Special to Iredell Free News

Marylee Magee, general manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites Mooresville/Lake Norman, has been recognized as one of Hilton’s 2023 CEO Light & Warmth Award winners.

The CEO Light & Warmth Award is the company’s highest honor celebrating Hilton team members around the world who bring Hilton’s values to life through their inspiring leadership and passion for providing exceptional hospitality.

Fifteen individuals and two teams from all Hilton-branded hotels were honored.

In 2023, more than 700 team members from Hilton’s global managed and franchise network were nominated by their colleagues. Finalists were selected by a committee of representatives from across the company, with the winners chosen by Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO.

“True to our founding purpose, our CEO Light & Warmth Award winners are making the world a better place through hospitality and inspiring everyone they meet,” Nassetta said. “These leaders – and all our nominees – are what makes our hospitality so special and our future so bright.”

Magee was recognized for leading with compassion in everything she does. She ensures each of her team members are well cared for in their personal and professional lives. Her natural ability to put others before herself has created an amazing workplace culture for her team.

The recognition comes with a significant prize package, including a one-time net award of $10,000 for each individual winner. The CEO Light & Warmth Award originally debuted in 2011. Since then, Hilton has recognized more than 100 recipients with the company’s highest honor.