AHLEI Names 2010 CHA and MHS Emeritus Recipients
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) honored the 2010 recipients of the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) Emeritus and Master Hotel Supplier (MHS) Emeritus designations at the AH&LA Summer Summit during the AH&LA Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, June 16.
“The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute recognizes the achievements of those leaders whose long-term dedication and commitment to excellence and further education have shaped and inspired our industry,” said Robert L. Steele III, CHA, president and COO of AHLEI, in his remarks during the awards ceremony. “Those who earn the title of CHA or MHS Emeritus have made significant contributions to the hospitality industry through leadership, education, and professional involvement. The Emeritus honor is presented only to select individuals after a career of distinguished contributions.”
This year’s honorees for CHA Emeritus are:
- Myron Levy, CHA. Levy is an adjunct professor of hospitality and tourism management at Roosevelt University in Chicago, president of a hospitality management company, and former president of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. He has been associated with food, hotel, and tourism associations for the past 45 years, including more than 30 years as a general manager or executive vice president with major Chicago hotels. He was the founding president of the Illinois Travel and Tourism Council, and past director of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau.
- Gene Rupnik, CHA. Rupnik is president of Rupnik Hospitality Management, LLC. He is former two-term president of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, former AH&LA chairman of the board (1995), and a continuing member of the AH&LA Audit and Certifications Committee. He served for seven years on the board of the Springfield (IL) Convention & Visitors Bureau, was a board member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Illinois Governor’s Advisory Council on Tourism.
This year’s honoree for MHS Emeritus is:
- Dan Guggenheim, Jr., MHS. Guggenheim recently retired as director of corporate programs and product training for American Hotel Register. He began his career in the hospitality business in 1979 with Graham Jones Paper Company, and continued his career with other Mead companies. While with Zellerbach Corporation, he created, implemented, and trademarked the “Regards” amenities line, and as head of the Zellerbach Hospitality Marketing Council, he was responsible for all training and implementation of lodging programs nationwide. He began working with American Hotel Register Company in 1995, serving in several capacities. Guggenheim was the sixth person in the country to be certified as a Master Hotel Supplier. He is also an Accredited Certification Instructor for AHLEI.
