The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association held its annual Golden Pineapple Awards Dinner on Jan. 29, 2020 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This Academy Awards-style event featured 1,100 attendees and recognized lodging employees with a VIP reception, opening remarks and a congratulatory toast by Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings, followed by dinner and award presentations. Spectrum News 13 Allison Walker Torres served as the emcee of the evening, and awards were presented by CFHLA President / CEO Rich Maladecki.
This activity recognizes hospitality’s “Front Line” employees for exemplary service and customer satisfaction. This year, CFHLA received a total of 300 nominations.
The employees of the year were recognized in 13 categories:
Angelica Elizaga
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Disney Springs Resort Area
Back Office Employee of the Year
Richard Esparza
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Bell Person/Concierge Employee of the Year
Claudia Acosta
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Community Service Employee of the Year
Lan Pham
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Convention Center/Banquet Employee of the Year
Karelys Rodriguez Reyes
Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek
Culinary Employee of the Year
Jonathan Negron
Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort
Engineering Employee of the Year
Frigia Mora
Marriott Village Orlando Courtyard
Food & Beverage Service Employee of the Year
Penda Manley
Loews Hotels
Front Office Employee of the Year
Rodrigue Chery
Marriott’s Cypress Harbour
Housekeeping Employee of the Year
Clemence Francois
Embassy Suites I-Drive 360
Laundry Employee of the Year
Tuba Escabi
Bluegreen Fountains Resort
Recreational Employee of the Year
Kevin Cochren
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Security/Loss Prevention Employee of the Year
Araceli Gutierrez
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Steward/Dishwasher Employee of the Year
CFHLA congratulates all honorees!