Kirk Drusch to be inducted into the Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame

8/23/2023

The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) has announced that Kirk Drusch will be honored as an inductee into the Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame. Mr. Drusch will be recognized during the WHLA Awards Luncheon on October 2 at Lambeau Field’s Johnsonville Tailgate Village.

“On behalf of the Drusch Family we are grateful to learn that our Father’s legacy in Hospitality will live on through this induction into the Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame,” said Brandon Drusch, Managing Director with Marcus Hotels and Resorts. “Kirk was instrumental in helping to shape the foundation of Hospitality in the State of Wisconsin. As an advocate for tourism, he founded the Brookfield CVB and supported countless legislative issues with WHLA. More importantly, Kirk was a mentor to many of the leaders representing our Wisconsin Hotel Community. Having managed the Embassy Suites Hotel Milwaukee West for 29 years, he had the privilege of leading many to a lifelong career in the service industry.”

“Kirk Drusch was a legendary leader in the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, as well as our Milwaukee Chapter, the Greater Milwaukee Hotel & Lodging Association, ” said Bill Elliott, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association. He continued, “Kirk inspired many of those working in lodging today to be industry leaders and to be active in our communities and our business associations. Our businesses and careers are better today because of Kirk’s hard work and dedication.”

The Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame recognizes industry leaders and pioneers who have contributed significantly to Wisconsin's lodging industry and the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association. Mr. Drusch will be one of three individuals inducted this year, joining Mr. Herbert Kohler from Kohler Co. and retired Fox Cities hotelier and WHLA leader Bob Dove.

Join WHLA in honoring the memory of Kirk Drusch at the WHLA Awards Luncheon - Live from Lambeau on Monday, October 2. Register online now, or show your support by sponsoring this event! For registration inquiries, contact Monica Goeke at [email protected]. For sponsorship, contact Ky Carlson at [email protected].

Share on LinkedIn

1 Comment

WHLA Comment Policy

We welcome and encourage your comments! Our goal is to foster thoughtful, respectful conversations about Wisconsin’s lodging industry. To maintain a productive space for discussion, we kindly ask that you follow these guidelines:

What’s Encouraged:

Relevant questions or insights related to the topic
Sharing of personal experiences or professional perspectives
Constructive feedback or polite disagreement

What’s Not Allowed:

Offensive, abusive, or defamatory language
Personal attacks or trolling behavior
Commercial promotions or spam
Comments unrelated to the topic

WHLA reserves the right to moderate, edit, or remove any comments that violate these guidelines. By posting, you agree to engage respectfully and responsibly.

Have a question or need a direct response? Contact us at [email protected].

Jane Klawitter

8/24/2023 08:20:27 am

Kirk and his wife became personal friends of my husband, Larry and me as the result of our association with Wisconsin Innkeepers. We were fledglings in the hospitality industry and Kirk guided us on many occasions. We spent many working and social hours together and they came to our Christmas party at the Mayville Inn. They were a pair to know and admire. My heart is full to rea of this well deserved recognition.

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

News Articles