Press room

SHA Annual Hospitality Gala Was Delt a Winning Hand

SHA members brought their best poker face and rolled the dice on an unforgettable night of celebration at the 31st Annual Hospitality Gala held on July 24, 2025, at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. The event brought together industry professionals to honor excellence and community spirit in Sacramento’s hospitality sector.

A highlight of the evening was celebrating the dedication and talent of the hardworking employees that make up our hospitality community. Properties nominated and recognized staff who were awarded Employee of the Year in 2024. Congratulations to the following:

Courtyard by Marriott Cal Expo/
Fairfield by Marriott Cal Expo
Sandra Ramos, Controller

Embassy Suites Sacramento
Marie Bello, Accounting Clerk
DaMarco Strickland, Night Auditor

Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena
Robert Venkus, Engineering Supervisor
Marissa Eddington, Night Auditor

Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Myarin Hernandez

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Marcelino Cisneros, Stewarding Lead

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Annette Erwin, Banquet Captain

Residence Inn Sacramento Airport Natomas
Samaneh Moradi, Housekeeping Manager

Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova
Huong Luu, Convention Services Manager
Patricia Brooks, Accounting Associate

Sheraton Grand Sacramento
Ernesto Ortega, Heart of the House Houseman
Raquel Tuggle, Guest Service Agent

Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Annie Malubay, Internal Maintenance Porter
Celso Chica Romero, F& B Production Cook

The celebration continued with SHA announcing this year’s Supplier Company of the Year. Vendor members can be nominated by the membership and are the voted on by the board. Our winner this year was Carson Landscape Industries, a trusted, full-service commercial landscape provider serving the Sacramento region and beyond. Kimberly Ayers an Account Manager with Carson is an exceptional contributor to our association, and she consistently supports SHA by participating in our events. She is always looking for ways to help fellow associate members connect with properties that can benefit from their services. Congratulations to Carson Landscape Industries and thank you for your involvement in SHA.

This year’s Hospitality Gala was a beautiful celebration of the people who make up the hospitality community we all know and love. Thank you to Joel Moore and the team at Thunder Valley for helping to make it a night to remember.