Hotel Services (Under 200 Rooms)
Dakota Patterson - Springhill Suites Louisville Downtown
Lavern Cromartie - Springhill Suites by Marriott Airport
Eyvones Cruz - Derby City Gaming & Hotel
Cameron LeLon McGee - Tempo by Hilton NULU
Harold “Ricky” Thomas - Tru by Hilton Airport
Charon Thomas - Aloft Louisville Downtown
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!
Dakota Patterson
Springhill Suites Louisville Downtown
Known as the go-to person for associates across all departments, she balances a demanding workload with a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Whether sitting down one-on-one with managers to ensure they have the tools they need or checking in on a coworker's family milestones, Dakota brings both professionalism and heartfelt connection to her role. Her leadership was especially evident during her recent maternity leave. Before stepping away, Dakota carefully prepared each department to operate smoothly in her absence. Her return was met with relief and celebration, as she seamlessly resumed her responsibilities while reconnecting with associates and celebrating their successes. Her caring nature, determination, and joyful presence make her an invaluable team member
Lavern Cromartie
Springhill Suites by Marriott Airport
Lavern has been a steady and exceptional presence at Springhill Suites Louisville Airport for nine years. She is the reliable center of the hotel, connecting people, processes, and service standards with consistency and care. Her calm, solutions-focused approach turns challenges into positive experiences, whether assisting a traveler after a delayed flight, coordinating last-minute changes, or managing special requests across departments. Lavern's grace under pressure and attention to detail have earned the trust of both guests and colleagues, elevating the standard for everyone around her. She models accountability, recovers service with empathy, and fosters a culture of pride and unity. Guests leave feeling seen and cared for, and associates grow under her leadership. She turns hospitality into a promise kept every shift.
Eyvones Cruz
Derby City Gaming & Hotel
Eyvones exemplifies what it means to be a leader in hospitality. From day one, she has been a driving force behind operational excellence, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to service, teamwork, and high standards. Her leadership is rooted in action - she works alongside her team, tackles challenges head-on, and ensures every detail is handled with care. Under her guidance, her department has maintained exceptional performance metrics, a reflection of her dedication and the culture she fosters. Eyvones is known for creating an environment of trust and motivation, where team members feel supported and empowered to succeed. Her daily stand-up meetings set a positive tone, and her thoughtful gestures build strong connections within the team. Guests may not see the behind-the-scenes effort, but they feel the results in every smooth, welcoming experience
Cameron LeLon McGee
Tempo by Hilton NULU
Cameron is a standout example of Louisville's next generation of hospitality leaders. As a host at High Stakes Grill, he consistently delivers exceptional service with professionalism, warmth, and charisma. His dedication to creating memorable guest experiences recently earned him a promotion to Restaurant Supervisor, a reflection of his leadership and drive. Cameron brings passion and poise to every shift, often punctuated by his signature phrase, "Lights, Cameron, Action!" - a mantra that captures the energy and enthusiasm he brings to his team and guests each day
Harold “Ricky” Thomas
Tru by Hilton Airport
Ricky is a standout example of hospitality in action. For years, he has brought energy, optimism, and a tireless work ethic to every shift, consistently going beyond expectations to support guests and colleagues alike. Whether stepping into a new role, solving problems before they escalate, or lifting team morale with his steady presence, Ricky is known for showing up with competence, calm, and a smile. Ricky is the go-to task force agent for Commonwealth Hotels, always ready to jump in wherever needed. His reliability and professionalism extend far beyond his home property, making him a trusted resource across the portfolio. His blend of humor and hard work ensures that tasks are completed thoroughly and on time. Wherever he's needed, he shows up and elevates the experiencefor everyone around him.
Charon Thomas
Aloft Louisville Downtown
Charon is a shining example of hospitality at its finest. As one of the first faces guests encounter, she sets the tone for a warm, welcoming, and memorable experience. Her intuitive understanding of guest needs and her calm, solution-focused approach consistently turn challenges into moments of connection. Whether resolving a complex reservation or comforting a guest during a difficult personal time, Charon brings grace, empathy, and professionalism to every interaction. Her leadership extends beyond the front desk. During staffing challenges, Charon stepped up to take on additional administrative responsibilities, easing the burden on her team and ensuring smooth operations. Charon's positivity is infectious, and her dedication to tailoring each guest's experience reflects the very best of Louisville's spirit.