16 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com Stars of th Younes’ impact to the industry, Santa Monica community, and people around him was immediately felt when he arrived in Santa Monica over two years ago. He’s made it a priority to not only serve the staff and guests at Loews, but the businesses and residents of the Santa Monica Community. Since 2020 he’s served as a member and is currently Chair, of the Tourism Marketing District Committee. In May 2021, Younes was appointed to the SMTT Board of Directors as a member and now serves as our Vice Chair. He also serves on the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and supports many local non-profits. Younes has thrust Loews Santa Monica Beach hotel back into the spotlight by bringing in cutting edge artists, designers, and providing unique experiences. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is once again “the place to be” throughout the year by offering a series of events that are both new and innovative. No matter what he’s planned, he always includes a giving back to the community component which spotlights his giving nature. He prides himself on the smallest of details, he’s reasonable and caring to each person he encounters. I’ve seen the changes in employee morale, and hotel performance demonstrates the level of service offered at the property since Younes took the helm. I personally can’t wait to see what Younes and his team do next. Elisabeth, or better known to her colleagues as Lizzy, began her hospitality career at a young age watching her mother host dinners and parties at their home. As she grew up, she knew she wanted to be a part of the industry that her mother, a Director of Catering, had worked in. Upon graduation from Cal Poly Pomona, she was hired by the Caruso Group, a prominent real estate development company, to be part of the Caruso Accelerated Management Program and participated in their first CAMPer program. Placed at Rosewood Miramar Beach, a Caruso property, she started her first job in food & beverage as an assistant manager running the pool & beach operation. From there, she moved to various outlets including Malibu Farm, the resort’s 3-meal restaurant. Eventually she was given the opportunity to be the assistant director of banquets. However, within a few months of being placed in the banquets department, her director left, and she was tasked with running the department. It is her dedication, commitment, and drive that during those six months on her own, she was able to run the $14 million 60+ person operation on her own with the assistance of two banquet captains that she was promoted to director of banquets. The resort is proud of “Lizzy” Balourdas. Outstanding General Manager, Large Property Younes Atallah, Loews Santa Monica Beach Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Elisabeth Balourdas, Rosewood Miramar Beach
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