07/10/2024

Significant Change in OHLA History: Cindy Sams Retires as Director of Education, Workforce & Programs

OHLA’s Cindy Sams Retires

The first day of this month marked a significant change in the long history of OHLA, with retirement of Cindy Sams, our Director of Education, Workforce & Programs on June 30. Cindy enjoyed a splendid 18 years and 9 months as a key member of the team, and in that time spent each and every day dedicating herself to the members, the staff, the organization and the industry.

The true magnitude of the impact Cindy had cannot be easily discerned by those who have come into and gone out of the orbit of OHLA in that time. But those who have witnessed the organization’s growth, evolution and transformation during her service know that it could not have happened without her.

Having supported and nurtured three different OHLA executives, 14 OHLA Presidents, and countless members of the board and committees, Cindy left her mark on the organization in part by setting the standard for so many of us. Upon her hire, she was immediately recognized as a natural when it came to customer service and hospitality. She also dug into the tough task of redeveloping OHLA’s programs and events. The results over the coming years would be nothing short of spectacular. She helped establish the OHLA Annual Conference as the important cornerstone event that it is today. She set up regular processes and protocols for local meetings and awards events, and grew the events portfolio into becoming a profitable part of the enterprise.

Cindy loved working with the members of the team, and maintained those relationships over the years even when people would come and go through the normal cycle of an organization. That so many former employees, leaders, members and partners would often reengage so enthusiastically is a testament to her deep and genuine relationships. For many years, she was the “main point of entry” into OHLA.

Over time, Cindy’s role grew. She became Director of Operations, and ultimately Director of Education, Workforce & Programs. She was the force in establishing, maintaining and growing one of the strongest, most engaged and productive Women in Lodging programs in the nation. Our awards programs became more sophisticated and impactful. OHLA’s relationships with schools and education partners around the state flourished.

These successes were due in part to Cindy’s unique ability for detailed planning. She was always a good steward of the investment made in OHLA by members, partners and sponsors. She also infused her inherent creativity and artistic nature into her work, her space and her many responsibilities.

She gave as much of herself outside of the office as she did within it. She is proud to be an active supporter of the Greater Columbus Arts Council as a stalwart volunteer at the Columbus Arts Festival every year. She serves the community as a board member of Visit Grove City. Her desire to help students and those new to the industry helped our Education & Training Fund establish itself and help more individuals each year with scholarships and assistance.

During one of the organization’s most challenging periods ever, Cindy “took one for the team” when OHLA had to suspend Education programming during the COVID pandemic. Understanding the

reality and enormity of what we were facing, Cindy never complained and accepted her hiatus without complaint, ready to return as soon as we could resume normal operations.

This was truly reflective of Cindy’s nature – always working hard and putting the members and organization first. A generation of hotel professionals owe her much gratitude. We are proud of her, and we appreciate her love for her family, her husband Greg, her children and grandchildren. We thank them for letting us take so much of Cindy’s time for nearly 19 years.

Thank you, Cindy. Enjoy your much, much earned and deserved next part of your life.

Members and friends can still provide a note of congratulations and thanks to Cindy in care of the OHLA office. The organization will also host a celebration event for her, after a much-deserved vacation trip. Watch for more information, or if you would like to be involved, please email joe@ohla.org.