for the creation of an above-property Enterprise Sales Organization (ESO). This remote-based, highly skilled sales team could support multiple hotels and brands, ensuring quick adaptability to changing market conditions. She was also instrumental in launching and growing Atrium’s digital team to support the company’s large hotel portfolio.
Before Atrium, Kimberly held various executive positions in revenue management and sales and marketing with TPG Hotels & Resorts, Hersha Hospitality, and Lodgian, Inc. Kimberly’s commitment extends beyond Atrium, as she serves as the Executive Sponsor for Atrium’s SPIRIT Council, promoting a culture of recognition and support for the company’s 7,500 associates. She is actively engaged in advisory committees for Marriott and Hilton and has been involved in various hospitality industry forums and user groups. Kimberly also shares her expertise as a guest speaker and mentor for students at The Ohio State University.
Sales Professional of the Year: On-Property
Mike Edwards, Director of Sales and Marketing, Houston Marriott Sugar Land/Remington Hospitality
Mike Edwards has spent nearly 11 impactful years with Remington Hospitality, leading sales and marketing teams across prestigious hotel brands like Embassy Suites, Hilton, and Marriott. His leadership style is straightforward, effective, and always anchored in empowering his team. He’s not just managing – he’s building – shaping robust teams, mentoring DOSMs, and enhancing the collective skill set to surpass benchmarks consistently. His strategies are notably award-winning, having clinched recognitions like ‘Director of Sales of the Year’ and the ‘Pinnacle Club Award’. Mike is focused on real, tangible results: steadying the ship during market upheavals, navigating through challenging periods with savvy strategies, and always keeping an unwavering focus on sustainable growth and team development within the expansive and demanding hospitality industry.
Sales Professional of the Year: Off-Property
Lindsey Johnson, Vice President, HHM Hotels
Lindsey Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing, drives comprehensive sales and revenue growth initiatives for HHM Hotels. Her influence extends across the organization, as she actively collaborates with property and regional leaders to execute results. With above-property leadership responsibilities spanning from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast, Lindsey’s leadership has been instrumental in maximizing the company’s market reach. Lindsey’s journey with HHM began in 2013, where she commenced her tenure as a regional sales leader. Her dedication and contributions earned her a promotion to the position of vice president in 2019. Before joining HHM Hotels, Lindsey held the position of area director of sales at Premier Hospitality Management, where her talent for driving sales and marketing excellence was first showcased and cultivated.
Sales Educator of the Year
Allyson Antin, Faculty, Boston University School of Hospitality Administration
Allyson Antin is a member of the faculty at Boston University’s school of Hospitality Administration where she teaches courses in Hospitality Sales, Leadership, and Introduction to Hospitality. She is a member of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s Alumni Board of Directors. Allyson is a 32-year veteran of Marriott International where she held roles in Global Sales, US Account Sales, and Sales & Marketing Training & Development. Allyson is a graduate of UMass Amherst with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration and holds an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University. She lives in the Greater Providence, RI area with her husband Frank and son Jacob.
AWARD INFORMATION
These awards will be presented at HSMAI’s Sales Leader Forum, an event for leaders in hospitality sales to expand leadership abilities and discuss strategic issues and the latest developments for hotel sales. HSMAI chapters and the industry at large can nominate individuals for the Sales Professional and Educator of the Year Awards. Nominees represent top talent in the discipline and are judged by a panel of sales leaders on a variety of criteria.
To interview an HSMAI spokesperson about the event and the award honorees, please contact hsmai@njfpr.com.