The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has announced the members of its 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee. The committee brings together leaders with over 215 years of combined experience in the hospitality sector.
The FRLA, now in its 80th year, is recognized as Florida’s primary trade association for the hospitality industry. The organization focuses on supporting, educating, and promoting Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees.
The newly installed executive committee consists of:
– Chairman: Greg Cook, Luxury General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
– Vice Chairman: Henry Delgado, Managing Partner at Smith and Wollensky Restaurant Group, Miami Beach
– Secretary/Treasurer & Lodging Director: Chuck Prather, President of Birchwood Development in St. Petersburg
– Restaurant Director: Dennis Chan, Chef & Owner/Operator at Blue Bamboo in Jacksonville
– Lodging Director: Aaron Hoefen, Dual Hotel Manager for JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street
– Restaurant Director: Richard Schneider, Chief Operating & Development Officer at AREAS USA in Miami
– Immediate Past Chair: Nick Sarra, Partner & CEO at Saltwater Restaurants Inc., Destin
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, commented on the significance of this milestone for the organization. “As FRLA marks its 80th anniversary, we are reminded that our strength has always come from the dedication of our members and leaders,” she said. “The 2026 Executive Committee brings extraordinary experience and passion at a pivotal time for our industry. Their leadership will help us build on eight decades of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration as we champion policies that support our workforce, our businesses, and Florida’s position as a global hospitality leader.”
Greg Cook expressed his appreciation for being selected to lead during an important year. “I am honored to serve as the 2026 FRLA Chairman of the Board as our country also celebrates its 250th anniversary this year,” he stated. “Restaurants and hotels have long played a vital role in shaping our culture and driving our economy. I’m committed to championing our industry as we build on FRLA’s great legacy of advocating for policies that support growth, empower our workforce, inspire our next generation of leaders and ensure Florida remains the leading destination for hospitality excellence.”
Additional information about the board members’ backgrounds is available through resources provided by FRLA.
