In the News - March 2026

CFHLA Honors Exceptional Hospitality Front Line Professionals at the Golden Pineapple Awards

CFHLA was proud to host our annual Golden Pineapple Awards Dinner and celebration at the Orlando World Center Marriott (Thank you, Robert Bray, General Manager).

This year’s celebration attracted over 950 attendees and recognized 261 “front line” employees from 68 different CFHLA Member lodging properties across the Central Florida region. Each of these incredible professionals was nominated in one of thirteen categories for their exemplary hospitality service and outstanding dedication in 2025.

Once again, thank you to Ybeth Bruzual of Spectrum News 13, who served as our guest emcee for the third year in a row.

Congratulations to all our Nominees and 2026 Golden Pineapple Award Winners!

Outstanding Back Office Employee
Kat Maldonado
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Outstanding Bell Person/Concierge Employee
Alexa Perez
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Outstanding Community Service Employee
La Creashia Blash
Westgate Resort Vacation Villas & Town Center

Outstanding Convention Center / Banquet Employee
Jose Mendoza
Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center

Outstanding Culinary Employee
Amanda Kenyon
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Outstanding Engineering Employee
John Martinez
Holiday Inn Orlando International Airport

Outstanding Food & Beverage Service Employee
Russ Robers
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

Outstanding Front Office Employee
Susan Connelly
Orlando World Center Marriott

Outstanding Housekeeping Employee
Ivelliss Alvarez
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Outstanding Laundry Employee
Libia Mendenhall
Holiday Inn Club Vacations – Orange Lake Resort

Outstanding Recreational Employee
Kathy Alexis
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

Outstanding Security / Loss Prevention Employee
Prakash Chowti
Hyatt Regency Orlando

Outstanding Steward / Dishwasher Employee
Pierre Ernest Dor
Caribe Royale Orlando

To learn more about each of our 2026 Golden Pineapple Award winners and their stories, please CLICK HERE.

Additionally, through generous donations from CFHLA Members, each honoree received a gift basket filled with attraction and entertainment tickets, gift cards, and more. Thank you to the following companies who contributed to these honoree baskets, including: Able Construction Group, Advent Health Orlando, Artisan Window Fashions, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Encore, Experience Kissimmee, Fun Spot America, Global Sourcing International, Orlando City Soccer, Orlando Health, SeaWorld Orlando Resort, The Service Companies and Universal Orlando Resort.