Explore Seattle Southside Announces 2026 Hospitality Heroes Award Winners

Explore Seattle Southside proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Hospitality Heroes Awards, celebrating the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and heart make the region a warm and welcoming destination for visitors and residents alike.

Now in its annual tradition of recognizing excellence across the hospitality, tourism, arts, and community sectors, the Hospitality Heroes Awards shine a spotlight on the people who go above and beyond to elevate guest experiences and strengthen the Seattle Southside community. The 2026 Seattle Southside Hospitality Heroes Honorees include:

Katy Bevegni, Deputy Harbor Master, Des Moines Marina
With two decades of experience at the Des Moines Marina, Bevegni leads with professionalism, mentorship and care. Beginning her career at the harbor as a teenager, she now serves as deputy harbor master, cultivating a safe, supportive boating community.

Drew Dambreville, Chief Operating Officer, Seattle Seawolves Rugby Club
As COO of the Seattle Seawolves Rugby Club, Drew Dambreville has driven operational growth and enhanced fan engagement for the region’s Major League Rugby team. Under his leadership, the organization expanded youth clinics, strengthened nonprofit partnerships and transformed matchday experiences with fan zones, VIP cabanas, and interactive elements — demonstrating how sports can unite and energize a community.

Kirsten Cooper, Volunteer Coordinator, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
Cooper recruits, trains and manages the dedicated volunteers who keep the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden thriving. Her leadership creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors while strengthening partnerships between staff, volunteers, and the broader community. She also serves on the board of the SHARK Garden in Burien, extending her commitment to regional green spaces.

Taurean Davis, Retail Associate, The Museum of Flight
For more than a decade, Davis has elevated the visitor experience at The Museum of Flight. An active member of the museum’s Green Team, he champions sustainability initiatives and leads the store’s Toys for Tots campaign. His creativity and enthusiasm have enhanced special events and onboarding programs, leaving a lasting impact on guests and colleagues alike.

Barbra Harkness, Server, The Pancake Chef
A beloved fixture at The Pancake Chef since June 28, 1980, Barbra Harkness represents decades of heartfelt hospitality. A lifelong SeaTac-area resident, she returned immediately when the restaurant reopened after a brief closure, much to the delight of longtime regulars. Her warmth, reliability, and deep community roots make her a true local icon.

Ahmad Jawid Rosta, Room Attendant, Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Rosta is known throughout the hotel for his extraordinary versatility and teamwork. Beginning as a room attendant, he now assists across multiple departments, stepping in wherever needed — from housekeeping and engineering to front desk and accounting support.

Margaret McComb, Front Desk Volunteer, Highline Heritage Museum
For five years, McComb has been the welcoming face of the Highline Heritage Museum. In addition to managing the front desk and assisting with bookkeeping and events, she recently curated a new exhibit highlighting Miss Washington pageants.

Justin Taillon, Professor & Department Head, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Highline College
Taillon mentors emerging professionals while remaining active in the industry as associate editor of Anatolia, global president of Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals, and a collaborator with organizations including Starbucks and the Port of Seattle.

Explore Seattle Southside established the Hospitality Heroes Awards to celebrate the people behind the scenes who power the region’s tourism and hospitality industries. Honorees were formally recognized at a community celebration on February 24, 2026. To learn more about the Hospitality Heroes Awards and Explore Seattle Southside, visit: www.seattlesouthside.com/hospitality-heroes/

About Explore Seattle Southside
Explore Seattle Southside (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) has a bold vision to reimagine the way people travel. Established in 1999, Explore Seattle Southside is the destination marketing organization for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines and beyond. Also known as the curiously wonderful destination for exploring the Pacific Northwest, Explore Seattle Southside showcases the Seattle Southside region with pride and imagination as an ideal travel destination for leisure and business travelers to explore Western Washington and as an idyllic place for meeting and event planners to hold their events. Explore Seattle Southside is funded by a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment and was recognized three years in a row, 2023-2025—thanks to a commitment to empowering employees and an ambitious vision for the future—as one of Washington State’s Top 100 Best Workplaces. Learn more at www.seattlesouthside.com.