May 4-10, 2025 is National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and tourism’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.
Tourism is essential to our region and plays an integral role in Norfolk’s economy. As the third largest economic driver for our city, the travel and tourism industry mobilized a $149.7 million impact in fiscal year 2023. With over 7,000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector, our industry attracts a multitude of talents and provides significant economic benefits to both local businesses and Norfolk residents.
To celebrate tourism in our city and to shine a light on the individuals and teams who make Norfolk such a welcoming city to experience, VisitNorfolk established in 2002 the Champion of Hospitality Awards. In March and April, we invited anyone who has had a positive hospitality experience in Norfolk to nominate an individual or an entire team for the Champion of Hospitality Awards. We are excited to share the winners of this year’s awards and encourage you to visit these Champions of Hospitality in person during your next Norfolk experience.
Peter G. Decker, Jr. Hospitality Associate of the Year
Renee Evans
Museum Director, Hunter House Victorian Museum
“Renee is my boss, and I could not have asked for a more dedicated person in the museum field. She has been with the Hunter House Victorian Museum for over 16+ years, starting out as a volunteer and working to become the Executive Museum Director. She has done everything from events, giving lectures, handling archives, pretty much a complete jack-of-all-trades. We are a small team of three, and as a boss she is considerate and fully believes in the healthiness of a work life balance. She is fiercely dedicated to the mission of the house and her staff, and I could not ask for a better leader in this field.
– Nominated by Hanna Kirby
Champion of Hospitality Winners
Candiss Cox
Supervisor, Norfolk Waterside Marriott
“Candiss is SO amazing. She is my right hand, and she goes above beyond her job. If a hand is needed on the cook line, she will jump in and cook. Outstanding with the guest and makes them feels right at home, she keeps all of us grounded and levelheaded no matter how busy we are. A year ago, Candiss was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through a rough patch, but never once did she let me down. Candiss would come to work with dedication, and this was each day after having chemo the following day. She never once let us down when she was down and gave 100% to everything she did. I nominate her not only because she is the strongest person I know but because she is an outstanding employee.”
– Nominated by Brandy Bowman
Geoffrey Eppley
Virginia Zoo educators and guest engagement team
“Geoffrey Eppley is the volunteer coordinator at the Virginia Zoo and has done some of the most amazing work keeping local kids involved in conservation issues, team building environments, and professional development. Any one of the volunteers at the zoo knows Geoffrey and speaks very highly of the positive work environment he creates for everybody. outside of his work with volunteers he is on the education team staff which does some amazing work connecting guests to the natural world. He cares about individuals and makes sure to talk to every single person he meets that has any questions for him. He is constantly outside on the grounds connecting people with some of the amazing things they get to see.”
– Nominated by Evelyn Lee
Mandy Lee
Director of Operations, Armed Forces Reunions
“Mandy has 18 years of experience in hospitality and has taken on AFR Tours as the cruise market has exploded the past few years. She manages tour guides, bus vendors, local attractions and does it all with a great personality and terrific skill. She’s a calming influence on cruise tour days, keeping vendors, cruise terminal staff, cruise ship staff, and most importantly our Norfolk visitors happy and enjoying their time in our city! Behind the scenes she’s professional and efficient and truly keeps the wheels on the bus (pun intended!)”
– Nominated by Molly Dey
Alyana Craig
Norfolk Admirals
“Aly goes above and beyond in her service to Norfolk Admirals ticket buyers throughout the season and especially in her customer facing role at games. Whether that is making memories for first timers or ensuring our faithful long time season ticket holders feel seen and heard, Aly is a true consummate professional when it comes to guest services. Her ability to troubleshoot issues with a smile, provide a family friendly atmosphere, and be passionate about Norfolk Admirals Hockey is unmatched. Aly is highly deserving of recognition as one of the very best guest relations staff members in the region.”
– Nominated by Casey Christensen, Norfolk Admirals
The Slover Visitor Services & Events Team
“The Visitor Services and Events Team here at The Slover hosted over 1,500 events during 2024. Their commitment to excellence and service for the City of Norfolk and its citizens is unparalleled. They regularly go above and beyond what is requested and do their best to ensure every event goes smoothly.”
– Nominated by Katie Rawlings, The Slover Marketing Manager
Nellie Clinkscales
Executive Housekeeper
“Nellie fully embodies the work that is housekeeping. She comes in on days off, comes in early, stays late and does what is needed to give guests the best in room experience. Nellie takes pride in her job and knows everything about her department. Nellie is also great with guests, having a professional demeanor and getting them the help that they need, even if it’s not her department.”
