What does Florida Restaurant And Lodging Assoc do?

The organization serves as a business advocacy and membership organization, representing member interests in policy development, providing networking opportunities, and supporting regional economic development initiatives through strategic partnerships and programming.

Who can become a member?

Membership is available to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and professionals operating in FL. Member benefits include networking opportunities, advocacy representation, professional development resources, and participation in regional economic development initiatives.

How is the organization funded?

Funding comes primarily from membership dues, corporate sponsorships, program fees, and grants. Financial support enables the organization to provide member services, conduct advocacy work, and implement programs serving the regional business community.

How can I get involved?

Individuals and organizations can participate through membership, committee service, event attendance, and program sponsorship. The organization welcomes engagement from business leaders interested in supporting regional economic development and business advocacy priorities.

Florida Restaurant And Lodging Assoc

Tallahassee, FL · Founded 1946

Protecting, promoting, and educating Florida's hospitality industry professionals

Primary audience

Business Members

Work area

Regional Advocacy

Topic

Economic Development

Contact

Carol Dover

Website Contact

About Organization

Protects, promotes, and educates Florida's $111.7 billion hospitality industry representing 2 million employees through advocacy, training, and certification programs. Based in Tallahassee, FL, the association provides alcohol compliance, food manager certification, and human trafficking compliance training. Operating with $7.2 million in annual revenue and 37 employees.

What They Focus On

Business Advocacy

Represents member interests in policy development and advocates for pro-business initiatives at local and state levels

Economic Growth

Promotes regional economic development through strategic partnerships and support for business expansion initiatives

Workforce Development

Supports talent pipeline development through education partnerships and workforce readiness programming initiatives

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$7.2M

+8.7% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$7.9M

+17.3% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$14.3M

+4.9% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

-17.8% vs 2023

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2024	$7,213,582	$7,875,443	$14,257,572	37
2023	$6,636,613	$6,711,374	$13,593,969	45
2022	$7,567,434	$7,607,563	$12,803,226	41
2021	$6,472,755	$6,355,543	$14,927,226	39
2020	$5,547,971	$5,411,252	$14,444,110	45
2019	$6,859,748	$7,306,993	$13,221,109	54
2018	$6,576,977	$6,951,268	$12,284,914	56
2017	$6,890,079	$7,264,628	$13,489,649	0

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Member Engagement

Identifies priority issues through stakeholder consultation and analysis of business community needs
02

Strategic Planning

Develops targeted initiatives based on member input and regional economic development priorities
03

Program Implementation

Executes programs through partnerships with member organizations and community stakeholders
04

Impact Assessment

Evaluates outcomes through member feedback and tracks progress toward organizational objectives

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Florida Restaurant And Lodging Assoc

Member Services

Provides networking opportunities, resources, and support to member organizations across the region

Leadership Programs

Develops business leadership capacity through training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities

Economic Development

Promotes regional economic growth through strategic partnerships and development initiatives

Business Advocacy

Represents business interests in policy development and legislative initiatives at state and local levels

Community Engagement

Facilitates collaboration between business and community stakeholders on shared priorities

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Florida Restaurant And Lodging Assoc.

Contact the team Contact

Carol Dover

FRLA Leadership Click on an image to

Full-time

Compensation: $1,017,049

Carol B. Dover has served as President/CEO of the more than 10,000 member Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) since June of 1995. Dover is a professional association manager, a lobbyist, a former government executive, and a Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality graduate with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She also holds an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University. In 2024, Dover was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame.

Greg Cook

Executive Committee Click on an image to

Inspired by his father’s stories of international business travels, Greg Cook embarked on a 40-year journey fueled by a passion for global trends and a talent for transforming insights into innovative strategies in the luxury hospitality sector.

Robert Dearden

CFO & COO

Full-time

Compensation: $334,048

Aaron Hoefen

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Bill Lay

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Chad Olson

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Clyde Smith

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

David Warriner

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Gwendolyn Smith

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Laurie Farlow

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Lisa Lombardo

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Martin Bekkedal

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Mary Beth Hansen

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Meghan Stuart

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Michelle Wilson

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Paul Bonnette

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Ron Wichowski

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Ryan Turner

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Sara Malmstrom

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Sharon Lockwood

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Steve Stephenson

President

1 hrs/week

Tj Pierri

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Warren Sonnen

Chapter President

1 hrs/week

Geoff Lubkemann

VP Of Education & Training

Full-time

Compensation: $244,065

Samantha Padgett

VP Of Govt Relations

Full-time

Compensation: $227,220

Adam Babington

Representative

1 hrs/week

Amanda Grimmer

Representative

1 hrs/week

Andrei Stern

Representative

1 hrs/week

Andy Haas

Representative

1 hrs/week

Barbara Bowden

Representative

1 hrs/week

Barry Kadel

Representative

1 hrs/week

Bill Pascrell

Representative

1 hrs/week

Billy Martin

Representative

1 hrs/week

Brian Comes

Representative

1 hrs/week

Brian Quinn

Representative

1 hrs/week

Bruce Craul

Representative

1 hrs/week

Carl Berry

Representative

1 hrs/week

Carlos Gazitua

Representative

1 hrs/week

Cathie Koch

Representative

1 hrs/week

Chris Frawley

Representative

1 hrs/week

Chris Tomasso

Representative

1 hrs/week

Christine Fields

Representative

1 hrs/week

Chuck Prather

Lodging Dir.

