Golden Pineapple Awards

The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association held its annual Golden Pineapple Awards Dinner on Jan. 26, 2017 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive. This Academy Awards-style event recognized lodging employees with a VIP reception, featuring City of Orlando’s Mayor, Buddy Dyer, followed by dinner and award presentations. FOX 35’s Tom Johnson 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. Over 275 nominations were received from Central Florida lodging establishments. In addition, 12 family member scholarships were awarded to deserving students.

The employees of the year were recognized in thirteen categories.

Zsofia Nagy
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek/Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Back Office Employee of the Year

Cristal Abreu
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Bell Person/Concierge Employee of the Year

Rachel Torres
Sheraton Vistana Resort
Community Service Employee of the Year

Luis Romero
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Convention Center/Banquet Employee of the Year

Theodore Riffe
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Culinary Employee of the Year

Yuriy Dayutov
Avanti Resort Orlando
Engineering Employee of the Year

Alberto Fontanez
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Food & Beverage Service Employee of the Year

Milan Grbic
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Front Office Employee of the Year

Patricia Medina
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Housekeeping Employee of the Year

Shirley Williams
Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive
Laundry Employee of the Year

Jill Arnold
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Disney Springs Resort Area
Recreational Employee of the Year

Michael Lankford
Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal
Security/Loss Prevention Employee of the Year

Iris Rivera
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Steward/Dishwasher Employee of the Year