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June 27, 2025

CFHLA Thanks Our Back of the House Sponsors

 

2025 Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards 

Congratulations to our 2025 Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality award winners! 

This week, we proudly recognized more than 112 outstanding hospitality professionals from 46 different CFHLA member lodging properties across the Central Florida region. 

A special thank you to Damien Hirsch, General Manager of JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa and his team for hosting this memorable evening of industry recognition.

 

Once again, congratulations to the following eight award winners who were honored this week, including our inaugural Executive of the Year. 

 

Distinguished Leader in Operations – Front of House
Aaron Gonzalez
Water Park Supervisor
Coco Key Hotel & Water Resort

 

Distinguished Leader in Culinary
Addnan Ibrahim
Banquet Chef
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

 

Distinguished Leader in Operations – Back of House
Jason Heidel
Assistant Director of Housekeeping
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

 

Distinguished Leader in Sales, Marketing & Revenue
Carolina Veitia
Destination Sales Executive
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

 

Distinguished Leader in Events & Meetings
Maria Paula Chau
Event Services Manager
Hilton Orlando

 

Distinguished Leader in Support Services/ Back Office
Salathia Richburg
Senior Assistant Director of Finance
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

 

Emerging Hospitality Leader
Jamie Bentley
Assistant Chief Engineer
Walt Disney World Swan Resort

 

Executive of the Year

August Decker
Golf General Manager
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

In addition, we are grateful for the support of the following Corporate Sponsors who helped make this recognition event a success!

Lastly, thank you to our Decor Partner and Stage Foliage Sponsor for their support too! 

CLICK HERE to see the entire Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards photo album.

 
 

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training

Thank you to all the attendees who joined us this week for the CFHLA Security and Safety Council's educational training on Verbal De-Escalation Strategies & Tactics, presented by Retired Cpl. Phillip Pollen and Gabriel Fernandez, Community Liaison with the Central Florida Behavioral Hospital. 

Together, we explored key objectives to keep our guests safe, including:

  • Recognizing common conflict triggers.
  • Applying core principles of verbal de-escalation.
  • Effective verbal strategies to resolve conflict.
  • Escalation traps and managing personal emotions.
  • Knowing when and how to escalate appropriately.

To learn more about other upcoming educational opportunities through CFHLA, please CLICK HERE

 

Partners In Action - Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Named Partner of the Year by Westside K-8 

Congratulations to Holiday Inn Club Vacations – Orange Lake Resort, on being recently honored by Westside K-8 as their 2024 Partner of the Year!

This award recognizes the resort’s outstanding support and sponsorship of various school events and initiatives throughout the year. Several representatives from the resort attended a special presentation and proudly accepted the award on behalf of the entire team. This recognition is also a meaningful testament to the ongoing commitment of Holiday Inn Club Vacations to give back to the communities where they live and work.

Thank you to everyone involved in building this impactful partnership - and congratulations on this well-deserved honor! We look forward to seeing continued community engagement in 2025 and beyond.

 
 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

JUNE MEMBERS OF THE MONTH

To nominate a future CFHLA Allied and/or Lodging Member of the Month, please CLICK HERE.

 

MEET THE VIP

Did You Know...  

Vermana is your premier partner in pool renovation and repair, dedicated to transforming tired, worn-out pools into stunning aquatic retreats. Specializing in water management, motor repair, and comprehensive pool services, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your hotel’s pool area or rejuvenate a residential oasis, our expert team is committed to delivering high-quality results that extend the life of your investment.

 

JOB OPENINGS

Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.

 

CONNECT WITH CFHLA

About CFHLA


6675 Westwood Blvd #210, Orlando, FL 32821

 

The mission of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service.

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