The Paul J. Sacco Hospitality Scholarship is named after Paul J. Sacco who served as President & CEO of the Massachusetts Lodging Association and MLA Education Foundation from 2007 to 2023.
Paul’s career began as an elevator operator at the Statler Hotel in Boston, now the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. He is a classic example of the opportunities that prevail in the hospitality industry. Throughout his notable career he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Belvedere Hotels Ltd., Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Vice President, Regional Director of Operations for Omni Hotels. Additionally, he served as Managing Director of the Omni Parker House in downtown Boston and the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. From 2002-2007, Paul served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) under Governors Swift, Romney and Patrick. Paul served on numerous industry boards and was a tireless advocate for the hospitality industry. He was known for his leadership and collaboration.
Scholarship Application Criteria
Eligibility
Open to any high school senior who resides in Massachusetts and is pursuing a career or enhancing their current career in the lodging or hospitality field.
Purpose of Scholarship
This scholarship is provided for one time use only. No continued scholarship support for the student is stated or implied. Applications should be submitted by the student annually, if appropriate. It will be issued to the chosen institution on behalf of the student.
Selection Criteria
a) Scholastic record
b) Employment record and extra-curricular activities
c) Desire for a career in the hotel or hospitality industry
d) Experience working at a hospitality establishment - summer job, internship, volunteer, etc.
Deadline
The application deadline is Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Scholarship recipient will be announced by May 14.
Questions, please contact:
Beth Stehlely
Massachusetts Lodging Association
[email protected]
Paul’s career began as an elevator operator at the Statler Hotel in Boston, now the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. He is a classic example of the opportunities that prevail in the hospitality industry. Throughout his notable career he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Belvedere Hotels Ltd., Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Vice President, Regional Director of Operations for Omni Hotels. Additionally, he served as Managing Director of the Omni Parker House in downtown Boston and the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. From 2002-2007, Paul served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) under Governors Swift, Romney and Patrick. Paul served on numerous industry boards and was a tireless advocate for the hospitality industry. He was known for his leadership and collaboration.
Scholarship Application Criteria
Eligibility
Open to any high school senior who resides in Massachusetts and is pursuing a career or enhancing their current career in the lodging or hospitality field.
Purpose of Scholarship
This scholarship is provided for one time use only. No continued scholarship support for the student is stated or implied. Applications should be submitted by the student annually, if appropriate. It will be issued to the chosen institution on behalf of the student.
Selection Criteria
a) Scholastic record
b) Employment record and extra-curricular activities
c) Desire for a career in the hotel or hospitality industry
d) Experience working at a hospitality establishment - summer job, internship, volunteer, etc.
Deadline
The application deadline is Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Scholarship recipient will be announced by May 14.
Questions, please contact:
Beth Stehlely
Massachusetts Lodging Association
[email protected]
