Our Team

With over 125 years of work experience, CFHLA's talented, dedicated and seasoned team, is ready to meet your needs and help advance the Central Florida hospitality industry.

Meet our amazing team below!

Website Sponsors

Crete Building Services

Spinout

Clean Tec Services

PCPI Services, Inc.

Landform

Helpro

CEC Entertainment

Gas South

Greater Florida Electrical Contractors

NextEra Energy Services

Clean Tec Outsourcing

Xclusive Services

Vertex

Whitco Roofing

Indemnity Security

Robert Agrusa

President / CEO
Email: robert.agrusa@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5020

About Robert

Robert Agrusa, a Florida native and leading advocate for the Central Florida business community, has served as the President/CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association since February 2021. CFHLA is the largest regional hospitality association in the United States.

Prior to joining the hospitality industry, Robert served as the President/CEO of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of BusinessForce - the former political action arm of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

Under his leadership, Robert has built strong relationships with federal, state and locally elected officials, as well as civic, business and nonprofit leaders in Central Florida and throughout the state. In addition to leading CFHLA, Robert is a member of the board of directors for Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee, the Valencia College Foundation and serves on the Dean's Advisory Board for the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Robert holds a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from the University of Florida and is a graduate of Leadership Orlando, Class 91. Furthermore, Robert is a graduate of the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute and received his designation as a Florida Certified Chamber Professional (FCCP) in 2020.

Vice President of Membership and Operations

Coming Soon
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5012

Thomas Ramgadoo

Senior Finance Director
Email: t.ramgadoo@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5010

About Thomas

In 1988, Thomas emigrated from a country known as Guyana located in South America, to the United States.

During his time in America, he lived in New York City for eleven years. With dedication, Thomas acquired a Degree from Katherine Gibbs Technical School in 1995, developing the required expertise in Occupational Studies for Hotel and Restaurant Management.

In 1996, Thomas landed his earliest experience in hospitality industry subsequent to him receiving his degree. This Love and passion led to over 27 years of Accounting and Hospitality Experience. In 1999, Thomas and his family relocated to the Sunshine State where he was able to expand his experience in the hospitality industry and gaining knowledge from different establishments and Hotel Brands including, Marriott, Wyndham, Radisson, Hilton and along with other hotels and management companies.

Thomas Joined CFHLA in September of 2020 as the Finance Director. He is currently overseeing all Financial Activities for all four entities, CFHLA, CFHLA Foundation, CFHLA PAC and CFHLA PC to ensure they are in strong financial standing.

Kim Gordon

Senior Director of Events
Email: kim.gordon@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5040

About Kim

Kim is a graduate of UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and has been with CFHLA for 10 years. She began her career with CFHLA as an intern and is now the Senior Director of Events.

Currently, she manages all CFHLA’s signature events including the Hospitality Gala, Golden Pineapple Awards, Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast, St. Patrick’s Day & Halloween Golf Opens, HEAT Tradeshow, Hob Nob, Team Building Bowling, and various luncheons and breakfasts.

Furthermore, Kim oversees the corresponding event planning committees.

Melanie Anesh

Director of Industry Relations and Community Impact
Email: melanie.anesh@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5022

About Melanie

A Central Florida native, Melanie has been a part of the CFHLA team since June 2021. Before joining CFHLA, Melanie brings over a decade of experience in the region's hospitality industry.

In her role, she oversees several new organizational initiatives including the Diversity Committee, the Leadership Mentoring Committee, and the High School Outreach Committee. Melanie's focus is on executing CFHLA’s workforce development initiatives, advancing CFHLA’s new mission and strategic goals, leading the CFHLA Foundation, and growing positive relationships with our federal, state, and local educational and community partners.

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay.

Sarah Panko

Communications and Marketing Manager
Email: sarah.panko@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5025

About Sarah

Sarah calls both Florida and Illinois home, having been born in Chicago before her family moved to Coral Springs, Florida.

She brings a decade of experience in communications and journalism to her role as Communications & Marketing Manager.

Prior to joining CFHLA, Sarah served as Deputy Communications Director for the City of Groveland. She began her career as a Multimedia Journalist at WRBL in Columbus, Georgia, and later at Spectrum News 13 in Orlando, where she earned an Emmy nomination.

Sarah holds a double major in Broadcast Communications and Advertising from Marquette University.

Zack Brodersen

Government Affairs Manager
Email: zack.brodersen@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5035

About Zack

Zack, a Central Florida native, joined CFHLA in August 2025. He brings seven years of local, state, and federal government relations, public policy, and campaign experience. Prior to joining the team, Zack served as the Government Relations Coordinator for Propelus. He also served as the Senior Legislative Assistant to Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur from 2020-2024, Campaign Manager for President Pro Tempore Brodeur’s reelection campaign in 2022, Field Director/Coordinator for the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Administrative Assistant to Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine.

Zack graduated from the University of Florida in 2018 and holds double majors in History and Political Science.

As Government Affairs Manager, Zack, in collaboration with the CFHLA PAC/PC, and develops legislative priorities, builds and maintains relationships with public officials and industry partners, and advocates on behalf of CFHLA to benefit the tourism and hospitality industry in Central Florida.

Jonathan Watson

Executive Assistant to the President/CEO
Email: jonathan.watson@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5011

About Jonathan

Jonathan Watson, originally from Panama, has been a resident of Central Florida for over 25 years. Jonathan most recently worked for Guest Services Inc where he held various roles including Assistant Operations Manager, Executive/Admin Assistant and Front Desk Supervisor since 2018.

With more than a decade of experience in hospitality, Jonathan’s first job in the industry was with Plus Services/Bags Inc as an airline check in agent at the Disney Resorts. He then joined the team at All Guest Services at the Encantada Resort as a concierge and ticket sales associate and was later recruited to the front desk team. According to his peers, Jonathan became one of the shining stars and favorites to their guests and owners.

In 2016, Jonathan was nominated by his peers for the Golden Pineapple Awards in the best front desk employee category. Recognizing Jonathan’s talent and leadership skills, he was then promoted to their sister property Regal Oaks, where he led the Reservations Team as a Supervisor. When Guest Services acquired Regal Palms in 2018 Jonathan was selected to assist in the building of a strong new team. He played a big role in their Front Desk Success, leading them as their supervisor.

Later in 2020, Jonathan was promoted into one of the Resort’s key positions as he was named their Admin/Executive Assistant. He brought this position to another level managing the owners’ expectations in a brave, calm and professional manner, especially during the challenging pandemic times.

During his time as the Assistant Operations Manager with Guest Services Inc, Jonathan served as one of the CFHLA’s 16 mentors for our inaugural Leadership Mentoring Program, Class I in 2022.

Industry Relations and Special Events Coordinator

Coming Soon
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5015