HOSPITALITY INVESTMENT EXECUTIVE Leslie Hale has won the third annual Castell Award instituted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation, a statement said. The award honors a female trailblazer in the hospitality investment arena who paves the way for more women to rise to the top.
The award will be presented at the Lodging Conference on Sept. 20. Hale is the president and CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust and vice chair of the AHLA board of directors, the statement said.
She also serves on the board of directors of Macy’s, Inc. and Delta Airlines Inc. The female leader is a Howard University Trustee and is a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Baltimore Branch.
“Leslie is the ideal candidate for this important award,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO, AHLA Foundation. “Over the years, her dedication to advancing the hospitality industry sets the gold standard for leadership, she has inspired men and women in our industry, and we are thrilled to honor her leadership.”
According to the Foundation, Hale set up and executed the strategic vision for RLJ Lodging Trust and played a pivotal role on the AHLA Board of Directors.
“We amplify women’s voices in the hospitality industry, bringing recognition to the industry’s top talent. The Castell Award elevates women who pave the way for others.” said Peggy Berg, founder of the Castell Project. “We are delighted to add Leslie as the newest recipient of this award and celebrate her remarkable achievements.”
Gilda Perez-Alvarado, global CEO of JLL Hotels & Hospitality, received the second annual Castell Award last year.
