PCH Hotels & Resorts Names Lee Weston 2026 Bucky Miller Award Recipient
MOBILE, Ala. — October 16, 2026 — PCH Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce Lee Weston, Hotel Grounds Manager at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, as the recipient of the 2026 Aura J. “Bucky” Miller Hospitality with Heart & Soul Award, the company's highest recognition for an associate who exemplifies exceptional hospitality and genuine care for guests and fellow associates.
The annual award honors the legacy of Aura J. “Bucky” Miller and his belief that great hospitality begins with a genuine love for people, a willingness to help others, a positive attitude, and a
commitment to treating everyone with kindness and respect.
Weston was selected as the companywide recipient from eight outstanding property-level winners across PCH Hotels & Resorts, each recognized for demonstrating the company's commitment to Hospitality with Heart & Soul.
As Hotel Grounds Manager at the historic Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Weston has dedicated more than 33 years of service to maintaining the beauty and character of one of Alabama's most celebrated resort destinations. Throughout her remarkable career, she has become an integral part of the Grand Hotel family, known not only for her dedication to the property but also for her compassion, generosity, and unwavering willingness to go above and beyond for others.
Her colleagues describe someone who never hesitates to lend a hand, whether helping an associate through a personal challenge, supporting a community initiative, or responding to unexpected circumstances at the resort.
Throughout her career, Weston has quietly supported fellow associates by providing meals, transportation, school supplies, and other assistance when needed. She has also contributed to charitable initiatives benefiting families and children in the surrounding community.
Her commitment extends to environmental stewardship and preserving the natural beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Through her work with native plants, pollinator habitats, and monarch
butterfly conservation, Weston has helped create opportunities for guests to connect with and learn about the region's unique environment.
“Lee represents everything this award was created to celebrate,” said Jim Buckalew, Chairman & CEO of PCH Hotels & Resorts. “Her commitment to the Grand Hotel goes far beyond the beauty of
our grounds. She cares deeply about the people who work here, the guests we serve, and the community around us. Her actions remind us that true hospitality is not simply what we do. It's
how we make people feel.”
PCH Hotels & Resorts congratulates Lee Weston on this distinguished recognition and celebrates the meaningful difference she continues to make in the lives of guests, associates, and the
community.
Celebrating Our 2026 Property-Level Winners
In addition to recognizing Weston as the companywide recipient, PCH Hotels & Resorts proudly celebrates seven other outstanding associates who were selected as winners at their respective properties and finalists for the 2026 Bucky Miller Award. Each has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to caring for others, creating memorable guest experiences, and making a positive difference within their workplace and community.
The 2026 property-level winners and companywide finalists are:
- Karyl Hanisch — Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
- Stephanie Karagas Koch — Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill
- Kim Koger — Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa
- Tyler Lloyd — The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
- Sabree Neymour — Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
- Trace Scalf — Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National
- Raymond Willis — Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center
Together with Weston, these exceptional associates represent the spirit of Hospitality with Heart & Soul. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to their colleagues and reflect the values that define PCH Hotels & Resorts.
PCH Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a premier hospitality management company committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences across its portfolio of luxury properties in Alabama. With a focus on service excellence and community engagement, PCH is dedicated to fostering a culture of hospitality that honors the legacy of industry leaders like Aura “Bucky” Miller.
About PCH Hotels & Resorts
For more information about PCH Hotels & Resorts, including career opportunities available, please visit www.pchresorts.com.
Media Contact: Mike Stover
Corporate Director of Talent & Culture
PCH Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
251-338-5621
mike.stover@pchresorts.com
