Latest news with #DanHansen
The Independent
18-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Award-winning former AP photographer Jo Ann Steck is remembered for her wit and leadership
Award-winning photo journalist Jo Ann Steck — who broke barriers in male-dominated newsrooms by capturing some of the most notable moments in recent United States history — has died. She was 73. Steck died on July 11 after a yearslong battle with ovarian cancer, according to her former Associated Press colleague and longtime friend Dan Hansen. Steck's three-decade career spanning The Associated Press, The New York Times and the White House, took her all over the country and world — and thousands of miles away from where she was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She used her shrewd judgment and vision to lead teams of award-winning journalists to capture both profound joy and unspeakable tragedy alike, documenting natural disasters, the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, historic sporting events and more. But those who worked with Steck, often calling her 'Jodie,' remember her for her unique ability to lead. Steck worked for local outlets in Arizona, where she went to college at Arizona State University, before joining the AP in Los Angeles in 1980. Amy Sancetta remembers meeting Steck in 1987, when Steck led Sancetta and a small team of journalists to cover a plane crash in Detroit for the AP. Racing to the scene, Steck coordinated the team's efforts with walkie-talkies to swiftly deliver images of the heartbreaking event to the world. Despite the rush, Sancetta said, Steck never forgot to make each person feel valued. 'She saw a lot of really horrific stuff, but she found ways as a group to make us laugh and remind us of our humanity," Sancetta said. From then on, Steck became a mentor to Sancetta, who was still a relatively new employee and one of the very few women in the newsroom. Sancetta said her feelings towards Steck were not unique; Steck's bold humor, clear vision and unmistakable moxie made her a trailblazer for many young women breaking into the male-dominated field. 'As a young photographer, she found a way to make you feel like you belonged,' Sancetta said. 'She paved a path for an awful lot of us." Steck went on to work at The New York Times, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat and The Orange County Register, where she ushered in a new era of digital photography, before returning to the AP. To this day, her colleagues at the AP from that time recall admiringly how well she continued to cover the biggest events across the United States, such as the O.J. Simpson murder case and the Super Bowl. Later, Steck was the deputy director of photography at The Dallas Morning News, where she led a team of photographers who earned a Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography in 2004 for coverage of the invasion in Iraq. Cheryl Diaz Meyer, one of two photographers who took the photos that won the prize, said that Steck was exceptionally methodical and made sure that all photos were presented with nuance. 'You knew that once Jodie touched it, it was good,' Meyer said. Steck's work was recognized far beyond the newsroom. She served as the White House deputy director of photography under former President George W. Bush in his second term, from 2005 to 2009. 'She got to know everybody,' recalled Dan Hansen, a photographer who worked with Steck at both the AP and the White House. Hansen said Steck would remember the names of every single person she met, ranging from interns to White House cleaning staff to high-ranking members of Bush's administration. Hansen, who met Steck when the two were students at Arizona State University in 1976, said that Steck was like that the whole time he knew her. 'She would go into a room, and she would come out with five new friends,' he said. 'Because she was so funny, she was so charming — she just had that ability.' Steck retired in Port Orange, Florida, where she was a competitive pickleball player, according to an obituary provided by her family. She is survived by her partner, Susan Matthews, and her son. ___
Associated Press
18-07-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Award-winning former AP photographer Jo Ann Steck is remembered for her wit and leadership
