The distinguished award is named after Lawson A. Odde, the second executive vice president of AH&LA who was responsible for the modernization of membership expansion and financial operations. The Odde Award is given annually to a member of the AH&LA board of directors and is chosen by a vote of past Odde Award winners. The award recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to the lodging industry as well as maintain strong relationships between AH&LA and its member state associations. 

With nearly 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hewitt is most noted for his former positions at the Sheraton Corporation and Carnival Resorts & Casinos (then known as the Continental Companies), spaning a combined total of more than three decades. During his tenure at these recognizable companies, Hewitt held several executive-level management positions throughout the United States. 

“I am delighted that we’re honoring Tom with one of our most treasured awards,” said Bill Fisher, AH&LA president and CEO. “He has been a devoted and visionary force in the hospitality industry and has provided inspiration for future leaders coming through the ranks.” 

Hewitt is actively involved in a variety of civic organizations and currently serves as chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and dean of the President’s Academy as well as holding the position of immediate past chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Foundation. He is a member of the board of directors of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, the board of directors of Florida International University’s School of Hospitality, and a member of the board of trustees of Bryant College. 

Hewitt has been recognized with several other notable corporate and industry awards such as the Administration Honoris Causa by Johnson & Wales University and Sheraton’s three most esteemed awards - the ITT Ring of Quality, the Chairman’s Award, and the General Manager of the Year Award. 

AH&LA, founded in 1910, is a federation of state lodging associations throughout the United States with some 11,000 members worldwide, representing more than 1.4 million rooms. AH&LA provides operations, technical, educational, marketing, and communications services plus governmental affairs representation to the lodging industry.