The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) announced that Dana-Marisa Licsandru of Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Finance will receive the 2026 Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. The Associate Director was recognized during the ISHC Annual Conference, which took place from September 24-26 at the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The award was handed to her by ISHC member Sarah Churchill, the 2023 recipient of the same honor.
Award Recognition and Benefits
As the winner, Licsandru receives a one-year associate membership to ISHC, granting access to events, education, and networking opportunities with global hospitality consultants. The Lori Raleigh Award, established in honor of a longtime ISHC member, recognizes emerging consultants demonstrating professional excellence, leadership, and commitment to the industry’s advancement.
Licsandru advises hospitality owners, operators, and investors across Europe on complex transactions and strategic opportunities. Her work at Alvarez & Marsal’s Corporate Finance practice involves high-profile engagements requiring financial expertise and industry knowledge tailored to client needs. She has built a reputation for combining technical skills with a deep understanding of the hospitality sector.
Professional and Community Contributions
Outside her professional role, Licsandru mentors young hospitality professionals and supports Hospitality Beats Cancer, a charitable initiative. Her dedication to giving back reflects her commitment to the industry’s growth beyond financial advisory.
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“I’m truly honored to receive the Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. It is particularly meaningful to be recognized by a community that brings together so many leaders from across the hospitality industry. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career to date, and particularly of what we have built with our Hospitality & Operating Real Estate M&A team at Alvarez & Marsal. I’ve been fortunate to have some exceptional people supporting me along the way, which makes this recognition even more special. I’m excited to be part of the ISHC community and look forward to building relationships across the network and continuing to contribute to an industry I’m very passionate about,” Licsandru said.
Industry Recognition and Impact
Andrea Belfanti, CEO of ISHC, praised Licsandru’s qualities, stating, “Dana represents the qualities this award was created to recognize: professional excellence, a commitment to continued growth, and a genuine investment in the hospitality industry and the people within it. Her work across complex transactions and her ability to build trust with clients and colleagues have established her as an emerging leader in hospitality consulting. We are thrilled to recognize Dana’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing the continued impact she will have on our industry.”
Sarah Churchill, the 2026 award presenter, highlighted Licsandru’s strengths: “Dana has truly distinguished herself as an emerging leader in hospitality consulting, leading complex transactions and advising owners, operators, and investors across Europe while helping grow Alvarez & Marsal’s hospitality practice. She’s built a stellar reputation as a ‘safe pair of hands’ on high-profile engagements, which speaks to the trust she has earned from clients and colleagues alike. Add to that her commitment to mentoring young professionals and giving back through Hospitality Beats Cancer, and it’s clear why Dana is so deserving of this recognition.”