Award-winning photo journalist Jo Ann Steck — who broke barriers in male-dominated newsrooms by capturing some of the most notable moments in recent United States history — has died. She was 73. Steck died on July 11 after a yearslong battle with ovarian cancer, according to her former Associated Press colleague and longtime friend Dan Hansen. Steck's three-decade career spanning The Associated Press, The New York Times and the White House, took her all over the country and world — and thousands of miles away from where she was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She used her shrewd judgment and vision to lead teams of award-winning journalists to capture both profound joy and unspeakable tragedy alike, documenting natural disasters, the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, historic sporting events and more. But those who worked with Steck, often calling her 'Jodie,' remember her for her unique ability to lead. Steck worked for local outlets in Arizona, where she went to college at Arizona State University, before joining the AP in Los Angeles in 1980. Amy Sancetta remembers meeting Steck in 1987, when Steck led Sancetta and a small team of journalists to cover a plane crash in Detroit for the AP. Racing to the scene, Steck coordinated the team's efforts with walkie-talkies to swiftly deliver images of the heartbreaking event to the world. Despite the rush, Sancetta said, Steck never forgot to make each person feel valued. 'She saw a lot of really horrific stuff, but she found ways as a group to make us laugh and remind us of our humanity,' Sancetta said. From then on, Steck became a mentor to Sancetta, who was still a relatively new employee and one of the very few women in the newsroom. Sancetta said her feelings towards Steck were not unique; Steck's bold humor, clear vision and unmistakable moxie made her a trailblazer for many young women breaking into the male-dominated field. 'As a young photographer, she found a way to make you feel like you belonged,' Sancetta said. 'She paved a path for an awful lot of us.' Steck went on to work at The New York Times, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat and The Orange County Register, where she ushered in a new era of digital photography, before returning to the AP. To this day, her colleagues at the AP from that time recall admiringly how well she continued to cover the biggest events across the United States, such as the O.J. Simpson murder case and the Super Bowl. Later, Steck was the deputy director of photography at The Dallas Morning News, where she led a team of photographers who earned a Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography in 2004 for coverage of the invasion in Iraq. Cheryl Diaz Meyer, one of two photographers who took the photos that won the prize, said that Steck was exceptionally methodical and made sure that all photos were presented with nuance. 'You knew that once Jodie touched it, it was good,' Meyer said. Steck's work was recognized far beyond the newsroom. She served as the White House deputy director of photography under former President George W. Bush in his second term, from 2005 to 2009. 'She got to know everybody,' recalled Dan Hansen, a photographer who worked with Steck at both the AP and the White House. Hansen said Steck would remember the names of every single person she met, ranging from interns to White House cleaning staff to high-ranking members of Bush's administration. Hansen, who met Steck when the two were students at Arizona State University in 1976, said that Steck was like that the whole time he knew her. 'She would go into a room, and she would come out with five new friends,' he said. 'Because she was so funny, she was so charming — she just had that ability.' Steck retired in Port Orange, Florida, where she was a competitive pickleball player, according to an obituary provided by her family. She is survived by her partner, Susan Matthews, and her son. ___ Riddle reported from Montgomery, Alabama. Riddle is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Travel Weekly
25-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Developer of proposed NYC casino chooses Hyatt as hotel partner
The Avenir, a mixed-use casino complex proposed for the West Side of Manhattan, will have a 1,000-room hotel affiliated with Hyatt if the developer wins approval. The luxury hotel would be called The Avenir and be part of the Destination by Hyatt collection of independent hotels and the World of Hyatt loyalty program. Developer Silverstein Properties envisions that the proposed complex would drive increased convention business to the nearby Javits Center. "New York City is competing globally for exhibitions, conventions and meetings," said Tal Kerret, president of Silverstein Properties. "We've assembled an extraordinary team of food and beverage partners, and now a leading hotel brand that will help support and add to New York's vital tourism and convention industries." Plans call for full-service restaurants and a food hall showcasing local eateries. Hyatt head of Americas development Dan Hansen said the hotel would be a "significant milestone in our strategic expansion in key travel destinations." Eight developers remain in the bidding for the West Side casino project after Related Companies, Oxford Properties and Wynn Resorts pulled out.
