Five-star leadership.

As the executive housekeeper at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Sarah Middlemas keeps the facility in tip-top condition, manages a team of nearly 100 associates and ensures the facility maintains a AA Five-Star designation.

Most impressive, though, is how she does it all with such humility and passion—for both the resort and her dedicated team. Her mission is to engage the team by creating a positive work environment with open lines of communication—from kicking off each morning with a team meeting to one-on-one mentoring of  her associates.

“It’s my top priority to empower my team by giving them the tools they need to flourish in their careers,” said Sarah, who helps her staff identify their career aspirations and then formulates a plan to help them achieve their goals.

This dedication to her team members and her guests earned Sarah the industry’s top honor as the AA Housekeeper of the Year in 2015.

“Awards such as this are important in helping the housekeeping sector grow and in recognizing the key role we play in overall guest experience,” she said, humbly crediting the accolade to her team.

Sarah recalled how excited and supportive her team was when she returned from her award ceremony in London. “They surprised me with a big celebration all decked out with a red carpet; it was wonderful. We all focus on supporting and lifting one another up, and I am proud to call my team family.”