The International Society of Hospitality Consultants has named Dana-Marisa Licsandru of Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Finance as the recipient of the 2026 Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. Licsandru was recognized during the ISHC Annual Conference, held Sept. 24-26 at the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in Rome, Italy. The award was presented by Sarah Churchill, an ISHC member and recipient of the 2023 Lori Raleigh Award.
As part of the honor, Licsandru receives a one-year associate membership to ISHC, offering opportunities for professional development, educational programming and networking with hospitality consultants from around the world.
Licsandru is an associate director in Alvarez & Marsal's Corporate Finance practice, advising hospitality owners, operators and investors on complex transactions and strategic opportunities throughout Europe. She has built extensive experience supporting clients across the hospitality sector, working on high-profile deals that require financial expertise, industry knowledge and a strong understanding of owner and investor priorities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Licsandru is committed to mentoring young professionals and supporting industry causes. She is active with Hospitality Beats Cancer, reflecting her dedication to advancing the hospitality industry and making a broader community impact.
“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,” Licsandru said in a statement. “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.”
“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,” ISHC CEO Andrea Belfanti said. “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.”
“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,” said Sarah Churchill, ISHC member, 2023 Lori Raleigh Award recipient and presenter of the 2026 award. “She has 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.”
The Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting was established in honor of Lori Raleigh, a longtime ISHC member and respected hospitality industry leader. The award recognizes an emerging hospitality consultant who demonstrates professional excellence, leadership and a commitment to advancing the hospitality industry.