CHICAGO— Jerry Gibson, general manager of Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa in Hawaii, was recently awarded Hyatts 2002 Donald N. Pritzker Award of Excellence, General Manager of the Year. Gibson began his career at Hyatt in 1980 as an assistant banquet manager at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort. During his career, he has spent time at Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Hyatt Regency Monterey and opened the former Hyatt Regency Wikoloa and Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa. In addition, Gibson served as Hyatt Resorts Hawaii regional food and beverage director. In 1995 he was appointed to his first general manager position at the Hyatt on Capitol Square and was promoted to general manager of Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatts flagship city property, in 1997. Under Gibsons direction, the 600-room Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa was able to maintain steady occupancy rates with innovative marketing and leadership during the post 9/11 months and year, according to Hyatt.