1 hrs/week

Cindy Staley

Representative

1 hrs/week

Clark Davis

Representative

1 hrs/week

Cody Kahn

Representative

1 hrs/week

Daniel Shouvlin

Representative

1 hrs/week

Danielle Rosse

Representative

1 hrs/week

Dave Reid

Representative

1 hrs/week

Dennis Chan

Restaurant Dir.

1 hrs/week

Derek Flint

Representative

1 hrs/week

Drew McLeod

Representative

1 hrs/week

Ed Kortum

Representative

1 hrs/week

Eric Haseman

Representative

1 hrs/week

Eric Potts

Representative

1 hrs/week

Eric Waltz

Representative

1 hrs/week

Fred Hirschovits

Representative

1 hrs/week

Gary Cohen

Representative

1 hrs/week

Gene Prescott

Representative

1 hrs/week

Gil Reyes

Representative

1 hrs/week

Gio Castro

Representative

1 hrs/week

Greg Delks

Representative

1 hrs/week

Heidi Schauer

Representative

1 hrs/week

Henry Delgado

Restaurant Dir.

1 hrs/week

Horace Dawson

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jackie Tornes

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jan Gautam

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jason Emmett

Representative

1 hrs/week

Javier Rasmussen

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jay Johnson

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jay Tusa

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jennifer Frost

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jeremy Gow

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jeremy Robinson

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jessica Cain

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jim Shirley

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jimmy Walker

Representative

1 hrs/week

Joe Kadow

Representative

1 hrs/week

Joe Taylor

Representative

1 hrs/week

John Hodge

Representative

1 hrs/week

John Josberger

Representative

1 hrs/week

John Joshberger

Representative

1 hrs/week

John Kelley

Representative

1 hrs/week

John McReynolds

Representative

1 hrs/week

Jon McGavin

Representative

1 hrs/week

Joy Boyd

Lodging Dir.

1 hrs/week

Julie Hilton

Representative

1 hrs/week

Kaylyn Tinsley

Representative

1 hrs/week

Keith Space

Representative

1 hrs/week

Kerry Morrissey

Representative

1 hrs/week

Kevin Speidel

Representative

1 hrs/week

Kyle Greene

Representative

1 hrs/week

Larry Schuler

Representative

1 hrs/week

Laurilee Thompson

Representative

1 hrs/week

Lee Bellamy

Representative

1 hrs/week

Lee Hunter

Representative

1 hrs/week

Letecia Adams

Representative

1 hrs/week

Libby Sharp

Representative

1 hrs/week

Madison Shirley

Representative

1 hrs/week

Manny Rodriguez

Representative

1 hrs/week

Melanie Becker

Representative

1 hrs/week

Michael Head

Representative

1 hrs/week

Michael Quillen

Representative

1 hrs/week

Michael Vinik

Representative

1 hrs/week

Michelle Elwonger

Representative

1 hrs/week

Mike Shutley

Representative

1 hrs/week

Monique Waldrop

Representative

1 hrs/week

Pat Hafner

Representative

1 hrs/week

Patrick Renna

Representative

1 hrs/week

Paul Edgar

Representative

1 hrs/week

Pia Dahlquist

Representative

1 hrs/week

Ralph Lewis

Representative

1 hrs/week

Reggie Cooper

Representative

1 hrs/week

Richard Schneider

Representative

1 hrs/week

Rob Gebhard

Representative

1 hrs/week

Sarah Nemes

Representative

1 hrs/week

Scott Estes

Representative

1 hrs/week

Scott Nowak

Representative

1 hrs/week

Shannon Sellman

Representative

1 hrs/week

Steve Danon

Representative

1 hrs/week

Steve Keup

Representative

1 hrs/week

Stuart Borton

Representative

1 hrs/week

Thomas Cox

Representative

1 hrs/week

Tom Williamson

Representative

1 hrs/week

Travis Cutler

Representative

1 hrs/week

Wayne McLellan

Representative

1 hrs/week

Milestones

1946

Organization Founded

1946

Established to serve business community development and economic growth initiatives

1986

Regional Expansion

1986

Extended programming and membership services to serve broader regional business community

