NEWH has named Deborah Herman as the recipient of the 2015 NEWH ICON of Industry award, which celebrates leaders in hospitality manufacturing who have made a mark with their innovative work, industry dedication, or outreach efforts, and have been doing business for more than 30 years.
“In addition to building a thriving business, Deborah has always dedicated her time to give back to the industry,” says Shelia Lohmiller, executive director of NEWH. “Her passionate work on behalf of NEWH and its many initiatives, in addition to her work with the Women’s Business Enterprises (WBENC), AH&LA, and within her community in South Florida all contribute to the ICON that she is. Deborah is the youngest industry member to receive the prestigious ICON award.”
Herman earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Brigham Young University before starting her career in 1982 as the national sales manager for Bedspreads of California. She founded Fabric Innovations 15 years later and has worked with clients including Westin, Aloft, Element, Virgin Hotels, and Delta Airlines.
“I am thrilled to receive this award,” says Herman. “It is such an honor to be recognized individually, not just as a company. Product awards are amazing but ICON is the only award that truly recognizes the individual from the supplier side. I entered the hospitality industry at 19 and have never looked back. It is a joy to wake up every day doing what I love: bringing the fabulous products that my amazingly creative clients have designed to life. I love this industry and consider hospitality friends part of my family.”
In 2006, Herman was awarded the South Florida Business Woman of the Year award and the 2006 NEWH Award of Excellence for her support of women in business and female-owned businesses. She also serves on the board of the Association of Starwood Franchisees & Owners and mentors and provides scholarships to students and professionals in the hospitality industry as an international ambassador with NEWH. Fabric Innovations also awards scholarships at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration.
