Celia Schulthess-Lota, Lead Coordinator, Housekeeping, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
She’s called the right arm and backbone of the Housekeeping Department. For 17 years, while serving under numerous Directors of Housekeeping, Celia has kept the operation flowing smoothly. Her expertise encompasses many critical areas: Tracking and maintaining inventories; scheduling and coordinating laundry activates; and, completing the daily board assignments for room attendants. She champions accountability for standards and policies and is kind, considerate and consistent with her staff. In 2007, her department was ranked No. 1 in hotel room cleanliness for the entire company. Although offered opportunities to apply for leadership positions, Celia chooses to remain where she feels she can best contribute to the success of her department and hotel. A two-time Annual Five Star Employee recipient, the highest award bestowed on an hourly employee, Celia exemplifies the gold standard of service.