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Austin Shake and Scott H. Adams, two local hospitality professionals with extensive hospitality experience and strong Monterey County community connections, have been appointed to the Monterey County Hospitality Association Board of Directors.

"We are pleased to welcome both Austin and Scott to our Board of Directors," said Kristin Horton, Monterey County Hospitality Association Executive Director. " MCHA membership represents the full spectrum of our hospitality community from hotels and restaurants to tour operators, attractions, and family-owned businesses. The addition of Austin and Scott further strengthens representation from the golf and restaurant sectors, helping ensure a well-rounded and diverse Board of Directors. As MCHA celebrates more than 50 years as the voice of the local hospitality industry, we value the balance of historical perspective, experienced leadership, and fresh voices that continue to guide our organization and industry forward."

According to Austin Shake,"I am honored to join the MCHA Board at this time. With my experience and connections, I can help support an industry that plays such a vital role in Monterey County's economy and community. I look forward to working alongside hospitality leaders to strengthen collaboration, advocate for local businesses, and help ensure continued success for the people and organizations that make our region such a special destination."

Scott H. Adams, PGA, explains, "The hospitality industry touches so many aspects of life in Monterey County, from tourism and local jobs to community partnerships and workforce development. I am excited to serve on the Board and contribute to efforts that help our industry thrive while supporting the many employees and businesses that are part of it."

About Austin Shake

Austin Shake, a Monterey native and rising business hospitality professional, the son of Lisa and Chris Shake, officially joined his family's legacy of hospitality excellence in the Monterey Bay region in April 2025. Working alongside his father, the veteran restaurateur Chris Shake, Austin represents the next generation of leadership for the flagship restaurant, Old Fisherman's Grotto, a business that has helped define the local dining experience for 75 years.

Raised in the vibrant atmosphere of his family's landmark restaurants, including Old Fisherman's Grotto, The Fish Hopper in Monterey and Kona, and  The Grotto Fish Market, Austin absorbed the art of hospitality from a young age. After earning his degree in Business Management from the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management, Austin launched a successful career in residential real estate, working in some of Southern California's most competitive luxury markets. Austin brings with him not only strong business acumen and a passion for service, but also a deep appreciation for the traditions that shaped his upbringing. 

Austin works directly with his father, Chris Shake, who has spent his life building and expanding the family's hospitality footprint in Monterey and beyond.

All his life, Austin has been aware that Monterey County's hospitality industry plays an important role in the community and local economy. By serving on the Monterey County Hospitality Association Board, he will support initiatives that encourage industry growth, workforce opportunities, and continued collaboration throughout the region.

Scott H. Adams, PGA

Scott H. Adams, PGA, is a highly accomplished hospitality and golf industry professional with more than two decades of experience in club and resort operations. A PGA Golf Professional since 1999, Adams currently serves as the Head Professional at Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey Bay, where he oversees daily operations and helps deliver an exceptional guest experience at one of the region's premier golf destinations.

Throughout his distinguished career, Adams has held Head Professional positions at Corral de Tierra Country Club and Poppy Hills Golf Course, building a strong reputation for leadership, operational excellence, and team development. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with multiple honors, including PGA Golf Professional of the Year (2018) and Merchandiser of the Year (2019).

Adams has also played a key role in hosting prestigious national events, serving as the host professional for the 2018 USGA Girls' Junior National Championship and the Senior PGA Tour's PURE Insurance Championship from 2017 to 2019. These experiences reflect his expertise in tournament operations and his ability to deliver world-class events.

A passionate advocate for Monterey County's hospitality and tourism industry, Adams is committed to promoting the region as a premier destination. As a member of the Monterey County Hospitality Association Board, he focuses on fostering collaboration, supporting workforce development, and strengthening the local hospitality community.

Outside of work, Adams enjoys time on the golf course, engaging with the community, and appreciating the natural beauty of California's Central Coast.

Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA)

MCHA is the only trade organization that serves all facets of Monterey County's hospitality industry.  Since 1975, local hotels, inns, restaurants, visitor attractions, and hospitality-related businesses have worked together to ensure the prosperity of our industry, number two only to agriculture in Monterey County. They are proud to have a thriving industry that funnels tax dollars directly into our community where it matters most. MCHA works to protect the interests and serve as the voice of the hospitality industry throughout Monterey County, by maintaining strong partnerships with local government, elected officials, and community groups. They help to ensure the overall vitality of our industry by providing education programs for the Monterey County workforce, employee recognition and advocating for the nearly 28,000 employees that represent the hospitality industry.

For more information about the Board of Directors, go to https://mcha.net/about/#board

For more information about MCHA, go to https://www.mcha.net or MCHA, P.O. Box 223542, Carmel, CA 93922. (831) 626-8636. info@mcha.net.