Visit Lake Charles is pleased to announce the 2025 ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) and Legacy Award winners. Honorees were recognized at the fourth annual ROSE Awards on May 1 at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. 

“We are proud to honor this year’s ROSE and Legacy Award winners who bring the spirit of Southwest Louisiana to life through their dedication and service,” said Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “These individuals and organizations are the heart of our community and help ensure every visitor leaves with a memorable experience.” 

This year’s ROSE Awards honored eight hospitality professionals who go above and beyond delivering outstanding service to visitors and residents. Winners were nominated by colleagues and members of the public and selected by an impartial panel of judges. 

The 2025 ROSE Award recipients include: 

  • Outstanding Banquet/Catering Professional: Ryan Fogleman, Owner of Cajun Café Catering 
  • Outstanding Bartender: Melody Richard, Bartender at Que Pasa Taqueria 
  • Outstanding Culinary Professional/Chef: Colt Mire, Chef and General Manager at Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
  • Outstanding Culinary Service Professional: Demi Fontana, Assistant General Manager at Fat Pat’s Bar and Grill Lake Charles 
  • Outstanding Front Desk/Guest Service Professional: Deanna Young, Lead Night Audit at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sulphur - Lake Charles 
  • Outstanding Hotel Sales Professional: Karen Kober, Hotel Sales Manager at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles 
  • Outstanding Housekeeping Professional: Christina Collier, Housekeeping Manager at Hampton Inn by Hilton Sulphur 
  • Outstanding Transportation Professional: James Hollier, Skycap at Lake Charles Regional Airport 

Visit Lake Charles also presented Legacy Awards to community partners and leaders who have made significant contributions to tourism in the region. 

The 2025 Legacy Award recipients include: 

  • Hospitality Arts & Tourism Award: Calcasieu Theatrical Arts 
  • Public Service Award: John Ieyoub, Former District D Lake Charles City Councilman 
  • Tourism Lifetime Service Award: Stella Miller, Founding Executive Director of the Black Heritage Gallery 
  • Lasting Impression Award: Rebekah Hoffpauir, Head Chef/Owner of The Bekery 
  • Sports Partner of the Year Award: Aaron Castete, Director of Operations for the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators 
  • Tourism Champion: Larry Howard, LHSAA Marsh Madness Basketball 
  • Shelley Johnson Tourism Leadership Award: Sam Wilkinson, President and CEO of First Federal Bank of Louisiana 
  • Chair’s Cup Award: Bryan Beam, Former Calcasieu Parish Administrator

Visit Lake Charles launched the ROSE Awards in 2022 to spotlight hospitality professionals whose exceptional service leaves a lasting impression. The annual ceremony takes place in May, aligning with National Travel and Tourism Week, which highlights the economic and cultural value of the travel industry. 

Watch the videos celebrating this year’s honorees here and download headshots and award photos here. To learn more about the ROSE Awards, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/rose 

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About Visit Lake Charles  
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org.