Barbara Bowden is the Area Managing Director for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, overseeing the operation of the destination’s premier and preferred hotels, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
Previously, she served as the Complex Managing Director for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, overseeing the operation of these two resort hotels, comprising 2,000 guest rooms and 250,000 square feet of meeting space.
Prior to joining Loews Hotels, Bowden served as general manager of the Orange County Convention Center. Before that, she spent 27 years with The Peabody Orlando, working her way through the ranks to become Vice President/General Manager.
In addition to her role on the FRLA Board, she serves as Chair-Elect for the Visit Orlando Board of Directors and on the Executive Committee of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. She serves on the Rosen College Dean’s Advisory Board and on the Industry Advisory Council for the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education. Previously, Bowden served as Chair of the HSMAI Americas Board and as a member of the HSMAI Foundation board.