Deidre Schwartz has been appointed international president of NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), effective 1 January 2026. She will serve a two-year term through 2027, succeeding Sandy Banks, who led the organisation during its landmark 40th anniversary year.
Schwartz brings more than 25 years of experience spanning hospitality design, senior living and luxury residential sectors. Her appointment follows a year serving as president-elect and vice president of events on the NEWH executive committee, where she worked alongside Banks to prepare for the leadership transition.
From Chicago roots to industry leadership
Schwartz’s career began in Chicago, where she established herself in luxury residential and senior living design before transitioning fully into hospitality. Her professional trajectory has encompassed leadership positions across development, sales, design management, marketing and merchandising.
Her tenure at American Hotel Register Company proved particularly formative. As director of design, she led the company’s design services division and oversaw projects for major brands including Marriott, Hilton and La Quinta. She also served as director of merchandising and director of FF&E development, gaining comprehensive insight into hospitality procurement.
Beyond corporate roles, Schwartz championed sustainability initiatives as a board director for Soap Aid USA, helping to expand the nonprofit’s Hotel to Hands programme – which recycles waste soap from hotels for distribution to communities in need – across North America.
Building NEWH’s presence in the Southwest
Now based in Prescott, Arizona, Schwartz has been instrumental in driving growth for NEWH’s Arizona and New Mexico chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter elevated its scholarship initiatives and strengthened connections with hospitality professionals across the region.
She also founded DS Contract Solutions, a consultancy representing a curated portfolio of hospitality brands and providing strategic support to hoteliers, developers and owners.
Leading a thriving organisation
Schwartz inherits an organisation at the peak of its influence. NEWH’s membership reached an all-time high of 7,937 members across 31 chapters and regional groups spanning five countries during Banks’s tenure. Cumulative scholarship funding is projected to surpass $10 million by the end of 2025, building on nearly $9.75 million already awarded to more than 3,200 students since the organisation’s founding in 1984.
Recent achievements include the 2024 Nashville Leadership Conference, the inaugural Structures of Hospitality Excellence Award recognising excellence in hospitality construction, and the launch of the Martha’s Mentors programme. In November 2025, NEWH awarded $80,000 in scholarships during events at Boutique Design New York.
“Deidre brings the experience, dedication and vision that NEWH thrives on,” said Chris Tucker, chief executive officer of NEWH, Inc. “Her leadership at both the chapter and international levels, along with her entrepreneurial insight, makes her well-suited to lead NEWH into its next chapter.”
Schwartz has signalled a focus on strengthening NEWH’s volunteer-led structure while expanding pathways for professional development and mentorship.
“I am honoured to take on the role of NEWH president,” Schwartz said. “I look forward to working with our chapters and leaders to create stronger pathways for growth, mentorship and empowerment within the hospitality industry.”
