As we step into the new year, I am humbled to serve as your new Chairman of the Board, building on the foundation of our previous Chairman, Christine Breed. I am truly excited to collaborate with esteemed industry leaders across Nevada as we work together to support and strengthen the hospitality industry in our state.

Under the guidance of NHLA President Diane Gandy and Vice President of Finance & Operations Irving Pamblanco, we are focused to continue to elevate our brand and impact in our community. Our goal is to lead the industry by providing valuable resources, fostering leadership development, offering educational opportunities, facilitating networking, and ensuring that every NHLA member has a sense of purpose and relevance within the association.

I encourage all members to get involved, attend events, and take advantage of opportunities to expand their networks and sharpen their skills. The success of our association is predicated on the engagement of our members and community partners.

On behalf of the NHLA Board of Directors, the NHLA team, and all our members, I look forward to a successful and prosperous year ahead.

Sincerely,

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.