Travel Daily News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Hyatt announces Unscripted by Hyatt, a new upscale Collection brand
Hyatt launches Unscripted by Hyatt, expands Essentials, Lifestyle, and Luxury portfolios, adding global properties, branded residences, and adaptive reuse opportunities. CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced Unscripted by Hyatt, the newest brand in its growing Essentials portfolio. Designed for travelers who value the essentials and prefer spontaneity over structure, Unscripted by Hyatt hotels will bring to life a flexible, collection-style approach where each property reflects its own identity and local flavor yet remains unmistakably Hyatt in quality and care. Positioned in the upscale segment, the Unscripted by Hyatt brand fills a key white space in Hyatt's portfolio and is designed to unlock growth through adaptive reuse and conversion-friendly opportunities. With over 40 hotels globally in active discussions to join the brand, the Unscripted by Hyatt brand offers independent properties and small portfolios a light-touch operating model and flexible brand standards – empowering owners to maintain their unique identity and positioning while benefiting from Hyatt's global scale, including the award-winning World of Hyatt loyalty program, now more than 56 million members strong. 'The Unscripted by Hyatt brand gives owners a flexible path to join the Hyatt system while still delivering the high-quality, dependable experience guests expect from Hyatt,' said Dan Hansen, Head of Americas Development, Hyatt. 'By joining the growing World of Hyatt loyalty program, owners benefit from our powerful network where an innovative new brand like Unscripted by Hyatt widens our guest and customer reach and strengthens the value of the whole Hyatt system.' Hyatt's focus on its Essentials portfolio is part of its insights-led evolution to deepen and enrich experiences for guests and owners within five distinct brand portfolios. As Hyatt scales its select service offerings within its Essentials portfolio, it is simultaneously expanding its Lifestyle and Luxury portfolios to grow in more markets, with more members, for more stay occasions. Hyatt 's Lifestyle portfolio grows room count by more than 11% as of the end of first quarter 2025 compared to the same period last year Hyatt's Lifestyle portfolio continues to set the standard for immersive, design-driven hospitality. Known for bold design, vibrant dining, and unique cultural programming, the Lifestyle portfolio added more than 30 new properties and 3,500 rooms between the first quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025, including exciting openings and the acquisition of Standard International's brands. The Standard, The StandardX and Bunkhouse Hotels are generating strong demand from guests, group customers, and owners alike as Hyatt increases its lifestyle offerings. Additionally, World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points at most The Standard and The StandardX hotels, including locations like New York, Ibiza, London, and Bangkok – bringing even more global lifestyle experiences into the program. The recent formation of Hyatt's Lifestyle Group, led by Amar Lalvani, President & Creative Director, is focused on enhancing Hyatt's leading position in the lifestyle segment. The Lifestyle portfolio has a number of exciting openings ahead, with Andaz Nagoya recently signed and coming at a to-be-announced date, as well as the following hotels set to open through 2026: Thompson Miami Beach (expected to open in Q3 2025) is located just steps from the beach and the famed Lincoln Road shopping scene. With 147 stylish rooms, Thompson Miami Beach will offer a chic interior and suites by internationally acclaimed designer Gulla Jónsdóttir. (expected to open in Q3 2025) is located just steps from the beach and the famed Lincoln Road shopping scene. With 147 stylish rooms, Thompson Miami Beach will offer a chic interior and suites by internationally acclaimed designer Gulla Jónsdóttir. Thompson Shanghai Expo (expected to open in November 2025) will debut the Thompson brand in Asia Pacific and is inspired by Shanghai's industrial legacy and cosmopolitan energy. This urban retreat will celebrate contemporary design, curated art, and innovative gastronomy – a true reflection of the city's vibrant spirit. (expected to open in November 2025) will debut the Thompson brand in Asia Pacific and is inspired by Shanghai's industrial legacy and cosmopolitan energy. This urban retreat will celebrate contemporary design, curated art, and innovative gastronomy – a true reflection of the city's vibrant spirit. Andaz Lisbon (expected to open in Q4 2025), located in the Baixa district, will span five buildings – including the former Banco Português de Investimento – with 232 rooms, a rooftop, and bold design rooted in local culture. (expected to open in Q4 2025), located in the Baixa district, will span five buildings – including the former Banco Português de Investimento – with 232 rooms, a rooftop, and bold design rooted in local culture. Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay (expected to open in early 2026) will mark the first Hyatt hotel on the islands of Turks & Caicos and the first Andaz hotel in the Caribbean. The 5.5+ acre resort will offer three restaurants and bars, a spa, kids club, an indoor fitness center and recreational water sports. (expected to open in early 2026) will mark the first hotel on the islands of Turks & Caicos and the first Andaz hotel in the Caribbean. The 5.5+ acre resort will offer three restaurants and bars, a spa, kids club, an indoor fitness center and recreational water sports. Andaz Gold Coast (expected to open in 2026) will be the first Andaz hotel in Australia. Part of the world-class integrated development on Broadbeach Island, Queensland, the property will offer easy access to sandy beaches, rainforests, and a myriad of dining and entertainment options. (expected to open in 2026) will be the first Andaz hotel in Australia. Part of the world-class integrated development on Broadbeach Island, Queensland, the property will offer easy access to sandy beaches, rainforests, and a myriad of dining and entertainment options. The Standard, Lisbon (expected to open in 2026) will open in the former Santa Clara Palace with 197 rooms, rooftop views, dining venues, and 32 branded residences, blending heritage, design, and prime city location. (expected to open in 2026) will open in the former Santa Clara Palace with 197 rooms, rooftop views, dining venues, and 32 branded residences, blending heritage, design, and prime city location. Thompson Seville (expected to open in 2026) will debut in Spain's fourth-largest city, channeling its vibrant creative energy. Its 101 rooms, rooftop pool, dining, and co-working spaces will be set within a culturally rich location. (expected to open in 2026) will debut in Spain's fourth-largest city, channeling its vibrant creative energy. Its 101 rooms, rooftop pool, dining, and co-working spaces will be set within a culturally rich location. Andaz Shanghai ITC (expected to open in Q1 2026) will be situated in Xujiahui in Central Shanghai, offering global travelers inspiring and unique experiences in the vibrant city of Shanghai through the brand's distinct expressions of local culture and focus on elevated sensory experiences. (expected to open in Q1 2026) will be situated in Xujiahui in Central Shanghai, offering global travelers inspiring and unique experiences in the vibrant city of Shanghai through the brand's distinct expressions of local culture and focus on elevated sensory experiences. The Standard, Mexico City (expected to open in 2026) is anticipated to open in time for one of soccer's biggest events, and will be set in Tabacalera, a historic neighborhood undergoing significant transformation due to its distinct art, culture and gastronomy. Luxury offerings continue strong momentum driven by demand for experiences and branded residences Hyatt's growing Luxury portfolio invites guests to experience a curated assortment of brands that span cultural immersion, transformational wellbeing, residential modern elegance, and more. With brands like Park Hyatt which combines sophistication with understated luxury, the culturally rich and environmentally conscious Alila, and the compilation of independent, one-of-a-kind luxury hotels in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Hyatt's Luxury portfolio continues to see strong, sustained demand from guests and owners alike. At the end of the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the number of rooms in the Luxury portfolio has grown by more than 5%. This momentum continues with upcoming and exciting planned openings for the portfolio through 2026 including: Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol Hotel & Residences (expected to open in summer 2025) will introduce the Park Hyatt brand to Mexico with a 59,000-square-foot wellness complex and 163 guestrooms and suites across two miles of coastline in the exclusive Cabo del Sol enclave. (expected to open in summer 2025) will introduce the Park brand to Mexico with a 59,000-square-foot wellness complex and 163 guestrooms and suites across two miles of coastline in the exclusive Cabo del Sol enclave. Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (expected to open in August 2025) will occupy the top floors of Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, and be the first Park Hyatt property in Malaysia, overlooking Stadium Merdeka, Malaysia's national treasure and a UNESCO heritage site. (expected to open in August 2025) will occupy the top floors of Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, and be the first Park property in Malaysia, overlooking Stadium Merdeka, Malaysia's national treasure and a UNESCO heritage site. Alila Mayakoba (expected to resume operations in 2025 after rebranding from Andaz Mayakoba) will mark the debut of the Alila brand in Latin America and the Caribbean, offering a wellbeing sanctuary with a collection of 118 guestrooms and 64 suites and Spa Alila offering