TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the installation of its 2024 Board of Directors Executive Committee, which includes veteran industry leaders with nearly 250 years of combined experience in hospitality. As Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality trade association, FRLA has provided unmatched service to the industry and its members for over 75 years. The mission of FRLA is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s hospitality industry – a $112 billion industry with more than 1.3 million employees.
FRLA’s 2024 Board of Directors Executive Committee is comprised of the following:
- Chairman: John Horne, Owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bars, Bradenton, and Café L’Europe, Sarasota
- Vice Chairman: Nick Sarra, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Saltwater Restaurants, Inc., Florida Panhandle
- Secretary/Treasurer and Lodging Director: Greg Cook, Luxury General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
- Lodging Director: Barbara Bowden, Area Managing Director for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando
- Restaurant Director: Henry Delgado, Managing Partner, Smith and Wollensky Restaurant Group, Miami Beach
- Restaurant Director: Chuck Prather, President, Birchwood Development (The Birchwood, Birchwood Canopy, Birch & Vine), St. Petersburg
- Immediate Past Chairwoman:Olivia Hoblit, Director of Lodging, World Equestrian Center, Ocala
“Despite the ever-evolving challenges we encounter each year, the enduring resilience and significance of our industry in strengthening our communities and driving Florida’s economic prosperity remains unwavering,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “We remain committed to advancing our mission to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s vibrant hospitality industry and to keep the economic engine of our state running well. Our distinguished 2024 Executive Committee brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, passion, and skills to help propel FRLA and the industry forward, and together we look forward to supporting our members and actively contributing to the thriving landscape of the industry.”
“Having the honor to serve a second term in this esteemed role is a thrilling opportunity to further support the hospitality professionals of the great state of Florida,” said FRLA Board Chairman John Horne. As we continue to prioritize statewide and federal advocacy on behalf of our industry, I draw inspiration from the millions of Floridians that FRLA members employ, whether they are culinarians, front desk workers, bartenders, or engaged in any role imaginable. Their dedicated and enthusiastic efforts are instrumental in ensuring that Florida retains its status as the world’s favorite destination. We have a tremendous Executive Board who will work extra hard knowing they depend on us in 2024.”
For full biographies for the FRLA Board of Directors, please click here.
About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.3 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.
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