Behind The Scenes
Bryan Clark - The Galt House Hotel
Caleb Fortner – Louisville Marriott Downtown
Maria Galdamez — Aloft Louisville Downtown
Zac Hughes – Frazier History Museum
Malik Muhammad – The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
Keith Williams– Belle Noble Entertainment
Rose Award Voting will begin at 12:00 am on October 8th and end on October 16th at midnight on louisvilleroseawards.com.
Only one vote in each of the 11 categories will be counted from an individual email address.
Please share on your social media, louisvilleroseawards.com, and encourage your family & to read about these inspiring finalists and vote!
Bryan Clark
The Galt House Hotel
Bryan Clark is the unsung hero of the Galt House Hotel’s Engineering team, whose tireless efforts during the Spring 2025 floods were nothing short of extraordinary. His quick thinking and calm leadership helped mitigate damage, maintain operations, and keep guests and staff safe during a true crisis. Bryan’s technical expertise is matched by his collaborative spirit and can-do attitude—he supports his team, uplifts those around him, and approaches every task with care and pride. Whether solving complex maintenance issues or quietly ensuring our facilities run flawlessly, Bryan embodies the behind-the-scenes excellence the ROSE Award was created to honor.
Caleb Fortner
Louisville Marriott Downtown
Caleb Fortner is the quiet engine powering seamless guest experiences across every corner of the hotel. In a role that touches all departments, his precision, foresight, and tireless work ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. When his manager faced an unexpected medical leave, Caleb single-handedly kept operations running—managing complex group deliveries and tight deadlines without missing a beat. Humble, dependable, and always ready to support the team, Caleb doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his impact is felt in every smooth, successful stay. He is the very definition of behind-the-scenes excellence and a truly deserving ROSE Award nominee.
Maria Galdamez
Aloft Louisville Downtown
Maria Galdamez has been the quiet heartbeat of Aloft Downtown’s laundry team for four years, ensuring every guest experiences the comfort of perfectly clean, well-presented linens. Her sharp eye for detail means not a single stained item slips past her, and she trains others with the same high standards. Though guests never meet her, they feel her care in every crisp sheet and soft towel. With her warm smile, daily dedication, and “Maria way” of doing things just right, she uplifts the team, putting a genuine smile on everyone’s face.
Zac Hughes
Frazier History Museum
Zac Hughes is the ultimate behind-the-scenes hero—never one to say, “that’s not my job,” and always ready to tackle anything from plumbing and IT issues to custom woodworking and floor sealing. Whether it’s a budget meeting or a midnight alarm call, Zac handles it all with quiet excellence and resourcefulness. While he may be camera shy, he’s never shy about helping, often delivering better solutions than asked for. His humility, versatility, and constant drive to improve our space make him indispensable. Without Zac, the show wouldn’t go on—and he makes all of us look good while saving the day.
Malik Muhammad
The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
Malik Muhammad has been a steady, welcoming presence in Kentucky Performing Arts security for fourteen years, overseeing artist and patron safety at The Kentucky Center, the Brown Theatre, and Old Forester’s Paristown Hall. Known for his kindness, patience, and signature phrase “trust the process,” Malik is a familiar face at countless performances—greeted by returning guests, Broadway crews, and downtown ambassadors alike. He often walks volunteers and staff to their cars late at night, ensuring everyone feels safe and cared for. Rain or shine, Malik is out front with a smile, embodying the spirit of hospitality and the heart of our city.
Keith Williams
Belle Noble Entertainment
Keith Williams exemplifies resilience and purpose, having overcome significant personal hurdles to rebuild a life rooted in integrity and service. Since joining Belle Noble Entertainment, he’s grown from a server assistant to overseeing cleaning and care for four restaurants and the corporate office — a role he approaches with unwavering dedication. Recognized as Employee of the Month at Le Moo, his work ethic and positive presence have not gone unnoticed. A devoted father of four, Keith shows up for family events, sports games, and everyday moments with the consistency and love he once thought impossible. He shares his story at recovery centers to inspire hope, and whether mentoring others or working late into the night, Keith leads with gratitude, strength, and a commitment to lifting others up.