Executive of Hotel in Bethesda, Maryland Named Award of Excellence Honoree

BETHESDA, MD--(Marketwired - May 30, 2013) -  In recognizing her exceptional service and dedication to always making a positive impact on those around her, Shirley Nelson was recently presented with the prestigious J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence, an honor that comes after 30 years of attentive service at the prominent Bethesda Marriott.

Nelson, who after starting her career at the Bethesda, Maryland hotel as a commissary associate has risen to the title of Executive/Sales Administrative Assistant, commonly arrives at work two hours early so she can greet guests walking through the hotel lobby with a smile and take advantage of every opportunity to meet with them to find out their needs and how she can be of assistance.

Located near the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the hotel provides lodging and accommodations in Bethesda for many patients of the medical facility and Nelson makes it a point to connect with these guests in personal ways, often going above and beyond a simple morning "Hello." Last year, Nelson made a special connection with a NIH patient. During the guest's weekend stays at the hotel, she made it a point to take her out for lunch on Saturday or Sunday. When the guest returned from her treatments, she also made certain there was a small amenity of fruit and cheese waiting for her. Sadly, this guest passed away recently, and her family sent a note to the Bethesda hotel thanking the staff for their caring service and particularly acknowledging Nelson for her personal acts of kindness.

"She always has a smile and positive outlook on life and finds inspiration in the positive attitude of even her terminally ill guests," said Keith McNeil, general manager of the stylish hotel near Chevy Chase, Maryland.

"I really just love my job. I love all the ways I can help people!" said Nelson, who whether visiting with guests or chatting with housekeepers before they start their shifts focuses on making a positive impact on those around her.

And, after all of her morning hellos, Nelson begins her job of keeping the hotel's sales and executive offices running smoothly. During her 30-year career she has moved through the entire hotel, holding positions in purchasing, banquets and event management, serving in her current position for the past six years. Her vast experience and insight has her unofficially dubbed as the "go-to" person for getting the job done.

About the Bethesda Marriott
The Bethesda Marriott welcomes guests to the Washington, D.C. area with distinctive accommodations in a vibrant district filled with restaurants, art galleries and exceptional shopping. Conveniently located to provide guests with easy access to I-270 and 495, the hotel pampers guests with complimentary shuttle service to downtown Bethesda and other popular destinations including NIH, White Flint Mall and the Metro Red Line for continuous service to Washington, D.C. Offering a relaxed atmosphere, contemporary style and convenient services, the hotel features 18,500 square feet of state-of-the-art event space ideal for hosting inspirational business events or elegant social affairs.