Four longtime members recognized for leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the hospitality industry
NEWH, Inc., The Global Hospitality Network, proudly announces the nominees for the 2026 NEWH Pinnacle Award, the organization’s highest honor. The award will be presented at the NEWH Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:15–9:30 a.m. at The Westin DC Downtown.
Recognizing exceptional dedication to both the hospitality industry and the NEWH community, the Pinnacle Award commemorates individuals who have demonstrated longstanding leadership, mentorship, and service to the organization. This year’s nominees, Stacy Elliston, Leigh Mitchell, Trisha Poole, and Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, represent decades of professional achievement and meaningful contributions to NEWH and the hospitality design community.
About the Nominees
Stacy Elliston, founder of Dallas-based HIVE Collaborative, launched the hospitality-focused studio in 2025 with a mission to approach projects collaboratively at every stage. With more than three decades of experience working with brands such as Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hyatt Hotels Corporation, MGM Resorts International, and Boyd Gaming, Elliston is known for her hands-on leadership style and passion for mentorship. Elliston began her Dallas chapter involvement starting in 1996 holding roles of Scholarship & Education (1996, 2000, 2003) followed by Public Relations Chair (1998), Executive VP (1999-2000), Fundraising (2002), Scholarship & Education (2003), and, VP Administration (2008-2012), VP Development (2011), President (2013), Past President (2014), Executive Advisor (2015). On the NEWH, Inc., Board, she served as NEWH, Inc., as Delegate (2011, 2012), and TopID Chair (2022-2025).
Leigh Mitchell, a multi-line representative for select manufacturers based in Northern California, has built a career centered on industry connection and collaboration. She played a key role in organizing the NEWH National Leadership Conferences held in San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, and Miami, and remains deeply involved in the community through events such as Wine by Design, the San Francisco chapter’s annual winery-focused fundraiser. Widely respected as a mentor, Mitchell has helped countless emerging designers secure internships and career opportunities. Mitchell’s NEWH involvement began with the San Francisco Bay Area chapter, where she served in Membership (2010) and rose through the ranks to VP Administration (2011), President (2012) and Past President (2013), followed by Executive Advisor (2014). On the NEWH, Inc., Board, Leigh served on the Delegate (2011) and VP of Conferences (2013-2016) and VP of Development (2017-2019).
Trisha Poole is the founder of Design Poole Inc., a hospitality design firm with offices in Longwood, Florida, and Toronto. Since founding the company in 2000, she has led projects including the Richmond Marriott Short Pump in Virginia and the forthcoming Beachmaker, an Autograph Collection resort in Madeira Beach, Florida. Before launching her firm, Poole served as design director at Fugleburg Koch Architects and Vice President of Design at The Gettys Group. The Orlando Business Journal also recognized her as one of its “40 Under 40.” Poole’s NEWH chapter journey spans Public Relations Chair and Publication Chair (1997-1998), VP of Administration (2005), President (2006-2008), Past President (2009-2010), Publications Chair, and Executive Advisor (2011). At the international level, she served on the NEWH Canada Inc., Board of Directors (2019). On the NEWH, Inc., Board as Directors as VP Development (2008), VP Marketing (2009-2012), President Elect (2013), President (2014-2017), and Past President (2018-2019), followed by Executive Advisor (2020-2023), Trisha is one of the most sustained executive tenures in the nominee group.
Stacy Shoemaker Rauen spent more than two decades at Hospitality Design Magazine, most recently as Editor-In-Chief, where she helped shape the industry’s dialogue through editorial coverage, events, and community programming. During her tenure, she launched a wide range of gatherings, from regional networking events to major conferences and trade shows, helping to connect professionals and highlight emerging trends and talent. Her NEWH chapter involvement with New York began with Programming (2011), VP Development (2012), VP Administration (2013), President (2014), and Past President (2015), followed by Executive Advisor (2016). On the NEWH, Inc., Board, she served as House of Delegates (2012-2013), then transitioned into a sustained media partnership role of NEWH Media Ambassador (2014-2024).
About the Pinnacle Award
The 2026 Pinnacle Award recipient will be announced during the NEWH Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 27, 2026, where members and industry leaders will gather to celebrate the organization’s ongoing mission of scholarship, mentorship, and professional development. To learn more, visit: https://newh.org/2026-leadership-conference/
About NEWH: NEWH is The Global Hospitality Network, connecting professionals across hospitality and adjacent industries through scholarships, education, leadership development, and industry programming. With chapters worldwide, NEWH creates clear pathways for career growth, meaningful relationships, and professional advancement. Learn more at https://newh.org/
About NEWH Leadership Conferences: NEWH Leadership Conferences bring together professionals across hospitality and adjacent industries for focused education and meaningful connection. Designed for students, emerging talent, established professionals, industry partners, and decision makers, the conferences prioritize practical learning and informed conversation.
The conference is held every two years and we allow Chapters and Regions to submit their application to be the host Chapter or Region for the NEWH Leadership Conference. Each Conference program features curated panels and interactive sessions addressing real industry challenges, from development and design to operations and leadership. Open to members and non-members, the conferences deliver relevant insight and peer-level engagement across the global hospitality community. Registration is open to members and non-members. To learn more, visit: https://newh.org/2026-leadership-conference/