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BUZZ MAY

WHERE MISSION

MEETS MOMENTUM

Newport Celebrates Outstanding Team Members, Honoring Milestones, + Welcoming Newcomers

Welcome to the Buzz, your Newport community scene! Through the spirit of Newportology, we celebrate our outstanding team members, recognize milestones, and highlight the traditions and initiatives that make our community thrive.


This month, we’re proud to unveil the LEAP Class of 2025—rising leaders who exemplify growth and grit. We honor milestone anniversaries, spotlight community engagement from The 'Wick' Team, and warmly welcome new team members. Each story reflects the momentum behind our mission—and the people who make Newport extraordinary.








Spotlight on Tomorrow's Leaders–Welcome the LEAP Class of 2025

by Lizz Chambers, Vice President of People Services


At Newport, we believe leadership is cultivated through experience, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Our Leadership, Excellence, and Advancement Program (LEAP) is designed for team members ready to grow their careers and step confidently into future leadership roles.


This year’s LEAP Class of 2025 represents the very best of Newport’s values in action. Each graduate is relocatable within the Newport family and has completed cross-training in every department, earned their Certified Hospitality Supervisor designation through AHLA, and successfully completed 20 online development courses. Their efforts reflect a deep investment in their growth—and in Newport’s continued success.


Please join us in congratulating these rising stars as they take the next step in their hospitality journey. Their future is bright—and it begins now.

Crystal Reed is one of our newest General Managers. What does Crystal have to say about the program? "Over the past year in the LEAP program, I’ve experienced tremendous professional growth and built meaningful connections each step along the way. One of the most valuable takeaways has been the unwavering reassurance that, no matter the challenge, I can always count on the support of someone within the Newport family.”

Gabrielle Burton is ready and waiting for that first General Manager Opportunity. Gabrielle says of the programs, “Being a member of the LEAP program taught me that learning is never-ending. We learn from each other, we learn from our experiences, and we learn by being taught. If you are willing to learn, the sky is the limit.”

Morgan Gonyer, Guest Services Supervisor, is aspiring to move into an Assistant Manager’s role this year. Morgan says, "LEAP transformed the way I lead by teaching me that great leadership is not about one approach, but about adapting, empowering, and growing with your team daily.” 

Jovani Perez is aspiring to become an Assistant General Manager. Jovani says of the LEAP program, “The LEAP program gave me the keys to unlock my potential and the confidence to step into the future of hospitality management with a purpose.”

Jessica Tucker aspires to become a Director of Sales. She is currently assisting Luptia, the hotel's DOS, and performing extremely well. 

Welcome, Stephanie Noble, to Beaufort!

Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Noble as the new Director of Sales for Holiday Inn & Suites Beaufort @ Highway 21 and SpringHill Suites Beaufort. With a love for travel and a passion for hospitality, Stephanie is excited to lead sales efforts in historic Beaufort, SC. She looks forward to mentoring her team—especially Sales & Catering Manager Nick Pohorsky—and is guided by the belief that, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”


"Stephanie brings strength, warmth, and a service-first mindset to everything she does. I’m thrilled to have her in Beaufort and can’t wait to see the results she’ll drive.” – Ashley Unrue, Senior Regional Sales Director


Welcome to the Newport family, Stephanie!

Community Impact in Brunswick, GA

Our Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites Brunswick team recently came together for a hands-on volunteer project supporting the local Salvation Army—an initiative led by our Employee of the Year, Joe Slawnyk. The team assembled and donated care packages filled with essentials for those in need, continuing a tradition of service tied to our team recognition program.


Brunswick News Article

Happy Anniversary!


What Makes Newport Great? Our Team!


At Newport, we believe that dedication over time tells a powerful story—and this May, we’re proud to celebrate the team members who continue to shape ours. From 10-year milestones to careers spanning over three decades, these anniversaries reflect the loyalty, leadership, and heart that define our culture. Congratulations to all celebrating work anniversaries this month—your commitment inspires us all and drives Newport forward.


May Work Anniversaries 🎉


33 Years – Tina A. Walton, Corporate Account Manager, Newport Corporate

27 Years – Crystal Hill, Payroll Manager, Newport Corporate

26 Years – Martha A. Rodriguez Orozco, Housekeeper/Room Attendant, Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

26 Years – Theodore C. Harris, Night Auditor, Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Univ/Med Center

17 Years – Sheila Jean, Room Attendant, Courtyard West Orange

13 Years – Gracie E. Spencer, Bartender, Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

13 Years – La'June Welch, Night Auditor, Candlewood Suites Fayetteville

13 Years – Tom A. Johnson, Shuttle Driver, Courtyard Valley Forge / Collegeville

13 Years – Sheila C. Davis, Night Auditor, Courtyard Somerset

12 Years – Katina R. Hendrix, HSKP Supervisor/Room Attendant, Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Airport

11 Years – Todara K. Belton, Room Inspector, Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

11 Years – Okkacha Boukhiar, Shuttle Driver, Courtyard Great Valley / Malvern

10 Years – Justin N. Borrero, Line Cook, Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

10 Years – Tania Ghanem, Director of Sales, Hilton Garden Inn Frederick

10 Years – Thomas L. Melvin, Breakfast Attendant, Home2 Fayetteville

9 Years – Melvin L. Williams, House Person, Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach

8 Years – Jeannette Allende, Room Attendant, Candlewood Suites Fayetteville

8 Years – Brandy N. Keys, Guest Services Supervisor, Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach

8 Years – Robert L. Golden, Maintenance Engineer, Holiday Inn Express Tappahannock

8 Years – Reina Burgos Diaz, Room Attendant, Homewood Suites Great Valley/Malvern

8 Years – Nestor Ramirez, Assistant General Manager, Courtyard Somerset

8 Years – Norris A. Wilson, Executive Housekeeper, Residence Inn Blacksburg

8 Years – Lawana A. Wilson, Server, Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

7 Years – Beverly A. Proffitt, Laundry Worker, Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach

7 Years – Kathy Smith, Banquet Server, Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

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