Greater Knoxville Tourism Alliance Recognizes Stars of the Industry
Knoxville Tourism Alliance (KTA) presented the 2011 Pauly Awards to individuals and businesses for their
outstanding achievements and commitment to the tourism industry at their annual luncheon on
Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Winners were:
- Lodging General Manager of the Year: Michael Parisi, general manager, Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park
- Restaurant General Manager of the Year: Paul Hohe, general manager, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Museum/Attraction of the Year: Knoxville Zoo, Jim Vlna, executive director
- Service/Supplier of the Year: Print Distribution, Jay Stafford, owner
- Lodging Employee of the Year: Meagan Bain, front desk manager, Courtyard by Marriott Alcoa
- Restaurant Employee of the Year: Brenda Herron, assistant operation manager, Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants
- Service/Supplier Employee of the Year: Todd Gilday, hospitality territory manager, Ecolab
- Community Service: Chris Moore, executive chef, Knoxville Convention Center
- Volunteer of the Year: J.K. Harrill, volunteer for Team Knoxville
- Friendliest Face: Charles Fraizer, bellman, Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park
The Pauly Awards are named in honor of Paul Sherbakoff, a leader for the tourism industry in Knoxville.
Eligible Pauly Award winners are submitted for the Stars of the Industry state awards sponsored by the
Tennessee Hospitality Association.
KTA awarded three students with scholarships for the Fall 2011 semester: Cameron Foltz, a student at
the University of Tennessee and Kyndall Leach and Jesse Williams, students at Pellissippi State Technical
Community College.
Barbara Dooley, mother of University of Tennessee’s Head Football Coach Derek Dooley, was the guest
speaker for the event.
The Scholarship Program is designed to recognize students who are enrolled in tourism/hospitality
programs and have shown a dedicated effort of excelling in study, work and related school activities
“It is an honor to present these awards and scholarships to deserving individuals and businesses,” states
Jill Thompson, Executive Director of KTA. “Each winner is a shining example of the hospitality of our
community.”
Knoxville Tourism Alliance is a not for profit membership organization of the tourism and hospitality
industry that enhances the economic, legislative and social interest of its members throughout the
Greater Knoxville area.