2025

Program Enhancement

2025

Launched enhanced member services and expanded advocacy initiatives for business community

2026

Continued Impact

2026

Maintains active programming serving member organizations and regional economic development priorities

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Andrew Reiss Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Brian Hill Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Dan Enea Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Dennis Murray Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Don Fox Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Greg Cook Sec/Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week

James McManemon Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

John Horne Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Keith Overton Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Kipper Greist Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Lino Maldonado Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Mary Hayes Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Michael McComas Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Nick Sarra Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Nick Vojnovic Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Olivia Hoblit Immediate Past Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Ralph Lupton Jr Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Sheldon Suga Past Board Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Mary Beth Hansen, Chair Board Member

Laura Ciampa, Vice Chair Board Member

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$2.1M

Highest Paid

$1.1M

Carol Dover

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Carol Dover	President & CEO	$1,017,049	$75,650	$1,092,699	40
Robert Dearden	CFO & COO	$334,048	$71,934	$405,982	40
Geoff Lubkemann	VP Of Education & Training	$244,065	$55,133	$299,198	40
Samantha Padgett	VP Of GOVT Relations	$227,220	$46,331	$273,551	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Carol Dover	President & CEO	$973,905	$72,246	$1,046,151	40
Robert Dearden	CFO & COO	$308,328	$69,241	$377,569	40
Samantha Padgett	VP Of GOVT Relations	$217,915	$44,794	$262,709	40
Geoff Lubkemann	VP Of Education & Training	$207,457	$51,334	$258,791	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Carol Dover	President & CEO	$814,177	$50,601	$864,778	40
Robert Dearden	CFO & COO	$301,249	$54,988	$356,237	40
Dan Murphy	VP Membership	$260,981	$53,665	$314,646	40
Richard Turner	General Counsel	$254,401	$26,475	$280,876	40
Geoff Lubkemann	VP Of Education & Training	$191,953	$42,063	$234,016	40
Samantha Padgett	VP Of GOVT Relations	$173,649	$14,874	$188,523	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Carol Dover	Ex Director/President	$811,815	$44,991	$856,806	40
Robert Dearden	CFO	$279,433	$43,604	$323,037	40
Dan Murphy	VP Membership	$248,555	$44,991	$293,546	40
Richard Turner	General Counsel	$211,847	$44,991	$256,838	40
Geoff Lubkemann	VP Of Education & Training	$178,386	$39,014	$217,400	40
Samantha Padgett	Key Employee	$155,551	$9,189	$164,740	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Carol Dover	Ex Director/President	$784,941	$54,768	$839,709	40
Dan Murphy	VP Membership	$253,687	$49,128	$302,815	40
Bob Dearden	CFO	$229,480	$30,403	$259,883	40
Richard Turner	General Counsel	$206,955	$40,669	$247,624	40
Geoffrey Lubkemann	VP Of Education & Training	$173,982	$39,471	$213,453	40
Samantha Padgett	Key Employee	$164,829	$18,576	$183,405	40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Contact

Get in touch with Florida Restaurant And Lodging Assoc

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(850) 224-2250 888-372-9119

Social

Visit Website

Po Box 1779 Tallahassee, FL 323021779

Florida Restaurant And Lodging Assoc

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Member Engagement

Strategic Planning

Program Implementation

Impact Assessment

Programs and Initiatives

Member Services

Leadership Programs

Economic Development

Business Advocacy

Community Engagement

Team & Leadership

Carol Dover

Greg Cook

Robert Dearden

Aaron Hoefen

Bill Lay

Chad Olson

Clyde Smith

David Warriner

Gwendolyn Smith

Laurie Farlow

Lisa Lombardo

Martin Bekkedal

Mary Beth Hansen

Meghan Stuart

Michelle Wilson

Paul Bonnette

Ron Wichowski

Ryan Turner

Sara Malmstrom

Sharon Lockwood

Steve Stephenson

Tj Pierri

Warren Sonnen

Geoff Lubkemann

Samantha Padgett

Adam Babington

Amanda Grimmer

Andrei Stern

Andy Haas

Barbara Bowden

Barry Kadel

Bill Pascrell

Billy Martin

Brian Comes

Brian Quinn

Bruce Craul

Carl Berry

Carlos Gazitua

Cathie Koch

Chris Frawley

Chris Tomasso

Christine Fields

Chuck Prather

Cindy Staley

Clark Davis

Cody Kahn

Daniel Shouvlin

Danielle Rosse

Dave Reid

Dennis Chan

Derek Flint

Drew McLeod

Ed Kortum

Eric Haseman

Eric Potts

Eric Waltz

Fred Hirschovits

Gary Cohen

Gene Prescott

Gil Reyes

Gio Castro

Greg Delks

Heidi Schauer

Henry Delgado

Horace Dawson