Sheraton Kona Executive: ‘A Woman Who Means Business’

JoAnn Lenhardt. Courtesy photo.

Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa has recognized JoAnn Lenhardt as the resort’s first-ever female executive to be a Women Who Mean Business honoree.

Lenhardt was recently recognized among 37 of Hawai‘i’s top industry women leaders at the 20th annual Pacific Business News award ceremony. Joining the team in early 2017, Lenhardt’s focus on operational excellence has transformed the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa, making 2017 the most financially successful year in the resorts history.

Overseeing all resort operations, in her yearlong tenure she has established a steadfast foundation for the hotel to flourish. One of the many notable projects include overseeing the $400,000 Rays on the Bay renovation. Lenhardt’s vision and leadership elevated Sheraton Kona’s premier dining restaurant to new levels of elegance and ambiance.

Additionally, while in between leadership transition, Lenhardt seamlessly stepped into the role of director of engineering for three months, director of human resources for two months and is currently acting general manager, in the interim while new leaders onboard. With the addition of Lenhardt to the management team, guest experience scores have increased by double digits, which reflect her vision to elevate the overall look and feel of the resort.

Lenhardt joined the Marriott family in Philadelphia in 2005. During her hotel career, she has held positions in the front office, sales and catering, food and beverage and operations. During her first 11 years, Lenhardt worked at eight Marriott properties in some of the most sought after cities, ranging from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco, to Washington, D.C., and now here in Kailua-Kona.

Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. Courtesy photo.