– Nominated by Bryanna Njegovan
Monica Skinner
Neptune’s Fury Coffee
“Exceptional customer service, always served with a smile, kindness and knowledge of all things coffee!!! Makes wonderful suggestions and leaves a positive start to the day, after visiting. This is what keeps us coming back!!”
– Nominated by Dana Chapman
Tony Ruffin
Professional Dishwasher
“Tony is truly a professional and master at his craft. Once you have the honor and privilege to work beside him, you realize that he’s the heartbeat of the restaurant. He fills in the gaps wherever he can and always has positive energy. He has been working in restaurants for over thirty years and when the chips are on the table and it’s going down, he’s the guy you want fighting by your side. Tony is hands down the best dishwasher in Hampton Roads. He’s the GOAT.”
– Nominated by Jennifer Eichert
Tricia Hodges
Norfolk Airport Authority
“Tricia Hodges, Norfolk Airport Authority Volunteer Coordinator, is an exceptional employee at Norfolk International Airport. Her assistance goes beyond just helping travelers navigate the airport. Have specific questions about your passport or visa? She can help! Left an item in the bathroom? She’s calling Lost & Found for you! Need to print out an important doc in a pinch? She can assist! Tricia is a born problem solver and always goes above and beyond for our guests. She also offers personalized recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and hotel stays. Tricia efficiently manages a team of over 40 volunteers and demonstrates outstanding leadership and organizational skills. Her dedication and hard work make her an invaluable asset to the Authority. Tricia enhances our visitors’ experience and is a warm welcome to all of those passing through the airport. There is no better person to greet or assist you when you land in Norfolk, VA!”
– Nominated by Erin Murdock
Noemie and Lola
La Brioche
“Noemie has been working three years with commitment through the years. Lola is in her first job as an high school student and is completely dedicated to La Brioche. Working week end with exceptional service.”
– Nominated by Jacqueline and Yvan Devulder
John Mark Tise
Press 626
“John has put his heart and soul to bringing Press 626 to life with his personal attention to both customers and staff. He single-handedly manages the magical flow of the restaurant, procuring positive energy daily, and efficiently navigating the ebbs and flows of staff’s requests. He is truly the conductor to our little, but mighty orchestra. He is humble, but such a beautiful human who would very much appreciate the acknowledgment of his hard work and dedication, outside of the Press family. John takes our ‘Come as you are’ mantra to another level, ensuring everyone feels welcome in out establishment.”
– Nominated by Lindsay Bennett
Wilbert Miller
Van Shuttle Driver, DoubleTree Norfolk Airport
“Wilbert is coming up to completing his fourth year as a shuttle driver at the DoubleTree Norfolk Airport. Wilbert is always on time for work and picks up extra shifts as needed. Wilbert knows all the short cuts to the airport and local restaurants but when it comes to guest service, he does not take any short cuts. Wilbert is over top about keeping a clean shuttle, just like he does for his own vehicle, and about having those water bottles for the guests nice and cool in the summer. And for our airline crews, he not only has their room keys so they can bypass the front desk, he has the world famous DoubleTree cookies ready for them as well! Wilbert is just one of those employees that makes a great first and last impression on our guests. We are so lucky to have him on the DoubleTree team!”
– Nominated by Mary Elizabeth Collins
Tina Swan
CityCruises
“For over 20 years, Tina has been supporting tourism through the waterways of Norfolk. She is always willing to help while being a huge supporter of VisitNorfolk. She is retiring this year and it would be wonderful to recognize all of her great work.”
– Nominated by Sarah Hughes
James Bongiovi
Police Officer
“Officer Bongiovi is always smiling the week of the Tattoo as coaches from all of the United States come to Norfolk, Virginia, for the performances, attractions, arts, or the Saturday parade. He always ensures that coaches are well taken care of when in the city, and the guests aboard them have a wonderful experience. Groups who return year after year to the Tattoo have learned his name and look for him upon their arrival at the Scope Arena.”
– Nominated by Melissa Hopper
The Seven Venues Production Department
“The Seven Venues Production Department is one of the hardest working, most humble teams in the City of Norfolk. They are a group of three very talented and dedicated employees. They oversee the technical and operational aspects of all events across the City of Norfolk’s SevenVenues. Their primary duties include supervising load-ins, show executions and load-outs. This makes for very long days and nights. The team manages all elements of production, including lighting, sound, video, internet, pyrotechnics, rigging, and overall backstage operations, ensuring every show runs smoothly, safely, and professionally from start to finish. They are never in the spotlight and are rarely recognized, but without them, there would be no shows. When you are fortunate enough to cross paths with Steven, Jakob or Gordon, they are earnest, helpful and always ready to help. SevenVenues would be lost without them.”
– Nominated by Ma’rie Hodges
