2025 Hospitality Heroes

Annual list of outstanding professionals named

In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, Experience Fayetteville, the city’s destination marketing organization, recognized hotel and restaurant workers and professionals from local attractions for outstanding work in welcoming visitors.

Experience Fayetteville Vice President of Destination Services Julie Pennington surprised 18 hospitality professionals with the honor of Hospitality Hero. In addition to individual awards, Terra Studios – celebrating its 50th anniversary – was named Attraction of the Year.

“Tourism is the second largest industry in Arkansas, and the hospitality you feel in Fayetteville is second to none,” Pennington said. “This award recognizes the professionals who make Fayetteville our Favoriteville by embodying the highest standards of hospitality every day.”

Justin West – Fayetteville Town Center
Micah Welsh – Terra Studios
Julie Sill – Feral Pig
Kim Sharpe – Citiscapes Magazine
Wade Ogle – Block Street Records
Emily Gentry – Mount Sequoyah Center
Elvis Moya – Razorback Athletics
Mike Wiederkehr – Fayetteville City Council
Kristin Rogers – City of Fayetteville
David Wright – Fayetteville Public Library
Carlye Dennis – Fayetteville Public Library
Trey Smith – TheatreSquared
Krista Garraway – Calle Restaurant
Danielle McGrath – Inn at Carnall Hall
Kelly Way – U of A Hospitality
Nick Johnston – U of A Hospitality
Lobat Siahmakoun – U of A Hospitality
Collin Brunner – U of A Alumni Relations
Terra Studios – Attraction of the Year