In Arizona, hospitality is doing far more than filling hotel rooms and powering tourism dollars; it is also quietly reshaping who leads one of the city’s most influential industries. A new economic impact report from Oxford Economics, commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, underscores just how significant the sector has become, with hotel operations and visitor spending generating $7.2 billion in economic activity in Metro Phoenix alone, supporting more than 42,000 jobs, and contributing $1.1 billion in tax revenue across federal, state, and local levels. Yet behind those striking figures is another story gaining momentum: the rise of women into leadership roles across hospitality, from executive suites to property management and brand strategy. Programs like AHLA Foundation’s FORWARD initiative are helping accelerate that shift, building networks, cultivating talent, and creating pathways for more women to shape the future of an industry that is proving as transformative economically as it is culturally.
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“Women leaders in hospitality are breaking barriers and driving better business results. It’s a shift that’s increasingly visible in Phoenix as more women step into top roles across hotels and resorts,” says Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the AHLA. “Investing in women is a proven strategy for stronger performance and more competitive organizations.”
Across Arizona, that momentum is taking shape in ways both high-profile and deeply personal, reflected in the women guiding marquee resorts, directing operations behind the scenes, and redefining leadership at every rung of hospitality’s ladder.
Katy Powers
Since 2019, Katy Powers has led The Wigwam as area managing director, ushering one of Arizona’s most storied resort destinations into a dynamic new chapter of reinvention. A seasoned hospitality leader, Powers first joined the resort in 2013 as director of food and beverage, where she quickly drove significant growth in dining revenue and profitability. Her success propelled her promotion to resort manager in 2015, where she assumed full operational oversight of the property. After a brief tenure leading properties in Salt Lake City and Seattle, Powers returned to The Wigwam at a pivotal moment, helping lead the resort through a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation. Under her leadership, The Wigwam has earned Hotel of the Year recognition from Pyramid Global Hospitality in 2021, 2023 and 2025. Today, she oversees the continued evolution of the iconic 440-acre Litchfield Park resort, where nearly a century of history is seamlessly paired with contemporary luxury, further cementing its reputation for signature Southwestern style, acclaimed dining, championship golf, and expansive resort amenities.
Andra Karpel
Andra Karpel helps shape the public face of one of Arizona’s most iconic luxury resorts as director of marketing at the Arizona Biltmore. In this role, she oversees public relations, digital marketing, social media and brand positioning for the iconic LXR, Hilton Hotels & Resorts property, driving integrated efforts that elevate its position in the luxury travel landscape. Drawing on extensive experience, Karpel previously served as director of marketing at The Beverly Hilton. There, she played a key role in enhancing the hotel’s brand awareness and strengthening its overall brand positioning, particularly around globally recognized award season and red-carpet events, including the Golden Globes. Karpel now leads strategies that position the Arizona Biltmore at the forefront of luxury travel while honoring its storied legacy. Through thoughtful storytelling and innovative brand positioning, Karpel ensures the Arizona Biltmore remains both timeless and relevant, attracting new generations of travelers while preserving the glamour and prestige that have defined it for nearly a century.
Paige Lund
Paige Lund brings more than 30 years of hospitality leadership to her role as general manager of JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, where she recently guided one of Arizona’s most ambitious luxury resort reinventions. Raised in Minnesota, Lund discovered her passion for hospitality at 13 and later refined it at Northern Arizona University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Since beginning her career with Wyndham Hotels in 1993, she has held senior leadership roles at several premier Arizona properties. Under her stewardship, Desert Ridge completed a sweeping $80 million transformation, including redesigned guestrooms, new dining destinations, and the AquaRidge water complex, elevating the resort as a flagship of contemporary Arizona luxury.
Rosemary Taylor
Rosemary Taylor is shaping Arizona hospitality from the inside out as regional director of people and culture at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where she leads talent strategy, leadership development, and workplace culture for the state’s largest luxury resorts. With more than 33 years with the Fairmont brand, Taylor brings exceptional institutional knowledge to one of hospitality’s most critical leadership roles. She oversees recruitment, mentoring, retention, succession planning and employee engagement initiatives that support everyone from front-line staff to senior executives. Her work helps cultivate future leaders while sustaining the service culture that defines the Princess experience, reinforcing the resort’s reputation as a world-class destination and a place where hospitality careers thrive.
Amber Allen
Amber Allen is helping define the culinary identity of Hotel Valley Ho as food and beverage director, overseeing every aspect of dining at one of Scottsdale’s most iconic resorts. From signature restaurant ZuZu to banquet and poolside programming, Allen leads a complex portfolio that blends operational precision with creative innovation. With deep expertise in restaurant leadership, team development, and guest experience strategy, she has helped refine the property’s food and beverage offerings through refreshed menus, seasonal concepts, and elevated service enhancements. Her leadership ensures that dining remains central to the Valley Ho experience, strengthening the resort’s reputation for vibrant hospitality where memorable culinary moments are as distinctive as its landmark midcentury design.
April Tawney
April Tawney brings a strong track record of operational leadership and team development to her role at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, where she helps guide one of Arizona’s premier gaming and hospitality destinations. With a career rooted in service excellence and a passion for people, Tawney has built a reputation for fostering high-performing teams while maintaining a sharp focus on the guest experience. In her leadership role, she oversees key aspects of daily operations, ensuring consistency across departments while driving initiatives that support both employee engagement and business performance. Under her direction, Harrah’s Ak-Chin continues to deliver a dynamic blend of gaming, dining and entertainment, all anchored by a culture of service and collaboration. Tawney’s ability to align operational strategy with team empowerment reflects a modern approach to hospitality leadership, positioning the property for continued success in a competitive and evolving market.
