GNOHLA Honors 2026 Outstanding Employee and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
The Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association (GNOHLA) proudly celebrated the hospitality professionals who make our industry exceptional during the 2026 Sizzlin’ Summer Social, held on Thursday, July 30, at The Westin New Orleans Hotel.
Each year, GNOHLA recognizes individuals whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on Greater New Orleans’ hospitality industry. This year’s event brought together hospitality professionals from across the region for an evening of networking, celebration, and recognition.
Outstanding Employee of the Year Award Winner
Louise Francis
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
For nearly 24 years, Louise has gone above and beyond in every aspect of her role. She doesn’t just prepare outstanding meals she creates memorable experiences. She lives our Sheraton values of Welcoming, Assured, and Community every single day.
Louise is known for stepping out of the kitchen to personally connect with guests, making them feel valued and heard. One memorable example was when she learned an anniversary guest had a severe gluten allergy. Rather than simply modifying a dish, she created a custom three-course meal and surprised the couple with a handcrafted dessert. Their heartfelt thank-you note is just one of many examples of the lasting impression she leaves on our guests.
Her impact extends beyond guest service. As a department trainer and mentor, Louise has helped develop countless associates while fostering a culture of teamwork and engagement. Whether working extra shifts during Mardi Gras, supporting guests and associates through Hurricane Ida, or always doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed, Louise consistently leads by example.
Her passion for serving others doesn’t end at work. Alongside her husband, she founded Give Back to Community, an organization dedicated to feeding those in need and supporting communities affected by hardship. Her generosity, compassion, and servant’s heart have touched countless lives.
Louise’s dedication has earned her many well-deserved recognitions, including being selected as one of only ten associates to receive Marriott’s prestigious 2026 Award of Excellence. Yet, what makes Louise truly special isn’t the awards; it’s the way she makes every guest, every associate, and every member of the community feel valued.
Louise, thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence, your leadership, and your incredible heart. You inspire all of us, and we are proud to honor you as our Employee of the Year.
Congratulations, Louise!
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Marilyn LaForce
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
It is my distinct honor to recognize a remarkable individual whose life and career embody the true meaning of hospitality and present this Lifetime Achievement Award to Marilyn LaForce.
For more than 30 years, Marilyn has served the Hilton New Orleans Riverside with unwavering dedication, contributing in multiple roles while always putting people first. No matter her position, she has consistently demonstrated kindness, humility, and an incredible commitment to serving both guests and colleagues.
But Marilyn’s impact reaches far beyond the hotel.
Originally from the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, Marilyn has dedicated her life to preserving and celebrating Caribbean culture throughout New Orleans. As the founder and president of Friends of Culture, she has spent decades building bridges between communities through education, music, food, and cultural celebrations.
Her vision gave rise to Bayou Bacchanal, now Louisiana’s largest Caribbean festival, bringing thousands of people together each year to celebrate the rich traditions and diversity of the Caribbean. Through this event and countless community programs, Marilyn has strengthened the cultural fabric of New Orleans and inspired generations to embrace inclusion and understanding.
Within the hotel, Marilyn is known as a mentor, a cultural ambassador, and a trusted resource. Whether helping colleagues communicate with international guests, offering cultural guidance, or simply making everyone feel welcome, she leads with generosity, compassion, and grace.
Her lifelong commitment to service was recognized nationally when she received the 2023 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her extraordinary volunteerism and dedication to building stronger communities.
Marilyn’s legacy is not defined only by the awards she has earned or the events she has led, but by the countless lives she has touched. She reminds us that hospitality is about more than providing service; it’s about making people feel welcomed, respected, and connected.
Marilyn, thank you for your decades of leadership, your passion for culture, and your unwavering commitment to our community. You are an inspiration to us all, and it is our privilege to honor you with this Lifetime Achievement Award.
Congratulations, Marilyn!
Congratulations to Our 2026 Nominees
GNOHLA proudly recognizes the outstanding hospitality professionals nominated for the 2026 Outstanding Employee of the Year Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Being nominated is a testament to each individual’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. These nominees represent the very best of Greater New Orleans’ hospitality industry, and we are honored to celebrate their hard work and contributions.
DelTonial Andrews – Culinary Supervisor/Culinary Ambassador – Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Janet Lastie Aubert – Banquet Server – InterContinental New Orleans
Clarence Aubert – Banquet Server – Loews New Orleans Hotel
Denise Baker – Kitchen Supervisor – The Westin New Orleans Hotel
Olga Garcia Vasquez – Laundry Attendant – Windsor Court Hotel
Anita Graveson – Concierge – Hotel Monteleone
Oswald Harris – Door/Bell Attendant – InterContinental New Orleans
Michael Henderson – Bartender – Sheraton New Orleans
Edward Johnson – Parking Garage Supervisor – Loews New Orleans Hotel
Dana Johnson – Housekeeping Office Coordinator – Hotel Monteleone
Caleb Law – Doorman – Royal Sonesta Hotel
Gregory Magee – Security Officer – Crowne Plaza New Orleans
Stephen McIntosh – Bellman – Roosevelt Hotel
Gary Nurse – Banquet Server – Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Rebekah Oalmann – Lead Security Operation Supervisor – Hilton New Orleans Riverside
David Ortiz – Bell Captain – Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Balvina Palacios – Room Attendant – Best Western St. Christopher Hotel
Charles Perkins – Bell Captain – The Westin New Orleans Hotel
Michael Picquet – Bellman – New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
Donald Thomas – Banquet Captain – Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Joseph Thomas Jr. – Front Desk Agent – Homewood Suites New Orleans French Quarter
Dalethia Walker-Rollins – PBX Operator – Windsor Court Hotel
Catherine Washington – Lead Laundry Attendant – Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Wilbert Washington – Lobby Ambassador – Royal Sonesta Hotel
Reginald Watson – Senior Mechanic – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Bonita Williams – Bartender – The Westin Hotel New Orleans
Keith Young – Engineering Supervisor – Homewood Suites New Orleans French Quarter
Congratulations to all of our 2026 nominees, and thank you for helping make New Orleans a world-class hospitality destination.
