CHICAGO—July 2011—The Kendall College School of Hospitality Management announced that Associate Professor Sue Tinnish is serving as the Chair for the US delegation in the International Standards Organization (ISO). This specific ISO effort, called ISO 20121, will develop a sustainable management system standard for events. She was selected based on her experience in developing sustainable meetings policies and standards throughout the United States. In this role, Tinnish will represent the U.S. through the first quarter of 2012 when the standard, ISO 20121, is expected to be completed.
The ISO is the world’s largest non-governmental developer and publisher of international standards. Standards are developed in agreement among the 163 members, and must meet the needs of both business and society. Each country is allotted one vote, and Tinnish will vote on behalf of the United States.
“We are extremely proud of Sue for representing Kendall College and our country in shaping sustainable standards that will be integral to the 2012 Olympics as well as other similar events around the globe,” said Jeffrey Catrett, dean of the Kendall College School of Hospitality Management. “Sue’s role in shaping policies and standards on sustainability in the global events industry is truly a benefit to our students, who get to learn firsthand about current trends in the industry from a bonafide expert.”
While serving as delegate, Tinnish also pursued a Ph.D. in Organization Development from Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill. She was awarded her Ph.D. last month. Her dissertation work focused on the ISO standards development process. One aspect of her dissertation addressed the perceived barriers and enablers to industry adoption of ISO 20121. She plans to turn her dissertation research into scholarly articles for industry publication.
Tinnish’s 25-years of business experience span product launches, sales, sales management and operations. She served as the Founding Principal at SEAL Inc. and worked in financial services as Vice President for Citicorp and Wells Fargo Bank prior to joining Kendall. Additionally, Tinnish served as president of Meeting Professionals International (Past President- Chicago Chapter) and is part of the University of Chicago Women’s Business Group. As a certified ROI Professional, Tinnish has been inducted in the Chicago Chapter Hall of Fame. In addition, she has been awarded the MPI Presidents Award (2001-2002), MPI Chapter Manager of the Year (1999-2000) and MPI Committee of the Year (1999-2000). She was also named a featured speaker at the Green Meeting Industry Council’s (GMIC) Annual Sustainable Meetings Conference in February 2011.
About Kendall College:
Kendall College, founded in 1934, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Kendall offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education, foodservice management, and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 2500 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities that help give students in business, hospitality, and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. Kendall College, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. For more information, visit www.kendall.edu.
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