NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), the leading association dedicated to scholarships, education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, proudly announces its newly-elected 2025 International Board of Directors. The board will continue to advance NEWH’s mission by guiding chapters and disciplines worldwide. Among the new appointments, the most notable is the election of Deidre Schwartz to the position of president-elect.Schwartz will collaborate with current president Sandy Banks for the remainder of the year before stepping into her two-year tenure as president in January 2026.
“In reflecting on the 40th anniversary of NEWH this past year, we’ve had the opportunity to commemorate how far our organization has come in every sense,” says President Sandy Banks. “In looking back and acting forward, I’m confident that our 2025 International Board of Directors will lead by example, kicking off the next 40 years of mentorship, evolution, and education that continues to facilitate the success of professionals for decades to come.”
NEWH proudly announces the 2025 Executive Committee which includes President – Sandy Banks, President-Elect – Deidre Schwartz, Secretary- Jennifer Wellman, Vice President/Finance – Kevin Swart, Vice President/Scholarship – Brittany Spinner, Vice President/Education – Dallas Bentley, Vice President/Membership – Lanée Burns, Vice President-Events – Deidre Schwartz, Vice President/EID – Valerie Coleman, Vice President/Communications – Helen Reed, Vice President/IR-EU/UK – Jonathan Young, Vice President/IR-Canada – Tara Witt, Ad Hoc Advisor – Italy – Enrico Cleva, Ad Hoc Advisor – France – Gwendoline Theodet, Executive Advisor – Cynthia Guthrie, Chief Executive Officer – Christine Tucker, Chief Operating Officer – Jena Seibel, Chief Financial Officer – Susan Huntington, Chair Emerita/Founder – Shelia Lohmiller, and Strategic Advisor – Trudy Craven.
Additionally, NEWH is excited to introduce the Board of Directors, including Scholarship – Barbara Bischoff Giusti, Education – Mary Ann Thornam, Membership – Wanda Luna, Fundraising – Kim Faith, NEWH Conferences – Shana McCullough-Downing, Brand Programs – Stephanie Deshaies, Equity, Inclusion, & Diversity – Leonardo Luciano, and Communications – Melissa Petersen.
In addition to marking its 40th anniversary, 2024 was a milestone year for NEWH, Inc., highlighted by several significant achievements. These included the biennial Leadership Conference held in Nashville in February, the nationwide launch of the Stacy Garcia Trend Tour, the inaugural presentation of the annual Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Award, and the continuation of the Martha’s Mentors program in its second year. The establishment of the Detroit Regional Group further expanded NEWH’s reach, bringing the total number of chapters and regional groups to 30 across five countries.
NEWH looks ahead to continued growth in 2025, with membership remaining strong and scholarship funds projected to surpass a cumulative total of $10 million by year-end. The organization will also expand its reach into new sectors and regions through initiatives such as the 2025 Paris Leadership Summit Conference.
On February 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. EST, NEWH will host its latest virtual talk series, Perspectives, featuring Vice President IR-EU/UK Jonathan Young, Ad Hoc Advisor for France Gwendoline Theodet, and Ad Hoc Advisor for Italy Enrico Cleva. The session, titled Art de Vivre, will outline plans for the upcoming Paris Leadership Summit and provide insights into the state of Europe’s hospitality industry. Registration details are available on NEWH.org.
About NEWH
NEWH, Inc. is a dynamic association dedicated to providing scholarships to those interested in various areas of the hospitality industry. Through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, NEWH strives to foster leadership development and facilitate meaningful connections among industry professionals. For additional information visit www.newh.org.
