Boise’s Best: 2026 ROSE Awards Finalists Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Nollie Haws

(617) 780-6396
Nollie.Haws@Fahlgren.com

BOISE, Idaho (April 1, 2026) – Visit Boise announced the finalists for its Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards honoring exceptional employees in the local tourism and hospitality industry. The annual awards honor those who positively enhance visitor experiences with their enthusiasm and exemplary service. The public is invited to vote for their favorites through April 12. Winners will be announced April 27 at a ceremony from 6-9 p.m. at the Galaxy Event Center. Find supporting ROSE Award images here. 

“These hospitality employees and volunteers are on the front lines providing important, selfless service that creates positive visitor moments and connections,” said Carrie Hughes, executive director of Visit Boise. “The ROSE Awards are a valuable opportunity to celebrate the people who shape Boise’s reputation as a destination and leave a lasting impact.”

Tourism is Idaho’s third largest industry and generates $2.4 billion in direct travel spending in Southwest Idaho. The Boise Airport celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and air passenger traffic at the Boise Airport reached a new milestone in 2025, surpassing 5 million passengers. This is a 5% increase since 2024, with overall growth up nearly 76% over the past decade. Group and event business also continues to be strong, with Boise hosting 233 meetings, conventions, sports and special events last year.

Alongside public voting, a panel of judges selected special award winners prior to the event. The 2026 Spirit of Hospitality Award will be given to Rocci Johnson, owner of Humpin’ Hannah’s bar. In addition to managing and performing at one of Boise’s most iconic nightlife venues for over 30 years, she is also actively involved in many projects that add to the city’s vitality and livability. Rocci serves on numerous nonprofit boards, produces many local events and shows, and regularly lends her stage presence as an emcee for galas across the city. 

The Leadership and Learning Excellence Award will be presented to Sarah Smith, Creative Director at Block 22 Management Group. This award, in partnership with the Boise State University Resort & Hospitality program, recognizes a person who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to professional and personal growth within the hospitality industry. Sarah Interned as the Idaho Steelheads’ Marketing Manager and now oversees the creative strategy for Block 22’s premier portfolio, which includes the Steelheads, Idaho Central Arena, and other major hospitality and dining properties in Boise.

The public is invited to vote on the following category finalists:

Accommodations

• Ben Gordon – Valet/Front Desk, Hotel 43
• Bill Ottinger – Front Desk Agent, Hampton Inn & Suites Boise Spectrum
• Ronald Savany – Front Desk Agent, Springhill Suites Boise West / Eagle

Attractions

• Don Carmichael – Tour Guide, Boise Bicycle Tours
• Mariah Cornelius – Food & Beverage Frontline Supervisor, Bogus Basin
• Paige Thomas – Box Office Manager, Morrison Center

Bar/ Tasting Room

• Debbie Anderson – Tasting Room & Wine Education Associate, Proletariat Wine Co.
• CeCe Andrade – Wine Ambassador, Telaya Wine Co.
• Derek Lomen – Lead Bartender, Hotel Renegade

Behind the Scenes

• Brandon Locati – Operations Supervisor, Boise Centre
• Glenn McBurney – Maintenance Technician, ParkBOI
• Brittany Reynolds – Senior Sales Event Professional, Galaxy Event Center, Wahooz and Roaring Springs

Dining/ Caterers

• Tyler Cook – Director of Revelry and Maitre D, KIN / Ampersand / Art Haus
• Walker Ward – Bartender, Hemlock
• Zach Yunker – Server, Chandlers Fine Steaks and Prime Seafood

Manager of the Year

• Sara Chmiel – Chef, KIN
• Megan Jones – Visitor Services Director, Idaho Botanical Garden 
• Pattie Koskie – Wine Club Manager & CFO, Telaya Wine Co.

Retail

• Michael Lane – Wine Guide, House of Wine
• Gabrielle Marcantonio – Esthetician and Makeup Artist, Graeber & Company
• Grace Page – Gallery Director, Nelli Garibyan Idaho Art Gallery

Transportation

• Mary Magel – Charter Operator, Starline Connection
• Denise Nielsen – Motor Vehicle Operator, Boise State University
• Jeffrey Williams – Charter Operator, Starline Connection

Volunteer

• Martin Ackerman – Volunteer, SCORE 
• Kelly Byrne – Volunteer, Fit One Marathon
• Elaine Grossaint – Volunteer, Morrison Center and St. Luke’s Auxiliary

2026 ROSE Award Judges

2026 judges were selected prior to opening public voting. Winners are chosen based on total score, which is calculated using 70% judges’ scores and 30% public voting.

• Nick Aldinger, IBL Events
• Elizabeth Baggerly, Proletariat Wine Company
• Sean Briggs, Boise Airport
• Roger Brown, Boise State University
• Melissa Cleland, SWITA
• Beth Ineck, Boise Valley Economic Partnership
• Diane Norton, retired from Visit Idaho 
• Sophie Sestero, Lunation Communications

Sponsors

Outstanding Sponsors – Alaska Airlines, Albertsons, Boise Airport, Boise Centre, Intermountain Gas

Presenting Sponsor – Hotel Renegade

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About Visit Boise: Boise is a rare blend of accessible outdoors and eclectic urban offerings. This city, with a river running through it, boasts unlimited recreation, interesting and unique sites and attractions, and diverse cultural offerings. The mission of Visit Boise is to inspire people to explore Boise. Find out more at VisitBoise.com.