Gretchen Smith of Comfort Inn Cambridge Named 2024 General Manager of the Year- Star of the Year
Annapolis, Md. 5-1-24 – The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) has named Gretchen Smith, an employee of Comfort Inn in Cambridge, a 2024 General Manager of the year - Star of the Year.
Winners were announced at the 34th annual MHLA “Stars of the Industry” Awards, held April 25 at the BWI Airport Marriott Hotel. More than 500 guests – including owners, managers, employees, and partners from Maryland’s statewide lodging industry – attended the celebration, which recognized deserving hotels and team members who have gone above and beyond this past year to provide excellent service to their guests and communities. Nominations were submitted by MHLA member hotels and winners were chosen in 9 categories, celebrating the contributions of every hotel department, including hourly associates, managers and general managers.
“Every day, you lend a helping hand, and an open ear to our visitors, our workers and our state,” said Gov. Wes Moore in a pre-recorded video message played for attendees of the event. “Whether you work at the front desk, or kitchen, or for culinary teams and housekeeping, for security, or other departments within your hotel, your contributions matter, and our entire state sees you.”
Gretchen Smith embodies the essence of exceptional leadership in the hospitality industry, showcasing a remarkable blend of vision, dedication, and community engagement. Gretchen’s leadership style is defined by her unwavering commitment to both the big picture and the smallest details. She possesses a rare ability to see the broader vision for her hotel while simultaneously attending to the intricacies that bring that vision to life. Her strategic insights and operational acumen have propelled her property to new heights, setting a standard of excellence within the industry.
“Our annual awards program shines a spotlight on the stars of the MHLA member hotels,” said Amy Rohrer, President & CEO, MHLA. “These remarkable individuals have consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their properties, colleagues and guests. We take pride in honoring the achievements of all nominees and extend heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients.”
About The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association
The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) is a trade-based membership organization representing Maryland’s lodging industry with more than 750 hotels – supporting 25,000+ direct jobs across the state. MHLA provides advocacy, information, recognition, and networking opportunities that benefit lodging industry owners, managers, associates, related businesses and communities in Maryland. To learn more, please visit
www.mdlodging.org.
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