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Host Award winners were nominated for their enthusiasm, exemplary customer service and ability to enhance the overall experience of the visitors they serve. They were chosen from more than 150 nominees by a selection committee consisting of educators and representatives from Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Local 54, Meet AC and the Bacharach Scholarship Committee.
“Now in its 20th year, the Host Awards continue to recognize the ‘best-of-the-best’ of hospitality employees who go above and beyond the standards in this industry,” said CRDA Director of Communications & Marketing, Larry Sieg, who presented the awards. “These employees leave lasting impressions on our guests and make this destination special for our visitors. They often make the difference in the decision to return to Atlantic City in the future.”
In addition, Atlantic City Tourism District Commander, Thomas Gilbert, was honored with the Spirit of Hospitality Award, which is given to an outstanding individual who has made significant long-term contributions to the region’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Commander Gilbert has played a pivotal role in developing a multi-layered “Clean and Safe” public safety strategy for Atlantic City which, in turn, has helped to improve the quality of life for residents, workers and visitors by stabilizing Atlantic City’s neighborhoods and public spaces.
2017 CRDA Atlantic City Host Award Winners:
Best Server, Fine Dining Restaurant privately owned
Jason Brand, Palm Restaurant
Best Server, Casual Dining Restaurant privately owned
Joanne Masterson, Harbor Pines Golf Club
Best Server, Fine Dining Casino Restaurant
Jason Valentino, Caesars Atlantic City
Best Server, Casual Dining Casino Restaurant
Kathleen Ford, Resorts Casino Hotel
Best Server, Banquet/ Catering
Anthony O’Neill, The Water Club
Best Food and Beverage Support
Tri Nguyen, Caesars Atlantic City
Best Bartender
Kevin Donahue, Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Best Host/ Hostess
Pamela Fennell, Bally’s Atlantic City
Best Visitor Information Personnel (Thomas G. Henning Award)
Kevin Kitzpatrick, Harbor Pines Golf Club
Best Retail Sales Associate
Linda Giordano, Harrah’s Atlantic City
Best Valet
Jose Carmona, Tropicana Casino & Resort
Best Door Person
Robert Ehresmann, Tropicana Casino & Resort
Best Bell Person
David Brida, Tropicana Casino & Resort
Best Room Service Personnel
MD Ullah, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Best Butler
Elvin Alvarado, Bally’s Atlantic City
Best Room Attendant/ Housekeeper
Marta Cruz, Caesars Atlantic City
Best Food Production Personnel
Felipe Aguilar, Bally’s Atlantic City
Best Concierge/ Guest Services
Elvis Wilks, Caesars Atlantic City
Best Heart/ Back of the House
Cathy Johnson, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Best Reservationist
Nicholas Frazier, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Best Security Personnel
Michael Bowden, Marriott’s Fairway Villas
Best Casino Games Personnel (Ray Kot Award)
Alice Lin, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Best Casino Support Personnel
Jatin Tailor, Caesars Atlantic City
Best Public Area Personnel
Ernest (Tim) Doerbach, Bally’s Atlantic City
Best Cashier
Tina Stalworth, Bally’s Atlantic City
Best Cocktail Server
Mary Taimanglo, Bally’s Atlantic City
Best Spa Personnel
Alexander Price, Harrah’s Atlantic City
Also at the event, the CRDA Foundation and the Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association awarded scholarships to students pursuing degrees in hospitality at Atlantic Cape Community College, Stockton University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, to encourage quality education for employees in the hospitality industry.
2017 Scholarship Awards from the CRDA Foundation and the Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association:
Christy Fernandez, (Galloway, NJ) Stockton University, $1,000
Kimberly Richardson, (Mays Landing, NJ) Fairleigh Dickinson University, $500
Amanda Inza (Long Valley, NJ) Stockton University, $1,000
Antonio Gracia (Egg Harbor Township, NJ) Stockton University, $500
Lieghanna Ritter (Bordentown, NJ) Stockton University, $500
Ruth Parraga (Galloway, NJ) Stockton University, $500
Annie Hajek, (Galloway, NJ) Stockton University, $750
Claire Repisky, (Warminster, PA) Stockton University, $500
Carolina Jost (Vineland, NJ) Atlantic Cape Community College, $250
Darin Dorzan (Somers Point, NJ) Fairleigh Dickinson University, $500
Aglee Burke (Millville, NJ) Fairleigh Dickinson University, $750
Kayla Langborgh (Chatham, NJ) Stockton University, $500
Monica Wilson (Maple Shade, NJ) Stockton University, $1,000
Stephanie Kovacs (Allentown, NJ) Stockton University, $500
Monica Wilson of Toms River, NJ was also presented with the $500 Howard Bacharach Scholarship Foundation Award in memory of the late, 15-year Atlantic City Host Committee member and former executive director of the Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Association.
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About the CRDA:
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority's mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state's key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA's expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/njcrda.
