Timothy Lam
MIBS, MS, CHT, CPGE
Executive Director
BS Wake Forest University
MIBS University of South Carolina
MS University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Tim is a founder and Executive Director of The International School of Hospitality.
Tim holds two master’s degrees, in international business and in hotel administration. He is a past president and current trustee of the Foundation of NACE.
Tim has received numerous awards and distinctions from the National Association for Catering and Events including the Presidents List twice, Legacy Spotlight Member, Volunteer Excellence Award twice, and Las Vegas Chapter Spirit of NACE award twice. He was also the Honoree of the 2016 Las Vegas Chapter gala.
Tim has served on the boards and committees of the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association, the Nevada Restaurant Association, and the Las Vegas New Century Lions Club.
Dr. Donnell Bayot
CHE, CPCE, CFBE, CPGE
Director of Academic Affairs
Ph.D. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
BS, M.Ed. Regis University
Donnell earned his Ph.D. in Workforce Development and Organizational Leadership. He is currently Chair and Commissioner for the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, Public Commissioner for the Events Industry Council’s CMP Governance Commission, Board of Advisor member for the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association, and a Trustee of the Innovations International Charter School of Nevada.
Donnell’s research on competency models has made an impact in academia and industry. His Ph.D. dissertation created a competency model for catering and event professionals. His efforts were rewarded by the Event Industry Council, the pre-eminent hospitality umbrella organization with 26 individual association members covering over 100,000 members, with their Pacesetter award in 2014.
Marcus Lam
CHT, CPGE
Director of Admissions & Recruitment
BA Wake Forest University
Marcus joined TISOH in 2007 after five years as the vice president for sales and marketing for Light Project International, Inc., outside Washington, D.C.
As director of admissions and recruitment, he has helped pioneer the school’s outreach efforts to draw local and international students to TISOH. Marcus has established relationships within Nevada and beyond to recruit students aspiring to careers in the hospitality industry. Marcus is a certified hospitality trainer (CHT) and a certified guest service professional (CGSP). He is fluent in Chinese and holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology.
Jerome Jeannest
CHE, CPGE
Strategic Partnerships
Jerome Jeannest brings over two decades of leadership experience in hospitality operations, human resources, and development. He began his career at the prestigious Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, developing a foundation in luxury service and guest relations. Since moving to the U.S. in 2001, Jerome has held senior roles across hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, and healthcare organizations—specializing in team development, culture building, and operational excellence.
Jerome joined TISOH in 2010 and now leads the school’s strategic partnerships, leveraging his industry expertise to strengthen professional networks, expand learning opportunities, and support workforce development. His background includes serving as Director of Learning & Development at Topgolf, Head of Human Resources at Haven Health, and Account Executive at Levy Online. He also leads Jeannest LLC, a consulting firm focused on service performance and organizational culture.
A former three-term Director of Les Clefs d’Or USA, Jerome is known for his thoughtful leadership, global perspective, and dedication to elevating hospitality professionals.
Advisory Board
Gary L. McCreary
Founder and Managing Director
GLM Luxury Events
Gary L. McCreary, Founder and Managing Director of GLM Luxury Events, brings over 25 years of expertise in hospitality and global event management. Specializing in luxury travel, executive retreats, and corporate meetings, Gary has delivered exceptional experiences at iconic venues worldwide.
Before founding GLM Luxury Events, he held a senior role at a corporate event agency and served as VP of Catering & Convention Operations at The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas, overseeing a $155M annual banquet operation for 24.5 years. His global perspective was honed as an international meeting planner with YPO, executing programs in 20+ countries.
A certified CMP Fellow, CPCE, and CSEP, Gary is celebrated for his creativity, operational excellence, and dedication to mentoring future industry leaders.
Jeanne Mills
Chef Concierge
ARIA Resort Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa
With 33 years of experience, Jeanne was instrumental in the development and implementation of six concierge desks located within major resorts and casinos along the Las Vegas Strip. Her tenure in Las Vegas also included leading a department of 61 concierges, which encompassed the largest concierge staff located within any one hotel in the world. She served with distinction on the national board of directors for Les Clefs d’Or USA from 2002-2013, holding various significant positions including treasurer, director of fundraising and public relations, congress liaison, director of concierge relations, vice president, and president.
In April 2013, Mills was elected to serve as the zone director of the Americas for the prestigious Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hotels, Les Clefs d’Or International. In this role, she provided leadership to members representing more than 5 countries, all distinguished by the crossed golden keys worn on their uniform lapels. Most recently, Jeanne served as the chef concierge of the iconic Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, before returning to Las Vegas as the chef concierge of Aria and Vdara Resorts.
Jaime Miranda
Industry Executive
Jaime Miranda is a seasoned hospitality executive with 20+ years of leadership experience from Marriott International and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, where she served as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, overseeing 17 departments and managing $878 million in annual revenue, while earning a reputation for operational excellence, mentorship, and team development.
Jaime is the co-founder of JAM Impact LLC, a youth sports organization dedicated to fostering the passion of young athletes and building character on and off the field. Celebrating its fifth year, JAM has become a respected presence in the Las Vegas youth baseball community.
