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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 6, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: John Musso

Government Affairs Manager

advocacy@arlingtonchamber.org

(703) 525-2400 ext. 203

High Resolution Photos available upon request

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Honors Hospitality Superstars

The 20th Annual Hospitality Award Winners

ARLINGTON, VA - More than 60 hospitality professionals were recognized this morning for delivering exceptional service to visitors and residents alike at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Hospitality Awards, held at the AC Hotel Arlington National Landing.


The event, sponsored by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Service (ACVS), celebrated the front-line hotel employees, guest service professionals, and hospitality staff who help define Arlington’s reputation as a welcoming destination. The Hospitality Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding customer service, professionalism, and dedication to creating memorable guest experiences.


Flavia Sampaio, General Manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn and Chair of the Arlington Chamber Hotel General Managers Committee, opened the program by highlighting the essential role hospitality workers play in the local economy and community. Following the opening remarks, Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber President & CEO, Emily Cassell, Director of Arlington Convention & Visitors Service, and Sampaio presented the Hospitality Superstar Awards. 


Bates, Cassell, and Sampaio read inspiring testimonials of how each Hospitality Superstar Award winner has displayed integrity and dedication in their work, along with examples of how they have cared for guests beyond their duties.


Among the Hospitality Superstar Award recipients was Troy Adamo of the DoubleTree by Hilton - Crystal City. When a colleague experienced an urgent medical emergency, Adamo responded immediately and without hesitation, prioritizing the well-being of a teammate. His quick thinking and selfless actions made a profound difference during a critical moment, and he exemplifies courage, service, and compassion.


Robert Willis of the Residence Inn Arlington Ballston was also recognized for his attention to detail and thoughtful communication to guests as a front desk agent. He researches local restaurants on behalf of guests with dietary restrictions, going so far as to print directions to those restaurants for added convenience. On one occasion, Willis used his own personal time to create a customized, detailed itinerary for a visiting family with children, complete with transportation tips and museum recommendations.

Emily Cassell, Director of Arlington Convention & Visitors Service (left); Bob Klein Legendary Service Award Winner Olinda Flores (center); and Flavia Sampaio, General Manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn and Chair of the Arlington Chamber Hotel General Managers Committee (right)

The ceremony also honored 13 individuals with the Bob Klein Legendary Service Award for their 25 or more years of service in the Arlington hospitality industry. This award is in honor of Bob Klein, the late General Manager of the Holiday Inn National Airport, who was instrumental in creating the Hospitality Awards program and ensuring its success for the first five years.


Among the Legendary Service Award winners was Olinda Flores of the Hilton Arlington National Landing. Flores demonstrated exceptional dedication through 38 continuous years of service in the housekeeping department – an accomplishment that speaks volumes for a role that demands physical endurance, discipline, and unwavering reliability. Her longevity and dedication reflects not only commitment, but resilience and loyalty to the entire hotel operation.

The 2026 Bob Klein Legendary Service Award winners include: 

Ernesto Aleman

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Magdalena Rivera Aparicio

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Mesfin Ayele

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City


Oumar Balde

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Abdelaziz Dahdah

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City


Olinda Flores

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Edward Kennedy

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City


Hanna Lemma

Crystal Gateway Marriott

Nelis Mejia

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City


Darline Menjivar

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City


Mardoqueo Reyes

Crystal Gateway Marriott


Antonia Rivera

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City


Mark Roby

Crystal Gateway Marriott


Regino Romero

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Yared Tibebu

Crystal Gateway Marriott

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For access to this release and other statements visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.

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ABOUT THE CHAMBER

Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of approximately 650 businesses that cultivates connections, shapes policies, and empowers Arlington’s economic future. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.

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