TripAdvisor announced the winners of its winners of its inaugural Exceptional Service Awards on Dec. 17 and a Kirkland employee is on the list.

The program is designed to recognize hospitality professionals who have gone above and beyond to deliver outstanding service.

After receiving more than 3,500 nominations in October 2014, TripAdvisor selected 40 winners across 21 countries worldwide and Maegan Cooper at Comfort Inn Kirkland was selected as one of the winners.

“Everyone who travels knows that the service you receive can elevate any trip to a memorable one,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “A recent TripAdvisor survey revealed that 67 percent of respondents didn’t think hospitality professionals receive sufficient recognition for their efforts. Through the Exceptional Service Awards, we’re trying to change that by acknowledging stars of the hospitality industry who made a difference by going the extra mile for their guests and clearly made a lasting impression on the TripAdvisor community.”

Winning hospitality professionals will receive a certificate and will be featured on TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor launched the awards first to U.S. and U.K. travelers asking them to nominate hospitality professionals who went above and beyond to deliver outstanding service in the past 12 months. After receiving more than 3,500 nominations in October 2014, TripAdvisor selected 40 winners across 21 countries worldwide.