Pinehurst's Porcha Overbey is named NCRLA Lodging Employee of the Year

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the voice of North Carolina’s restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, hosted its annual Stars of the Industry awards ceremony on Monday night.

One of those stars? Pinehurst Resort’s own Porcha Overbey.

Overbey, a Front Desk Supervisor at Pinehurst, was honored as the NCRLA’s Lodging Employee of the Year. While she has been at Pinehurst for just three years, Overbey has indelibly left her mark on the Resort, her colleagues and especially the guests in that time.

“Porcha’s infectious energy and positive attitude has made her a star amongst not just our team at the Front Office, but Pinehurst Resort as a whole,” says Vincent Ward, Pinehurst Resort’s director of the front office. “She has a true heart of hospitality, and we are incredibly proud that she has received this award.”

That pleasing personality is reflected in numerous positive comments from guest surveys. A U.S. Army veteran, where she was a mechanic, Overbey began at Pinehurst as a Housekeeping Coordinator and joined the front desk just two years ago.

That move to the front of house was perfect for someone like Overbey, who has found a consistent spark in engaging with guests.

“I love our guests. They are so excited to be here, and for me, it’s so fun to talk to them and to see their joy,” Overbey says. “It’s a lot different than when I was in housekeeping. There I was mostly just answering the phone. Now I’m up front and hearing the guests. They’re like, ‘I just played No. 2!’ And now I’m sharing in their Pinehurst experience. It just makes me want to learn more.”

Twenty-two recipients in 11 categories were recognized during the ceremony at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham. This year’s winners were selected based on their exemplary service, leadership, innovation and dedication to the restaurant and lodging industries.

“We are so proud to recognize the hardworking people in the hospitality industry,” said NCRLA President and CEO Lynn Minges. “This amazing group of men and women keep innovating and changing to help keep their businesses and our industry up and running.”