A committed advocate for lifelong learning and leadership development, Jaime holds an MBA from The Wharton School, has completed the General Manager Program at Cornell University, and serves as a Wharton GOLD Ambassador. She is a proud member of the Athena Alliance and a founding member and Treasurer of the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Foundation, supporting hospitality education and workforce initiatives statewide.
Harvey Stern
Industry Executive
Harvey was formerly CEO of Destinations by Design (DBD), a creative operator of destination management, event production, and wedding curation. Prior to joining DBD, he held positions with Bellagio Resort and Casino, The Standard Club of Chicago, Four Seasons Hotels in Chicago, and The Pierre in New York City. Harvey is a past president of Foundation of NACE.
Harvey remains an intentional hospitality personality. He has a passion for the industry, often speaking to organizations, associations, and colleges on topics that include understanding and developing your career, sales, and catering leadership, event and operational strategies, and his current passion topic, the Door Frame Concept.
Tyler Stewart
Vice-President of Sales
ARIA Resort Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa
Tyler joined MGM Resorts after a sixteen-year career at Las Vegas Sands Corporation, where he served in various sales and leadership roles at The Venetian, The Palazzo, and the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
Tyler is involved in various industry associations including the Professional Convention Management Association, Meetings Professional International, and the International Association of Exhibition and Events. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and the Aspen Institute First Movers Fellowship Program, the leading global network for professional development of corporate social intrapreneurs. Tyler is a passionate hospitality advocate, change agent, and dynamic sales leader within the hospitality sales industry.
Marti Winer
Senior Vice President, Regional General Manager
Hosts Global
Marti is the regional general manager for Hosts Global, overseeing operations in Southern California, Las Vegas, and Seattle. Prior to this role, she was General Manager of Casa Bonita in Denver, Colorado, an iconic venue, known as the original immersive experience. She was also formerly vice president of operations at MGM Resorts Event Productions, where she oversaw a team of professionals who created hundreds of events annually. Prior to MGM, Marti served as vice president of university relations at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
Marti is an energetic leader with a track record of success in utilizing communications, events, marketing, and analytics in corporate and entrepreneurial environments.
Instructors and Lecturers
Clifford Anderson
Clifford Anderson
Clifford is a solution and engagement leader at Aristocrat. He was previously the chef concierge at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and the Delano Las Vegas. Prior, Clifford was the assistant chef concierge of both Mandalay Bay and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. He was a member of Les Clefs d’Or USA while serving as a professional hotel concierge, and past president of the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association.
Nelandra Anselmo
Nelandra Anselmo
MS, SPHR CHE
Nelandra Anselmo is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Certified Job and Career Development Coach, and Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE). With over 17 years of HR experience, she has served as director of human resources with Station Casinos (Fiesta Casino & Hotel) and Cannery Casino Resorts (Rampart Casino and Cannery Casino & Hotel). She has also held management positions within other hospitality organizations, including Coast Casinos, in the areas of employee relations, health and wellness, and organizational learning and development.
Nelandra is the founder of True Core Business Wellness, a coaching and consulting
firm that offers human resource consulting services and individual career and transition coaching.
Donnell Bayot
Donnell Bayot
PhD CHE CPCE CFBE
Donnell is the director of academic affairs at The International School of Hospitality. Prior to his current position at TISOH, he was the director of religious education for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas. Donnell is a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), a Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE), and holds a Ph.D. in Workforce Development and Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Donnell is an event planner at heart, having planned numerous conferences, social, and corporate events large and small over the years.
Donald Bowman
Donald Bowman
Donald is a leading luxury hotelier with an international career in hospitality and hotels spanning over 30 years. An expert consultant in service culture, the hotels he managed achieved many luxury service awards and accolades. As General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, the hotel was awarded the triple Forbes Five-Star award – one of only 3 properties in the world to do so. Donald proudly leads the Executive Diploma in Hospitality Operations program.
Debbie Brumfield
Debbie Brumfield
CHE Les Clefs d’Or
Debbie is the chef concierge of The Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. She was previously the director of citywide concierge for Caesars Entertainment, in charge of the concierge departments at all Caesars resorts in Las Vegas. Prior, Debbie was the director of guest services at the Alicart Restaurant Group and chef concierge of the world-famous Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Debbie is a past president of the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association (SNHCA) and has held board positions for ten years. She is a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or USA, the only national association of professional concierges in the United States.
Kenny Cho
Kenny Cho
CHE
Kenny serves as the Vice President of Hotel Operations at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, where he brings extensive experience in hospitality management, operations, and team leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Kenny was selected for MGM Resorts International’s prestigious Management Associate Program (MAP) as well as the DIRECT leadership development program, both designed to cultivate future executives within the organization.
Throughout his career, he has held a range of key leadership positions across several major Las Vegas properties, including Treasure Island Hotel & Casino and The Mirage. His previous roles include: Executive Director of Housekeeping, Environmental Services (EVS), and Uniform Control / Director of Housekeeping and EVS / Assistant Hotel Manager / Assistant Executive Housekeeper / Transportation Manager / Gaming Surveillance Operator
Kenny’s well-rounded operational background and commitment to service excellence continue to drive successful guest experiences and team performance at Circus Circus.
