On June 10, 2025, the Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) program proudly supported the Monterey County Hospitality Association’s (MCHA) annual Employee Appreciation Day at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. This vibrant celebration honored the 27,000 hospitality professionals who make our region truly extraordinary.

Eight dedicated Pebble Beach Scholars volunteered their time and talents to help the event run smoothly, embodying the values of leadership, service, and community impact that define our program. Executive Director Dr. Paige Viren and Pebble Beach Scholars Program Coordinator Lina Melchor were on hand to cheer on the team and participate in the day’s festivities.

Adding culinary expertise to the spotlight, our very own chef, Dr. Angel F. González served as a guest judge, showcasing not only his talent but also the depth of faculty engagement within SHTM.

We were also thrilled to see many SHTM alumni representing some of the county’s most respected hospitality organizations, including:

• Brian Streuke, Assistant Director of Engineering at Hyatt Regency Monterey Bay
• Harley Moncrieff, Event & Catering Manager at Monterey Marriott
• Cierra Verdone, Hospitality & Event Operations Coordinator at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
• Abby Portilla, Special Events Manager at Bernardus Lodge and Spa
• Kristin Bailey-Sherman, Client Services Manager at See Monterey

…and many more Otters making a meaningful mark in the industry.

Behind the Scenes: Leadership & Laughter

A special shout-out goes to Employee Appreciation Day Committee Co-Chairs Kevin Ellis and Paula Calvetti of the Hyatt Regency Monterey, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing this event to life. 

And hats off to Gill Campbell, College of Business Business Advisory Council member, who stole the show as Master of Ceremonies. With her infectious energy and quick wit, Gill could easily launch a side hustle as a professional MC — and we’d all be better for it!

A Heartfelt Thank You

To all hospitality professionals — thank you.

You are the connection between the beauty of Monterey County and the people who come to experience it. Whether it’s a warm welcome, a perfectly made bed, a local story shared, or a meal that becomes a lasting memory, you make a difference every single day.

You are what stands between a destination and the people who visit it. You help transform a place into an experience and a trip into something unforgettable. 

We are deeply grateful to the Monterey County Hospitality Association for hosting this event each year and recognizing the immense value of the people who bring our industry to life. A special thanks goes to Kristin Horton and the entire EAD committee for your vision, leadership, and execution.

About MCHA

The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) is the only trade organization that serves all facets of Monterey County’s hospitality industry. Since 1975, local hotels, inns, restaurants, visitor attractions, and hospitality-related businesses have worked together to ensure the prosperity of our industry, which is second only to agriculture in our county. MCHA's mission is to protect the interests and serve as the voice of the hospitality industry throughout Monterey County by maintaining strong partnerships with local government, elected officials, and community groups. They work to ensure the overall vitality of the industry by providing education programs for the workforce, employee recognition, and advocacy for the over 20,000 employees that represent the industry.

Monterey County shines because of you, and we are proud to celebrate you.