The 33rd Annual South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Award

As the Regional manager for South Florida, Nacho is involved in numerous community projects throughout Miami. He takes his position at Delta very seriously and with ultimate pride in a multitude of ways demonstrating Delta’s corporate responsibility to the community they serve.

Yoni Abreu has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the tourism industry through her extensive contributions to both education and community service. Her career spans several prominent hotel companies, including Kimpton Hotels and SH Hotels and Resorts.

Cindy’s dedication to her community extends beyond her professional role. She actively participates in several organizations that contribute to the tourism and community landscape in South Florida.

As Dean of FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Dr. Cheng has been a strong advocate for the future of the hospitality industry in South Florida. Under his leadership, the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management’s ranking from 107 to 10 on QS World Ranking and in 2024 maintained #1 ranking for online bachelor’s affordability.

Enter member descriptionCatering legend Bill Hansen, CEO of The Hansen Group, is a 40-plus-year industry veteran who provides personalized, curated experiences to anyone planning a wedding, a quinceñera, a bar/bat mitzvah, a corporate event or even a simple dinner party. here which describes the position of member in company. Bill and his wife, Terry Hansen, recently gifted FIU’s Chaplain School of Hospitality and Tourism Management $250,000 to build an Events Lab/Incubator for students to learn hands-on the latest and greatest in weddings and events

Julissa Kepner has been a part of Marriott International for 23 years and has grown her career via several leadership roles. As a previous Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board, the board was able to accomplish a surge in the commitment and participation of the board members, including leading the board through the pandemic when the industry was hit hard.

Dan Rios has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the tourism industry through his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and education. As the LGBTQ Marketing Director at the GMCVB, Dan launched the Rainbow Spring initiative in partnership with Expedia, promoting Greater Miami as a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ community. This initiative has garnered international media attention, showcasing Greater Miami’s dedication to diversity

Chef Allen is a pillar and icon in our industry locally and globally. He has devoted decades of service to those less fortunate and there are very few charities that he has not helped. Chef Allen has also helped a myriad of new restaurant and business start-ups get on their feet. There are few in this area that have not been helped or mentored by Chef Allen Susser.

Steve Turk has been a prominent figure in South Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry for over two decades, making significant contributions through leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, and consulting expertise. Steve’s influence goes beyond business success – he is deeply engaged in community service and industry leadership.