Talent & Learning Council
The CFHLA Talent & Learning Council brings together General Managers, lodging & allied Human Resources professionals, education partners, and community workforce development leaders to strengthen Central Florida’s hospitality talent pipeline.
The Council provides a forum for industry, education, and community leaders to collaborate on workforce needs, attract qualified and passionate talent, promote the diverse career opportunities available within hospitality, and support the retention, development, and recognition of hospitality employees at every level. Through strategic partnerships and ongoing engagement, the Council helps build a stronger, more skilled, and sustainable hospitality workforce, from entry-level professionals to executive leaders.
Council leadership is elected annually in the fourth quarter.
For additional information about the Talent & Learning Council, please contact Melanie Anesh, Director of Industry Relations and Community Impact, at melanie.anesh@cfhla.org.
2026 Talent & Learning Council Officers
Co-Chair
Lauren Gossett
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Co-Chair
Marie Cassamajor
Hilton Garden Inn/Home2 Suites Orlando Downtown
Vice Chair
Mark Havard
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Vice Chair
Julia Maldonado-Rodriguez
Evermore Orlando Resort
2026 Talent & Learning Council Members
Elizabeth Albelo
Leylan Ali
Erin Arpke
Brad Boland
Jennifer Bonilla
Wanda Bonilla
Theresa Boucher
Keith Bourkney
Jyllian Bradshaw
Suzi Brady
Loren Burns
Tiffany Chorney
Wendy Contreras
Nicole Diaz
Johanna Djoumblat
Kate Eames
Alex Erdmann
Diana Hernandez
Steven Hollis
Tara Kennedy
Dorea Mays
Sabrina McCombs
Rosa Medina
Dr. Cynthia Mejia
Shenny Molina-Smith
Travis Musick
Pamela Nabors
Rosa Pettus
Sandra Picard
Lisa Proto
Dr. Jorge Ridderstaat
Catherine Sanchez
Julie Santos
Amanda Sarraf
Amie Spievack
Chelsye Suarez
Chris Trout
Maria Urquiola
Jody Walker
Raquel Webb
Brad Welfare
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Courtyard by Marriott across from Universal Orlando
Vacation Villas at Fantasy World
AHLEI
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Disney Springs
Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort
employU, Inc.
Lowndes
Fairfield Inn and Suites Orlando at Millenia
Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista South
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Parks Resort
Ritz Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes
The Inn at Celebration
Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa
Valencia College
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Vacation Villas at Fantasy World
Loews Hotels
Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
University of Central Florida, Rosen College
Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort - Orlando
Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa
CareerSource Central Florida
Loews Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown
Hilton Orlando
University of Central Florida, Rosen College
Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando North
Sheraton Vistana Resort
Paramount Hospitality Management
Caribe Royale Orlando
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Donlon Insights
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort - Bonnet Creek
Acentria Insurance
Orlando World Center Marriott
Hilton Orlando