Chairman’s Message

Hello, NHLA Members;

It is with pleasure and honor that I have the opportunity to serve as the NHLA Chairman of the Board.  Working with top leaders in the industry throughout Nevada and the highly committed team at NHLA is an opportunity for which I am grateful and excited about.

Our association is vibrant, dynamic and relevant to our continuing evolvement and support of the hospitality industry in Nevada.  We have all faced many challenges the past few years that we never dreamed of in our entire lives.  We are stronger, wiser and more committed than ever to ensuring we stay committed, productive and successful for our members, communities and industry.

As we move forward, under the leadership of NHLA President Diane Gandy and Vice President Irving Pamblanco, we have many of our former popular events  on the 2024 calendar such as bowling tournaments and golf tournaments.  We have many new events and activities scheduled, as well.  It is our goal as an association to lead the industry with resources, leadership development, education, certifications, networking, relevancy and purpose through NHLA involvement.

Some of our great programs include our Emerging Leaders and Women in Lodging along with our committees which include Safety and Security, Clean and Green, Technology and Small Property resources.  All members are encouraged to get involved in as many activities as they like and attend events to broaden networks and hone skills.  If your company is a member of NHLA, you are, too!

On behalf of the board of directors, NHLA team and all of our members, I am looking forward to a successful year for all.

Sincerely,

Christine Breed
NHLA Chairman of the Board

NHLA Board of Directors:

Officers

Executive Board

Directors

NHLA Executive Staff

To ensure full resources, visibility, representation and member benefits, Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association is led by two key executives under the direction of the Chairman of the Board and the Board of Directors.

Diane Gandy, President, CGSP  

Diane Gandy serves as President and has over 35 years of hospitality and travel industry experience including hotel management and development, OTA major market management, international sales, organizational event planning and communication. A native Nevadan, she has worked in executive hospitality industry positions in both NNV (Sparks and Lake Tahoe) and SNV.

Diane has been leading NHLA since 2012 and is responsible for association management and growth which includes member retention and engagement through strategic partnerships and relevant and meaningful member programs and resources. 

Member resources, industry leadership development, Emerging Leaders programs, education, social networking, special events, member programs and community engagement are key areas of focus for Diane.  She ensures NHLA offers over 85 successful events and activities each year for our members.

She has received the following awards:

• 2017 International Athena Award for Outstanding Women’s Leadership
• 2017 International Society of Hotel Association Executives Award of Excellence for Member Programs – Emerging Leaders
• 2018 Inductee in the Women’s Leadership Hall of Fame
• 2018 International Society of Hotel Associations Award of Excellence for Member Programs – Women in Lodging
• 2019 Recipient of the Leadership Award in Collaboration from the Timothy S. Y. Lam Foundation
• 2020 Stars of the Industry Outstanding Leadership Award
• 2021 International Society of Hotel Associations Award of Excellence-Education and Workforce Development
• 2023 ISHA Award of Excellence – Events and Fundraising

Diane has been featured in Las Vegas Woman and Vegas, Inc. magazines and is a founding member of Dress for Success NNV, serving on the board from 2016-2019.  She also served on the Shade Tree LV Board of Trustees.  Diane is the founder and President of the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Foundation providing scholarships for higher education and continuing education for the hospitality industry.

Irving Pamblanco, Vice President of Finance & Operations, CGSP  

Irving Pamblanco serves as Vice President of Finance and Operations and has been with NHLA since 1988 when he joined the firm as the business Accountant. He has served several corporate clients including the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association, Nevada Restaurant Association, Nevada Tourism Alliance, the International Food Service Executive Association (IFSEA), and Heffner & Associates, Inc.

Irving’s responsibilities include overseeing all accounting and finance functions, general operations, database and I.T. management, website updates and maintenance, membership email broadcasts, event participation, and new membership processing.

Irving has achieved designation from the American Hotel and Lodging Association Education Institute for Certified Guest Service Professional through passing the Guest Service Gold course and exam.

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Website: www.NVHotels.com