The Massachusetts lodging industry gathered on February 26, 2015 at the Omni Parker House to honor individuals with outstanding records of contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry of Massachusetts.

In front of a group of over 100 industry professionals and distinguished guests, James M. Carmody, Mark C. Johnson, Mark S. Leibovitz, and James E. Rooney were inducted into the Massachusetts Lodging Association Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame awards honor individuals with outstanding records of contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry of Massachusetts. The awards are presented to three individuals – hotelier, industry partner and travel & tourism professional – who have demonstrated exceptionally high degrees of leadership, service and professionalism to the Massachusetts lodging and/or tourism community.

“Jim, Jim, Mark and Mark are true leaders in our industry,” said Paul J. Sacco, president and CEO, Massachusetts Lodging Association.”We are pleased to be able to recognize them for the contributions they have made to our state and the overall hospitality industry during their careers. They are an inspiration for all to follow.”

James M. Carmody received the MLA Hotelier Hall of Fame Award. Mr. Carmody is the Vice President and General Manager of the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center, where he has served since 2004. Mr. Carmody brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to the role. He is active in the local business and hospitality community and sits on the boards of the Massachusetts Lodging Association and the Greater Boston Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

(From Left): Paul J. Sacco, James M. Carmody(From Left): Paul J. Sacco, James M. Carmody

Mark C. Johnson & Mark S. Leibovitz received the MLA Industry Partner Hall of Fame Award. Until recently, Mark C. Johnson and Mark S. Leibovitz were owners of Royal Hospitality & Laundry Services catering to the hospitality industry. Since its inception in 2005, Royal Hospitality Services has quadrupled in size, and now provides laundry service to the 10 largest Hotels in Massachusetts along with 100 other Hospitality Customers throughout New England, making it an invaluable asset to the industry.

(From Left): Paul J. Sacco, Mark S. Leibovitz(From Left): Paul J. Sacco, Mark S. Leibovitz

Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, James E. Rooney, received the MLA Travel & Tourism Professional Hall of Fame Award. In this role he oversees the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the 1,350-space Boston Common Parking Garage, the MassMutual Center in Springfield, a combined convention center and 6,000-seat arena and the Boston Convention and Marketing Center (BCMC).

(From Left): James E. Rooney, Paul J. Sacco(From Left): James E. Rooney, Paul J. Sacco