THE WASHINGTON AREA CONCIERGE ASSOCIATION
ANNOUNCES THEIR 2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
It is with great honor that we introduce you to the 2020 Executive Committee of the Washington Area Concierge Association.
PRESIDENT
Mr. Shujaat Khan | Chef Concierge, Capitol Hilton Hotel
An international concierge leader, Mr. Khan’s life-long service to the concierge community is unequaled. His resume contains impressive posts including President of Les Clefs d’Or USA, Zone Director of the Americas, 22 years on the Board of Les Clefs d’Or USA’s Board of Directors, and current Chairperson of Strategic Partnerships for Les Clefs d’Or international.
Khan’s award winning service style earned him frequent accolades. He is a recipient of multiple professional awards, Shujaat was named the “Hospitality Star of the Year 2006,” from the Hotel Association of the District of Columbia. He has also won Two Silver Plume Awards conducted by where Magazine. Additionally, he has received Spirit of Pride award from the Hilton Hotel Corporation.
Mr. Khan has initiated many philanthropic endeavors to assist local, national and international charities. His selfless fundraising efforts have raised thousands of dollars to provide assistance to victims of disasters and Concierges in need, through Les Clefs d’Or’s Foundation of the Americas.
VICE PRESIDENT - TREASURER
Ms. Jennifer Kyle | Concierge, Trump International Hotel DC
Jennifer Kyle, Concierge at Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. was appointed Vice President and Treasurer on November 18th by current President, Shujaat Khan; prior to having served as the Treasurer.
She has worked at Trump International Hotel for over 2 years and continues to support the Concierge Association with passion and ideas for success in 2020.
SECRETARY
Mr. Brian Salley | Concierge, St. Regis Washington DC
With almost 6 years in the Hospitality and Concierge industry. Brian has enjoyed every moment collaborating and strengthening his skills with local business owners; and the surrounding DC community. Brian first started his concierge career path in 2014, when he served the Central Florida region employed for the Disney Company in Luxury Resorts.
Continuing his concierge journey, Brian had the opportunity to relocate up north to the DMV region and open the new MGM National Harbor in 2016. After a wonderful two years at MGM, Brian decided he wanted to fulfill his concierge intentions by relocating to the St. Regis in Washington D.C.
Brian has been a member of the Washington Area Concierge Association for 3 years and is now enjoying his role as he continues to develop and network with new concierge professionals.
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Mr. Michael High | Chef Concierge, InterConitental - The Wharf
Michael High is the Chef Concierge for the InterContinental the Wharf hotel.
He has lived here in Washington, D.C. for over 31 years. He is originally from Evanston; which is literally the first suburb north of Chicago and home to Northwestern University. Go Wild Cats!
Michael has also been a Concierge in Washington for 20+ years, and is a proud member of Les Clefs d'Or U.S.A. There is no better time to be in Washington than right now! The Hits just keep coming, and I am happy to be a part of it !
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Mr. Mesfin Asfaha | Concierge, Sofitel DC & Omni Shoreham
Mesfin Asfaha is Eritrean-American. He graduated with a B.A. of Business - from UMUC. He is Concierge at Sofitel DC & Omni Shoreham, as well as part of the Washington Area Concierge Association Board - Director of Membership. He is a huge Eagles, Sixers, Flyers & Phillies fanatic.
EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
Mrs. Azi Miri | Chef Concierge, The Mayflower Hotel
Mrs. Azi Miri is originally from Tehran, Iran but has been living in the DC area for over 40 years. Azi attended American University and Sheppard College where she received a degree in Business for Hospitality.
Helping people is her passion; in which she provides throughout her work, as well as in her spare time. Azi's first job in the hospitality industry was at The Fairfax Hotel, where she worked for 8 years. Over the last 39 years as a concierge, Azi has been awarded: Concierge, Employee, and Wacanan of the Year.
Azi has been the Chef Concierge at the Mayflower Hotel for 25 years. She is also a member of the Les Clefs d’Or USA and is active in the Washington Area Concierge Association board.
AFFILIATE BOARD MEMBER
Ms. Claire Seveno | Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, Le Pain Quotidien
Claire is a vision orientated leader skilled in Regional Sales & Marketing in the Mid-Atlantic for Le Pain Quotidien. Claire works hand in hand with the Director of Sales for the USA as well as field operations partners. Her responsibilities include building brand awareness across all new market segments, developing revenue-generating events and partnerships, and promoting catering and events.
Prior to joining Le Pain Quotidien, Claire was the Sales & Marketing Manager for Hard Rock Cafe in Washington DC concentrating all efforts in the Tour & Travel Market. She oversaw all the domestic and international travel programs within the DC Market and traveled domestically to represent Hard Rock Cafe International.
AFFILIATE BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Steven Soucoup | Account Manger, Big Bus Tours
Steven is a well-rounded Hospitality/Tourism professional with several years of experience in different industries. His past experience working for companies such as Big Bus Tours, Marriott Worldwide Vacations, and Charlie Palmers in Washington, D.C.
Steven has refined his ability to exude customer service and professionalism second to none. He has also worked in the Nation’s Capital, Hospitality/Tourism Industry, for several years now and is very passionate about providing amazing experiences to visitors of Washington D.C.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Ms. Beatris O'Connor | Events Manager, Rí Rá - Irish Pub Restauarnt
My name is Beatris O’Connor and I work with Ri Ra Companies. I have been with them for over a year and a half and look forward to many more years. With a senior marketing background and a love of the Hospitality industry, I believe I will be able to bring a new marketing platform to the WACA board and help to further grow this extraordinary organization
BOARD ADVISOR
Mr. Robert Watson | Chef Concierge, Willard InterContiental Hotel
Joining the Willard InterContinental Washington in February of 2006, Chef Concierge Robert Watson brings to the DC landmark hotel over 44 years of concierge service experience accrued from working in properties all over the world.
Prior to this, he has held Chef Concierge positions at the Grosvenor House Hotel, the Park Hyatt Carlton Tower, and the MayFair InterContinental Hotel in the United Kingdom.
Watson has also held this prestigious position at the Hotel InterContinental in Luxembourg, the Cape Sun Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa and the InterContinental Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg where he aided in the hotel’s opening. His duties during this time included creating hotel policy and procedure as well as the development of their training manual for all concierges, porters, doormen and drivers.
Currently the International Past President of Les Clefs d’Or, Robert has also held the positions of International Delegate for the Golden Keys of Great Britain and Treasurer of the Golden Keys of Great Britain in addition to being a member for over 39 years. He is also currently an active member of the Les Clefs d’Or, USA.
Now based in Washington DC with his wife Paula and son Brooks, Robert Watson offers each guest an in-depth knowledge of Washington DC with a professional and pleasant demeanor.
PAST PRESIDENT
Ms. Leslie Valtin| Lead Concierge, St. Regis Washington D.C.
Leslie started her career as a concierge at the Hyatt Regency Reston Virginia in 2001. It was at the Hyatt Regency where she met her first Les Clefs d’Or member and decided on career path as a professional concierge.
Leslie went on to work at both the Park Hyatt and the Grand Hyatt before joining the pre-opening team at the St . Regis hotel in 2008. She has been a member of the Washington Area Concierge Association since beginning her career.
As a WACA member, she joined the board serving as membership chair, director of operations, Vice President and President over the last 10 years.
Leslie had also been an active member of Les Clefs d’Or USA where she currently serves on the membership committee.