Hoteliers of the Year | Kinseth Siblings | Coralville
In the past four decades, Kinseth Hospitality Companies or KHC has grown from a single hotel in rural Iowa to a portfolio of more than 125 properties across 15 states, employing over 4,000 people.
Over the years, KHC has faced numerous challenges, including economic downturns and the pandemic, but as Bruce Kinseth concludes, “We’ve had to reinvent ourselves constantly, and each time we’ve come out stronger.” For their leadership, resilience, and commitment to hospitality, the Kinseth siblings—Leslie, Bruce, Gary and Linda are the Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2024 Hoteliers of the Year.
General manager of the Year | matt traetow | hyatt regency coralville
Matt Traetow’s love for hospitality began early. He grew up in Denver, Iowa and often accompanied his father, an elevator technician, on hotel service calls. This sparked his interest in the industry. Today, Matt leads the 288-room Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center. The state’s first Hyatt Regency. Under his guidance, the hotel has undergone a major renovation, with updated guest rooms, a new restaurant and bar, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. With over 80,000 square feet of event space, the property has become a destination for corporate and leisure travelers.
For his leadership and contributions to the industry and his community, Matt Traetow is the 2024 Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association General Manager of the Year.
Innovator of the Year | Atul Patel | Open Door Hospitality
Atul Patel, founder of Open Door Hospitality, holds the title of “Chief Door Opener,” a reflection of a hospitality approach focused on creating memorable experiences, not just offering accommodations.
His most ambitious project to date, the Holiday Inn & Suites and Convention Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a testament to his innovative vision. Built on a 40-acre former cornfield, the hotel features a 15,000-square-foot ballroom designed to host events for over 1,000 guests. The properties innovative design includes practical features such as garage-style doors for seamless event setups, coat closets that double as pop-up bars, and a vintage red pickup for unique event photos. Known for his people-first culture and commitment to innovation, Atul Patel is being recognized as the 2024 Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association Innovator of the Year.
Employees of the Year | Janice brooner & jill locke | airport des moines holiday inn
Janice Brooner and Jill Locke exemplify Iowa hospitality. Sisters who have worked at the Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn and Conference Center for 49 and 47 years, their dedication is a testament to their deep connection with the hotel, the teams they lead, and the guests they serve. Their mother, Joan Stanley, also worked at the Airport Holiday Inn and passed down her love for the industry, inspiring Janice and Jill to continue the family legacy.
For their exceptional service and decades of dedication, sisters Janice Brooner and Jill Locke are the 2024 Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association Employees of the Year.
Sustainability Award Winner | Hotel Millwright | Amana Society
Hotel Millwright, in the historic Amana Colonies, exemplifies how sustainability and preservation can work together. Once a vital part of the community, the Amana Woolen Mill complex sat mostly empty for years. In 2018, the Amana Society took action to save it, transforming the site into Hotel Millwright, which opened in 2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For these efforts, Hotel Millwright is being honored with the Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2024 Sustainability Award, sponsored by WoodRiver Energy, for creating a sustainable hospitality experience that respects both heritage and the environment.
Philanthropist of the Year | Hotel pattee | perry hospitality, inc
Since 1913, the Hotel Pattee has been a cornerstone of downtown Perry, welcoming guests from around the world and serving as a cultural hub for the town’s 8,000 residents. The hotel hosts community projects, showcases local artists, and supports events like the nationally recognized Art on the Prairie festival.
Recognizing this deep connection to the community and the compassionate leadership of Perry Hospitality, Inc. the Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association is honoring the Hotel Pattee as its team as the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year.
Industry champion of the year | amy zeigler | iowa tourism office
As a 10-year-old farm girl from tiny St. Lucas, Amy Zeigler was captivated by her first copy of the Iowa Travel Guide. Little did she know, years later, she would be directing the creation of that annual guide. Today, as Iowa’s Tourism Manager, Amy leads efforts to promote the state’s communities, attractions, and lodging businesses, not just to Iowans but to visitors from around the world. Amy’s innovative leadership shines through projects like the “Soul of Iowa” campaign, which uses drone footage to highlight Iowa’s beauty, and the “Meet in Iowa” program, which boosted overnight stays by over 5,000 rooms. Her work increased interactions on the Travel Iowa website by five times. Stresses Amy, “We know that every travel party to Iowa spends $457 per day. Let’s get them to stay one more day.”
For her creativity and dedication, Amy Zeigler is the 2024 Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association Industry Champion.
Legislator of the Year | representative carter nordman | district 47
Elected to the Iowa House in 2020 at just 22 years old, Representative Carter Nordman quickly made his mark as one of the youngest legislators in the country. His passion for politics began at age 11, when he met Senator Chuck Grassley at his local church. From that moment, Carter was driven to serve, spending his summer assembling campaign yard signs for the senator. By 19, he ran for mayor of his rural community, narrowly losing but gaining valuable experience.
Nordman’s leadership in simplifying tax codes, cutting red tape, and promoting long-term economic growth has earned him a reputation as a forward thinking advocate for Iowa’s business community. For his unwavering support of Iowa’s hospitality industry, Representative Carter Nordman is the 2024 Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association Legislator of the Year.
