The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association held its annual Golden Pineapple Awards Dinner on Jan. 25 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort – International Drive. This Academy Awards-style event featured 1,000 attendees and recognized lodging employees with a VIP reception and a congratulatory toast by Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings followed by dinner and award presentations. FOX 35’s Tom Johnson served as the emcee and awards were presented by CFHLA President/CEO Rich Maladecki.
Hospitality’s front line employees were recognized for exemplary service and customer satisfaction. In addition, 10 family member scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to deserving students of lodging employees and two allied member family scholarships of $2,000 were awarded.
The employees of the year were recognized in 13 categories:
Back Office Employee of the Year
- Jenni Estrella, Hampton Inn Orlando International Drive/Convention Center
Bell Person/Concierge Employee of the Year
- Jimmie Jackson, Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown
Community Service Employee of the Year
- Santia Munoz, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Convention Center/Banquet Employee of the Year
- Teodoro Martinez, Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel
Culinary Employee of the Year
- Rehan Safdar, Hilton Orlando
Engineering Employee of the Year
- Michael Besst, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Food & Beverage Service Employee of the Year
- Brian Austin, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
Front Office Employee of the Year
- Kimberly Crook, Orlando World Center Marriott
Housekeeping Employee of the Year
- Wislaine Lormil-Verger, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area
Laundry Employee of the Year
- Mares Prestil, Orange Lake Resort
Recreational Employee of the Year
- Barry Robb, The Villas of Grand Cypress
Security/Loss Prevention Employee of the Year
- Brittney Burton, Sheraton Vistana Villages
Steward/Dishwasher Employee of the Year
- Frank Alexander, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
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