Shirley Fugazzotto
Shirley Fugazzotto
CSEP CHE
Shirley Fugazzotto was owner and creative designer of the Stellar Experience, a boutique event design and production company, serving corporate clients in the Las Vegas market. Before creating the Stellar Experience, she held director and management positions in several prestigious Las Vegas properties, in the areas of weddings, catering, sales, and convention center special events. Shirley served for several years on the board of directors of the Las Vegas Chapter of the International Live Events Association, including as past president. She has earned the Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) designation, and has been an active mentor for those considering advancing in the hospitality industry.
Carolyn Kelly-Shelton
Carolyn Kelly-Shelton
Carolyn is an experienced human resources manager with a demonstrated history of
working in the hospitality industry. She is skilled in budgeting, compensation, team building, public speaking, and management. Carolyn received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management focusing in human resources management/personnel administration.
Timothy Lam
Timothy Lam
MIBS MS CHT CGSP
Tim is a bilingual hospitality and marketing professional with a BS in Business Management from Wake Forest University, a Master of International Business degree focusing in International Marketing from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Science degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Tim has hotel management experience from Caesars Palace and has served as the executive director of TISOH since its founding. Tim was named to the Top 50 Most Intriguing Alum list of the Harrah Hospitality College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and also to BizBash’s Top 500 People in Events.
Cheri Licha
Cheri Licha
MS PHRca GPHR SCP
Cheri is a human resource champion. She is privileged to have affected 100,000+ employees in their careers and professional development. Cheri always emphasized a participatory experience by developing new applicant processes, orientation programs, internal development & promotion initiatives, engagement emphasis, and constant HR protocol review. She is committed to HR’s strategic role in the success and support of core business.
Patricia A. Norman
Patricia A. Norman
CMP CHE
For more than 20 years, Patricia has been the director of meeting and conference planning for the National Medical Association. She has served on the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau advisory boards for Hawaii and Baltimore. Patricia has also been a member of the Multicultural Advisory Board for Hilton Hotels Corporation and served on the Board of Directors for the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners.
Cheryl Sgovio
Cheryl Sgovio
CPCE CHE
Cheryl is the director of catering and convention sales for the Thomas & Mack
Center, Cox Pavilion, and Sam Boyd Stadium. She is responsible for booking all private events in the three venues, with a combined space of over 150,000 square feet, as well as overseeing all catering for public events, averaging over 2,300 individual events per year. Cheryl was the founding vice president, and then president of the Las Vegas Chapter of NACE.
Rebecca Stebbins
Rebecca Stebbins
MBA CMP CHE
Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge and years of catering, event, and wedding planning experience to TISOH. She is currently the director of celebrations at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Cheryl has held numerous leadership roles within the Junior League of Las Vegas, the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE), the Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA), and is a past president of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA).
Rebecca has completed her master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) at her alma mater, Bay Path University, in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She is a CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) and received the designation of CHE (Certified Hospitality Educator) from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
Lenny Talarico
Lenny Talarico
CSEP CHE
Lenny is the chief experiential architect for Lenny Talarico Productions, an
event management and consulting firm dedicated to enhancing businesses by telling their brand’s story through special events and engagements. He is an award-winning internationally recognized event producer, industry speaker, former executive director of MGM Resorts Event Productions, and long-time instructor at The International School of Hospitality.
Lenny was recognized for his work with ESPRIT and GALA Awards. Credentials and additional accolades followed, including recognition as “Event Planner of the Year” through Event Solutions Magazine, named “One of the Most Influential People in Events” through Biz Bash Magazine, and the prestigious Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation. Partnering with industry
executives, he founded TISOH’s Design Lab to offer a tactile, experiential learning environment to inspire competence and creativity across a diverse hospitality curriculum.
Kelly Thompson
Kelly Thompson
CSEP
Kelly is a seasoned special event and sales professional with over 10 years
experience. Throughout her career, she has produced a variety of events including brand experiential activations, festivals (for up to 10,000 people), roadshows, incentives, product launches, unique special events, conferences, and meetings. Her diverse role as a producer or project manager has allowed her the ability to develop and deliver fresh and innovative solutions for each experience. Kelly earned the international credential of Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP). She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from UNLV and certificates in Conference Management and Event Planning, as well as in Event Design and Production from The International School of Hospitality.
Eden Viray
Eden Viray
Eden Viray is beverage manager at the Tuscany Suites Hotel and Casino. Previously, she was Assistant Hotel Manager also at Tuscany. Eden got her start in the hotel industry as a Front Desk Agent for Harrah’s Hotel and Casino and later was promoted to Guest Service Manager at The Linq Hotel & Casino.
Get Started
Take the first step towards a rewarding career in hospitality. Don’t wait—request more information or enroll now to begin your journey at The International School of Hospitality. Our admissions team is here to help you every step of the way.