TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 19, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to announce its incoming 2018 Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee. Kevin Speidel, vice president of resort operations with Hilton Grand Vacations (NYSE:HGV), began serving as FRLA’s new Chairman effective Jan. 1. Speidel presides over FRLA, one of the state’s largest trade associations, representing more than 10,000 members in the hospitality industry.
Speidel is an industry veteran with nearly 30 years’ experience. He joined HGV in 2016 prior to its spin-off from Hilton. In his role at HGV, Speidel provides strategic leadership for the company’s resort operations, rental sales and rental marketing teams across the globe. In addition, he is instrumental in overseeing the planning and execution process for opening new resorts.
Prior to his current role, Speidel served as an area managing director with Hilton for more than a decade, and oversaw hotel and resort operations for Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites and Waldorf Astoria properties throughout South Florida.
“Kevin Speidel is a demonstrated leader who has devoted his entire career to providing an exceptional lodging experience. Kevin is highly regarded in the hospitality industry, and FRLA is extremely fortunate to have a professional of his stature lead our association through 2018. We’re excited at the opportunity to have Kevin serve alongside our 2018 Executive Committee and confident the Association will continue to flourish with their direction,” says Carol Dover, president and CEO, FRLA.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as Chairman of Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality trade association,” says Speidel. “My primary goal will be to empower members to participate in advocacy efforts and inspire collaboration across the tourism industry to improve and influence communities throughout the state. I look forward to another outstanding year for Florida’s hospitality industry.” Speidel holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Lynn University and completed the General Manager Excellence program at Cornell University.
FRLA congratulates the following 2018 Executive Board Members:
2018 FRLA Executive Committee
Chairman of the Board
Kevin Speidel, Hilton Grand Vacations, Orlando
Vice Chairman of the Board
Alan Palmieri, Marlow’s Tavern, Orlando
Secretary-Treasurer
Sheldon Suga, Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key
Restaurant Director for 2018-19
Jim Shirley, Great Southern Café, Santa Rosa Beach
Lodging Director 2018-19
Olivia Hoblit, Seaside Amelia Inn (Innisfree Hotels), Amelia Island
Restaurant Director 2018
Cathie Koch, Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Tampa
Immediate Past Chairman
Don Fox, Firehouse of America, LLC, Jacksonville
Learn more about the 2018 FRLA Executive Committee here.
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