Westward Look Engineering Director Named ‘Star of the Industry’

Tucson, Ariz. (Dec. 19, 2012) – Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa is proud to announce that Al Raso, director of engineering, has been honored by the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association with a Stars of the Industry Award as Manager of the Year at the organization’s annual ceremony in Scottsdale on Dec. 14. The Stars of the Industry program was created more than 40 years ago to recognize outstanding accomplishments in Arizona’s lodging industry and those who symbolize quality service.

Raso started at the resort in April of 1981 as an engineer, having relocated from Chicago. He was quickly promoted to assistant chief, then chief engineer, and became director of engineering in 1995. Over the last 31 years, Raso has grown with the changes within the industry as well as his profession.

“Al has been a change agent throughout the evolution of this resort, while ever embracing the future,” said David A. Yamada, general manager of Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa. “A self-motivated man fueled by passion, he inspires those around him. Some people working for three decades at one property might have the propensity to tread water, but Al has always forged ahead, welcoming change, innovation and more importantly, being a steadfast leader.”

Raso was joined by fellow Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa employees at the Stars of the Industry ceremony who were nominated in the other three Employee of the Year categories: Ghazwan Noah, banquet cook, Food & Beverage/Sales/Catering; Mercy O’Connor, accounts receivable, Guest Services; and John Somboretz, engineer, Housekeeping/Engineering.

Raso, a father of five daughters, enjoys diving, racing cars and sky diving. He loves to vacation anywhere with an ocean and beach, with a preference to the Caribbean. He worked on the tour bus for the Beach Boys and created an album cover for the Eagles. He enjoys photography and photographs many events at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa.

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