Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has announced the selection of four new members for the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame. The honorees—Norma Dean, Pat and Sherry Henry, Gerry Klaskala, and Cookie Smoak—will be recognized at the 26th annual ceremony on November 12 at The Foundry at Puritan Mill.
“Our new inductees have had a significant impact on not only our visitors, but also those who call Atlanta home,” said William Pate, president and CEO of ACVB. “We are proud to welcome these individuals into the 2025 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame and celebrate their lifetime achievements.”
Norma Dean recently retired as director of national specialty sales for Delta Air Lines after a 40-year career. She managed $2.5 billion in segmented and leisure revenue and held several leadership positions, including general manager roles in corporate sales and specialty sales. Dean was also co-executive sponsor for She Leads Global Sales and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion employee groups within Delta global sales.
Pat and Sherry Henry have led Dragon Con Inc. as president and vice president since co-founding the convention in 1987. They transformed Dragon Con from an initial concept into an event that now attracts more than 75,000 attendees to Atlanta annually. Pat has directed the overall vision while Sherry has overseen vendor relations and finances.
Gerry Klaskala is known for his role in shaping Atlanta’s culinary landscape as co-founder of Canoe and Aria. Before retiring this year, he served as chef and co-owner of Aria, which became a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Service. Klaskala spent over four decades in hospitality with experience at Hyatt Hotels Corporation and by opening several notable Atlanta restaurants.
Cookie Smoak was president of ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau from 2013 until her retirement in 2024. During her tenure, she expanded the bureau’s reach from one city to four cities, resulting in an economic impact approaching $425 million. Her career includes more than two decades with Delta Air Lines and serving as director of destination services at ACVB.
The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year Award to Georgia Aquarium, as well as the Volunteer of the Year Award to Patrick Lee, director of sales and marketing at Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead.
This year’s Hospitality Hall of Fame is supported by presenting sponsors AT&T, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Delta Air Lines, and The Coca-Cola Company. Tickets for individual seats or tables can be purchased through DiscoverAtlanta.com/HHOF.