holistic wellness experiences deeply connected to local culture and sustainability. (expected to resume operations in 2025 after rebranding from Andaz Mayakoba) will mark the debut of the Alila brand in Latin America and the Caribbean, offering a wellbeing sanctuary with a collection of 118 guestrooms and 64 suites and Spa Alila offering holistic wellness experiences deeply connected to local culture and sustainability. Park Hyatt Johannesburg (expected to open in Q3 2025) will offer 31 rooms of pure understated luxury, serving as a refined retreat in the vibrant Rosebank district – a cultural and commercial hub in the heart of the city. (expected to open in Q3 2025) will offer 31 rooms of pure understated luxury, serving as a refined retreat in the vibrant Rosebank district – a cultural and commercial hub in the heart of the city. Miraval The Red Sea (expected to open in Q4 2025), the Miraval brand's first resort outside the U.S. and designed around immersive, personalized wellness programming, will open on Shura Island with 180 rooms and suites. (expected to open in Q4 2025), the Miraval brand's first resort outside the U.S. and designed around immersive, personalized wellness programming, will open on Shura Island with 180 rooms and suites. The Barai (part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt ) (expected to open in July 2026) will debut The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Thailand. Set in the coastal city of Hua Hin, the resort will embody elevated wellness experiences where architecture meets the elements of nature, wind, water, fire and earth, inspired by Khmer spiritual design. (part of The Unbound Collection by ) (expected to open in July 2026) will debut The Unbound Collection by in Thailand. Set in the coastal city of Hua Hin, the resort will embody elevated wellness experiences where architecture meets the elements of nature, wind, water, fire and earth, inspired by Khmer spiritual design. Park Hyatt Mexico City Hotel & Residences (expected to open in 2026) will feature 155 guestrooms and will be located on the upscale Campos Elíseos Street overlooking Mexico City's iconic Chapultepec Park. (expected to open in 2026) will feature 155 guestrooms and will be located on the upscale Campos Elíseos Street overlooking Mexico City's iconic Chapultepec Park. Park Hyatt Cancun (expected to open in 2026) will offer beachfront access, immersive and rare culinary, bar and lounge experiences, and world-renowned architecture and design. As an extension of Hyatt's luxury growth, Hyatt is also seeing increasing demand for its branded residences – one of the fastest growing segments of luxury real estate globally. Hyatt's growing branded residential portfolio includes brands like Park Hyatt, Thompson Hotels, Andaz, The Standard, Miraval, and more. 'Born from Hyatt's luxury expertise, Hyatt's branded residential portfolio offers extraordinary living experiences with Hyatt's globally renowned brands in the world's most desirable destinations,' said Tina Necrason, Global Head of Branded Residential, Hyatt. 'Each residence reflects the brand's unique identity – reimagined for private ownership where hotel-inspired living meets every-day needs and desires.' With more than 50 branded residential projects open or in its pipeline around the world, Hyatt's rich legacy in luxury enables the company to redefine residential living excellence. Upcoming openings include Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol Hotel & Residences, plans for five Thompson Hotels Residences to debut in Mexico in locations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City, along with the recently opened The Standard Residences in Lisbon and other upcoming openings in Miami and Asia.
Travel Weekly
30-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Hyatt is using Unscripted brand for a new hotel collection
Hyatt Hotels Corp. revealed that Unscripted by Hyatt will be a collection brand for upscale independent hotels. Unscripted was one of the brands Hyatt obtained when it acquired Dream Hotel Group in February 2023. Hyatt is targeting independent properties and small hotel portfolios seeking to join a major hospitality system. Hyatt says Unscripted will have "a light-touch operating model and flexible brand standards." Unscripted will focus on conversions and adaptive reuse projects. Hyatt says it is in discussions with 40 hotels to join the collection. Hotels will be in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. "The Unscripted by Hyatt brand gives owners a flexible path to join the Hyatt system while still delivering the high-quality, dependable experience guests expect from Hyatt," said Dan Hansen, Hyatt's head of Americas development. Unscripted by Hyatt will be part of Hyatt's Essentials portfolio. Hyatt revamped its brand organization, grouping its flags into Luxury, Lifestyle, Inclusive, Classics and Essentials categories, earlier this year. Hyatt's Essentials category comprises select-service brands like Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select and UrCove.
