The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has announced its 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee. The committee is composed of leaders with extensive experience in the hospitality sector, totaling over 215 years combined.
This announcement comes as FRLA marks its 80th anniversary. The association continues to serve as a key advocate for Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry, which employs two million people across the state.
The newly installed executive committee includes Greg Cook, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, as Chairman; Henry Delgado, Managing Partner at Smith and Wollensky Restaurant Group in Miami Beach, as Vice Chairman; Chuck Prather, President of Birchwood Development in St. Petersburg, as Secretary/Treasurer and Lodging Director; Dennis Chan, Chef & Owner/Operator of Blue Bamboo in Jacksonville, as Restaurant Director; Aaron Hoefen from Marriott International in Tampa as Lodging Director; Richard Schneider from AREAS USA in Miami as Restaurant Director; and Nick Sarra from Saltwater Restaurants Inc. in Destin serving as Immediate Past Chair.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA stated: “As FRLA marks its 80th anniversary, we are reminded that our strength has always come from the dedication of our members and leaders. The 2026 Executive Committee brings extraordinary experience and passion at a pivotal time for our industry. Their leadership will help us build on eight decades of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration as we champion policies that support our workforce, our businesses, and Florida’s position as a global hospitality leader.”
Greg Cook also commented on his new role: “I am honored to serve as the 2026 FRLA Chairman of the Board as our country also celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. Restaurants and hotels have long played a vital role in shaping our culture and driving our economy. I’m committed to championing our industry as we build on FRLA’s great legacy of advocating for policies that support growth, empower our workforce, inspire our next generation of leaders and ensure Florida remains the leading destination for hospitality excellence.”
For more information about the biographies of board members or about Greg Cook’s path to leadership within FRLA, further details are available through official channels.
