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

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Helpro

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Oracle Premier

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 and Experience Kissimmee.

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 received his designation as a Florida Certified Chamber Professional (FCCP) in 2020.

Erin Walsh

Senior Vice President of Membership
and Industry Relations
Email: erin.walsh@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5012

About Erin

Erin has been with CFHLA for over 13 years, holding a variety of roles with CFHLA, including her current role as the Senior Vice President of Membership and Industry Relations,

Currently she oversees all of CFHLA’s membership recruitment and retention, including the expansion of the Membership Committee, and a greater emphasis on leading all membership focused events including the regional General Manager (GM) Meetings, New Member Orientation, VIP Member Events, and Leads Groups.

Additionally, Erin oversees each of CFHLA Councils including the Allied Relations Council (ARC), Engineers Council, Food and Beverage Council, Safety and Security Council, Vacation Ownership Council, and the Employee Relations Committee.

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.

Thomas Ramgadoo

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.

J.R. Rupp

Director of Communications & Marketing
Email: jr.rupp@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5025

About J.R.

A Pennsylvania native, J.R. and his wife moved to the Central Florida region in 2012, where shortly thereafter he joined Golfweek Custom Media as a National Account Executive.

Prior to joining CFHLA, J.R. served as the communications and events director for Celebration Town Hall, the master planned community in Central Florida. During his time there, J.R. was responsible for the implementation of all communication mediums, including website content, marketing, press releases, social media, event collateral, and feature writing, as well as serving as editor of the monthly Celebration News magazine, which earned an American Business Awards Stevie Award for Best Newsletter. He was also responsible for the execution of a robust special events calendar, which included large scale community events and member exclusive offerings.

While in the Keystone state, he worked in athletic communications for over a decade, and prior to that, as a public relations & events director for a regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he was responsible for securing, organizing and implementing the first PGA Tour event in northeast Pennsylvania in nearly 50 years.

Melanie Anesh

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
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. Prior to joining CFHLA, Melanie brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry in various departments including Housekeeping, Guest Services, and Front Office management.

Since June 2021, Melanie has overseen several new organizational initiatives including the Diversity Committee, the Leadership Mentoring subcommittee, and High School Outreach Subcommittee. She is focused 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.

Tammie Watts

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

About Tammie

Tammie joined CFHLA in February 2023.

Originally from the Midwest, Tammie most recently served as the Government Affairs Director for the Space Coast Association of Realtors (in Melbourne, Florida) for nine years. While serving in that role, she was extremely involved within her community including serving as the Treasurer of BusinessVoice, the Vice Chair of the Florida Realtors Government Affairs Director Committee, and the Brevard Continuum of Care Coalition (BCoCC) Advisory Board which offers support services and resources to prevent people from becoming homeless.

With a strong background in coalition building, public policy, campaign management, political fundraising, community service and marketing, Tammie is prepared to lead and effectively execute all of CFHLA’s governmental and political affairs.

Prior to her tenure at the Space Coast Association of Realtors, Tammie worked for 14 years as Theatre Manager and a National Trainer for the Regal Entertainment Group, where she won multiple State and National Awards for Marketing.

In her free time, Tammie enjoys spending time with her two sons and enjoying the Florida weather and outdoor activities.

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.

Faith Moore

Events Coordinator
Email: faith.moore@cfhla.org
Direct phone line: (407) 313-5015

About Faith