EFTI values the vital role that leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry play in shaping our academic programs. Through strategic collaboration, these industry partners contribute to the development, delivery, and promotion of our degree offerings. The Advisory Board plays a key role in establishing the University of Florida as the premier institution for Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management by actively engaging industry leaders in support of EFTI and the THEM curriculum.
EFTI Industry Advisory Board
Scott Taylor (Chair) – R&R Brands
Bob Schalow (Immediate Past Chair) – Diversified Restaurant Group
Alice Norsworthy (Past Chair) – Universal Destinations & Experiences
Hal Herman (Founding Chairman) – Worth Int’l Media Group
Edith Hall Friedheim – Eric Friedheim Foundation
Alfredo H. Gonzalez – AG Hospitality Group
Andrea Melotti – Brightline
Andrew T. Marcus – Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
Barbara Gefen Jaffe – Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Carolyn Feimster – CJF Marketing International
William C. Guthrie – Foley & Lardner LLP
Chris Hoffman – Jacksonville Beaches
Danny Klein – QSR and FSR Magazines
Jay Wolszczak – First Watch Restaurants
Joe Williams – Seminole Hard Rock
John Meyers – Marcos’ Pizza
Jonathan Kaplan – IHG ® Hotels & Resorts
Kim Greene – Cencora
Laurel Herman – Worth Int’l Media Group
Marla Borkson – Office of Chief Counsel, IRS
Mike Andrew – Enterprise Holdings
Pavan Kapur – Caesars Entertainment [former]
Phyllis Lockwood Geiger – Peterbrooke Chocolatier
Rick Merriman (Chair Elect)– The Walt Disney Company [former]
Rob Alday – Abode Luxury Rentals
Sean Doherty – Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau
Troy Flanagan – American Hotel & Lodging Association
Jason Gamel – ARDA
Vicki Johnson – Princess Cruises [former]
Committee
Chip Futch – Aqua Marketing & Communications
Gamal El Fakih Rodriguez – Marriott International Caribbean and LatinAmerica
Carson Chandler – Align Public Strategies
EFTI Emeritus Industry Advisory Board
Richard Goldman – St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches CVB (Retired)
Tom Wasdin – Wasdin Associates, Inc.
William “Chip” Sharkey Jr. – Naylor, LLC (Retired)
UF Leadership
Dr. Mike B. Reid, Dean of College of Health and Human Performance
Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Chair of Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management | EFTI Director
In you have any suggestions or are interested in learning more about EFTI and the Industry Advisory Board, please contact Rachel Fu directly at racheljuichifu@ufl.edu.