ISPA to Present Ella Kent with Dedicated Contributor Award
The International SPA Association (ISPA) will present Ella Kent with the 2020 ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award at the 30th annual ISPA Conference & Expo taking place October 14 – 16, 2020 at The Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, MD.
“Ella’s leadership and dedication to ISPA has provided a lasting impact not only for our association but our industry,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “Ella’s commitment to serve our industry exemplifies the meaning behind the ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award, making her the perfect recipient at our 30th anniversary celebration.”
Kent began her career in the spa and wellness industry as a personal trainer at The Broadmoor Hotel, a five-star resort where she was eventually named spa director in 2002. Her passion for the spa industry continued as she joined the team at Wynn Las Vegas, overseeing spa operations at both The Wynn and The Encore.
In 2014, Kent accepted the position as director of spa for The Spa at Sea Island, a Forbes Five-Star resort on the southeastern coast of Georgia. Kent continues her career at this property, currently serving as their director of rooms since 2018.
“Ella’s passion to uphold Sea Island’s standards and provide our guests with an unforgettable experience has made her a proven leader in our industry,” said Scott Steilen, President and CEO, Sea Island. “We are not only grateful that she is an integral part of the Sea Island organization, but also proud of her continued dedication to the ISPA community as a whole.”
Kent served two years as chairman of the ISPA Board and held a seat on the board of directors for six years. Additionally, she has and continues to serve on various task forces, including ISPA’s nominations committee which interview ISPA board of director candidates each year.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition. I’ll never forget my first ISPA Conference when I arrived as an isolated, lonely and inexperienced new spa director. By the time I left I had found my family,” said Ella Kent. “This wise, warm and diverse tribe helped me grow and flourish and find purpose. What a privilege to serve and continue to serve each of you in the years to come.”
The ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award is given to an active ISPA member who has contributed significantly to the growth of the association. The recipient will have demonstrated leadership and commitment to ISPA and has extensively assisted in the promotion of the association, as well as its mission and value.
Additional information on the 2020 ISPA Conference & Expo can be found on attendispa.com.