Thomas E. Neely, a veteran of Pennsylvania's hospitality industry and current CEO of Thomas E. Strauss Inc., was named the recipient of the Patrick Daugherty Leadership Award by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA). The honor was presented at PRLA's annual Spirit of Hospitality Awards Gala, held on Nov. 10 at the Lancaster Marriott.

The award recognizes a hospitality leader whose service has made a lasting and meaningful impact in strengthening the association and advancing the industry. Neely, who has worked in hospitality since 1987, was lauded for both his strategic leadership, dedication to hospitality education and his lifelong commitment to the values of service and stewardship. He has held many positions on the PRLA board and even served as president of PRLA in 2022.

A graduate of Penn State University's School of Hospitality Management, Neely has held leadership roles across hotels, resorts, restaurants and destinations. In 2021, he became CEO of Thomas E. Strauss Inc., the parent company of several of Lancaster County's hospitality brands, including AmishView Inn & Suites, Miller's Smorgasbord, Plain & Fancy Farm, Smokehouse BBQ & Brews, The Quilt Shop at Miller's, The Barn & Hearth Shop and Locally Made Food Shop.

He currently serves as chairperson of the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board, president of the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society and executive board member of PRLA.

For a complete list of finalists and winners, visit http://www.prla.org/awards.