At Grand Pacific Resorts, we believe the experiences our Owners and Guests cherish most begin with the people who create them. Every smile at check-in, every perfectly prepared room, every thoughtful moment of service comes from team members who care deeply about what they do.
Each year, we come together to celebrate those individuals in a special way.
This year, we proudly honored our 2025 BE EPIC Champions at the 27th Annual Best of the Best Gala—an unforgettable evening dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary team members who bring our values to life across our resorts.
A Red Carpet Celebration for Our Champions
What started 27 years ago as a small dinner has grown into one of our most meaningful traditions. Today, the Best of the Best Gala is a true celebration—complete with a red carpet arrival designed to honor the incredible people who make Grand Pacific Resorts so special.
Champions travel from across our portfolio—from the beaches of Southern California to the mountains of Lake Tahoe and the shores of Kauai—to gather for this moment.
As they step onto the red carpet, they’re welcomed with cheers, applause, and the excitement of colleagues and leaders who know just how much their work matters. Cameras flash, smiles spread, and for a moment, the spotlight shines on the people who spend every day making others feel valued and cared for.
It’s our way of saying: you matter, your work matters, and we are grateful for everything you do.
This year’s celebration was also joined by HOA Board Members and valued partners from RCI and Fidelity National Timeshare, highlighting the importance of the evening and the lasting impact of our team members across the hospitality industry.
Our 2025 BE EPIC Champions
- Melissa Andrade (San Diego Country Estates) – Housekeeping
- Wen Balbuena (Indian Palms Vacation Club) – Laundry Attendant
- Ofelia Jimenez Torres (Vista Mirage Resort) – Room Attendant
- Rebecca Torres (Channel Island Shores) – Room Attendant
- Leonardo Rodriguez (San Clemente Cove) – Maintenance Tech
- Todd Burgess (Capistrano Surfside Inn) – Maintenance Tech
- Arnold Fontanilla (San Clemente Inn) – Maintenance Manager
- Jada Kelly (Southern California Beach Club) – Guest Service Agent
- Dulce Velazquez-Chavez (Hilton Grand Vacation Club at MarBrisa) – Room Attendant
- Tom Hoover (Grand Pacific Palisades) – Maintenance Tech
- Yolanda Vasquez (Carlsbad Seapointe Resort) – House Attendant
- Janelle Balajadia (Grand Pacific Vacation Services) – Inventory Specialist
- Arturo Pelayo (Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort) – Assistant Facilities Director
- John Owen (Wave Crest Resort) – Guest Service Agent
- Jose Salcedo (Coronado Beach Resort) – Maintenance Tech
- April Raymond (Hanalei Bay Resort) – Front Desk Supervisor
- Tom Cullen (Legacy Resorts) – Legacy Sales Associate
- Claudeen Obar (Makai Club Resort) – Housekeeping Supervisor
- Ignacia Rivas-Cruz (RiverPointe Napa Valley) – Room Attendant
- Michael Tracy (Canyon Rim at Eagle Crest) – Maintenance Supervisor
- Maria Tenorio (Club Tahoe Resort) – Room Attendant
- Maria Avila (Red Wolf Lodge at Olympic Valley) – Room Attendant
- Fanny Alarcon (Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge) – Housekeeping Supervisor
- Sam Benavidez (Tahoe Sands Resort) – Front Office Manager
- David Nichols (Olympic Village Inn) – Maintenance Technician
Special Recognitions
In addition to our Champions, we also celebrated individuals and teams whose leadership and impact continue to shape our organization.
BE EPIC Spirit Award Winners:
- Stacey Stanford – Technical Assurance and Training Manager
- Rosalie Shrock – Director of Administration & Association Governance
Legacy of Leadership Award:
Introduced this year, this award recognizes a leader whose career has left a lasting legacy at Grand Pacific Resorts.
- Randy Chapin – General Manager, Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Honored for 37 years of leadership, mentorship, and guidance that have helped shape many of the leaders across our company today.
General Managers of the Year:
- Niko Karapandzic – Red Wolf Lodge at Olympic Valley
- Dave Smith and Megan Conner – Hilton Grand Vacation Club at MarBrisa
Resort of the Year:
Watch the Celebration
The Best of the Best Gala is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of the people who make Grand Pacific Resorts what it is today.
From the excitement of the red carpet to the heartfelt recognition of our Champions, the evening was filled with moments that reminded us how special our team truly is.
Watch the full Best of the Best Gala livestream replay below.
Congratulations again to our 2025 BE EPIC Champions. Your dedication, passion, and commitment inspire us every day—and we are proud to celebrate you!
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