Michelle Gomez has been appointed Executive Chef of Dream Inn Santa Cruz. Gomez’s culinary journey began at just seven years old, working alongside her father in his Mexican restaurant. Gomez worked with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where she contributed to pre-opening culinary operations. She is actively involved with Les Dames d’Escoffier, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting women in the professions of food, wine, and hospitality.

Andrew Buwalda had been named as the Vice President, Hospitality Operations within the Freed Hotels & Resorts hospitality portfolio. He has built a diverse career spanning operations, finance, and industry leadership. He has worked in Toronto and served as the vice president of finance & operations with the Hotel Association of Canada. He serves on the board of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association.

Michael Cairns is now Director of Food and Beverage for the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort in Temecula, California. Carter Hospitality Group made the announcement. Cairns brings more than 25 years of experience across luxury resorts, private clubs and destination dining venues. Most recently, he served as director of food and beverage at Maui Country Club in Paia, Hawaii.

Diane Tomb has been named President & CEO of the American Cement Association (ACA). Tomb joins ACA from ACG Advocacy, where she served as a partner and advised clients on trade, housing, federal investment, energy, and infrastructure policy. She was CEO of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) as well as President of the National Rental Home Council. Tomb led the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Monica Day has joined the Public Affairs Council as senior manager, political affairs practice. She will ensure members have access to timely political intelligence and campaign finance insights and support them across the full spectrum of political affairs, including compliance, PAC management and fundraising. She will also manage the National PAC Conference and most recently served as political affairs and grassroots specialist at the American Hospital Association.

Jimmy Malone is now the Marriott San Antonio Airport’s Director of Sales and Events. He brings more than 25 years of experience to the property and has worked for Hilton, Radisson, and Omni. A native Texan, Malone has spent the majority of his life in San Antonio and brings a deep understanding of the local market. In this role, he will oversee all sales and events operations.

John D. Russell, JD, has been named Executive Director of the American Association of Career Schools (AACS). Russell brings more than 17 years of association leadership and government relations experience. He worked at the American Society of Appraisers, where he built the organization’s internal government relations department and was the association’s longstanding representative to the Appraisal Foundation Advisory Council. He established his own consulting practice, ValuSight Consulting.