Meet The Team

Founder
Rosen Hotels & Resorts

Harris Rosen was President and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality company he founded in 1974. His “little company” features an award-winning collection of seven Orlando-area hotels (three convention and four leisure) comprising 6,338 guest rooms and suites and 740,000 square feet of meeting and event space. With an unyielding, people-first focus, Rosen was a visionary leader in the hospitality, philanthropy and healthcare industries.

Rosen grew up in New York’s Lower East Side with his parents Jack and Lee and his younger brother Ron. His family’s modest apartment still stands at 18 Monroe Street between the East River, Little Italy, the Bowery and Chinatown. After attending Music & Art High School in the Bronx, Harris Rosen applied to mostly fine arts colleges and to Cornell University. He marveled at the fact that he was accepted to Cornell and graduated four years later with a degree in hospitality management.

After Cornell, in the early 1960s, Rosen served as an officer in the Army for more than three years. While stationed in Germany and South Korea, he ascended to the rank of 1^st Lieutenant before returning to the U.S. and igniting a career in hospitality.

Rosen began his career as a convention salesman at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. He continued his rise with the Hilton Hotels Corporation holding various management roles in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cape Kennedy (FL) and Dallas. Rosen eventually took his American dream to California. One day he read in the local newspaper about Walt Disney Company’s plans for a major development in Florida, so he applied for a job with them.

Hired by Disney, Rosen moved to Orlando and worked on hotel designs. He even created its central reservation system. His Disney career was flourishing, but years later, Rosen realized if he was truly going to be happy and fulfilled, he had to consider being in business for himself.

The early 1970s was a tough time in the United States with a stock market in decline and an Arab oil embargo making gasoline scarce and costly. Hotels in Orlando struggled mightily. That opened the door for Rosen in 1974 as he took all his savings − $20,000 dollars − and agreed to purchase a small, 256-room Quality Inn snug up against I-4 at the intersection of Sand Lake Road and International Drive. There was no going back.

He did everything from cooking and cleaning to gardening and front desk. Rosen lived on property and even converted two rooms into an office and a tiny apartment with a small stove up against a wall.

Rosen remained in that same office, in what is now the Rosen Inn International, his entire career. His success allowed him to purchase a second hotel, which is now the Rosen Inn closest to Universal, and the Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, Rosen Plaza, and Rosen Centre. His hotel collection grew with the construction of Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and the crown jewel, Rosen Shingle Creek.

His prosperity in the hospitality field is legendary, only matched by his success as a philanthropist and humanitarian. Now, the Rosen name stands tall on seven Orlando-area hotels, the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, The Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center and multiple foundations benefitting children in underserved communities, warriors fighting cancer and people in other countries hit hard by disasters.

Desiring to give back and make a difference in Central Florida, Rosen created preschool programs in Tangelo Park (1994) and Parramore (2017) which provide free preschool to children ages 2, 3 and 4 in those underserved communities. These initiatives have been lauded for their excellence in preparing students and providing a stable learning environment from which to start their educational journey. When those students graduate high school, Rosen’s foundations provide college or vocational school scholarships covering tuition, books, room & board and other expenses.

In 2004, the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management opened its doors after Rosen donated more than $18 million dollars, his time and resources, while working alongside then-Dean Abe Pizam. His lifetime contributions totaled more than $30 million dollars to the school, which includes a $2.5 million dollar scholarship endowment for UCF that is matched by the state of Florida. The college now ranks as the nation’s top hospitality school and one of the best in the world.

He also donated millions of dollars to develop what is now the Jack and Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center in Southwest Orlando, which serves more than 200 children from infancy to Pre-K. In 2016, Rosen donated an additional $3.7 million to build an event center to accommodate the Rosen JCC’s tremendous growth and popularity.

In 2019, Mr. Rosen donated $12 million to cancer research as a legacy to his son, Adam Michael Rosen, who died in 2018 from brain cancer at the age of 26. The Adam Michael Rosen Neuro-Oncology Laboratories houses multiple laboratories led by researchers at the University of Florida. Their work includes innovative brain tumor immunotherapy research, genetics, artificial intelligence, neuroimaging and care for the development of novel brain tumor treatments.

Mr. Rosen’s passions for swimming led him to save what is now the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center not once, but twice from shutting its doors. The second time, during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Harris Rosen Foundation received ownership of the facility and quickly renovated it back to a state-of-the-art swimming and fitness complex. This world-class facility now hosts swimming classes to prevent childhood drownings, is home to past and present Olympians and has been used by multiple organizations, like Special Olympics USA and the US Paralympics Swimming for competitions.

Mr. Rosen also created RosenCare. This innovative, award-winning insurance plan not only gives associates and their families comprehensive coverage, it pays for 90% of all medications, including insulin. In the process, it is estimated to have saved his privately-owned company approximately $500 million and counting since its inception. Along with RosenCare, he established the Rosen Medical Center, which offers associates and their loved ones top-notch medical care and wellness programs, on-campus and while on the clock.

In 2023, Mr. Rosen received an esteemed lifetime achievement award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He also received Leadership Florida’s LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for going above and beyond to improve the lives of all Floridians, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Orlando Chapter Champion of Education award and the Healthcare Revolutionary award presented by the Healthcare Revolution Conference among others.

Harris Rosen passed away at his home on November 25, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 85 years old.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 1998
• Birthplace: New York
• Attended the University of Tampa.
• Phil’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is the people and relationships that have been developed and nurtured over the years.
• For Phil, all of the food and beverage outlets at Rosen Centre offer something that makes them special. The Tenderloin of Buffalo served at Everglades and the Island Mahi wrapped in Banana Leaf served with Coconut Curry Sauce at Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill are some of his favorites.

Assistant General Manager

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 1999
• Birthplace: Orlando, Florida
• Attended University of Central Florida and University of Alabama.
• Doug’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is getting to work for a company that empowers employees to be the best they can be, while maintaining integrity, honesty, and outstanding service to all customers.
• Doug’s favorite dish at Everglades Restaurant is the Caribbean Crab Cake, served with Watermelon Sauce and Mango Salsa.

• Years with Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 1995
• Birthplace: Rhinebeck, New York
• Attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.
• As chair member of Visit Orlando, the city’s official destination organization, Todd served the Convention Sales Committee for two years.
• Todd’s favorite fun thing to do in Orlando is to play a round of golf or attend a sporting event.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 1995
• Birthplace: Binghamton, New York
• Attended Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
• Julie is recognized as one of our Top Sales Achievers.
• One of the reasons Julie loves to work at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is because of its commitment to its associates and the community.
• Julie enjoys a night out, whether it’s attending a sporting event, a concert, or having a nice dinner with her loved ones.
• She participates in community runs that support worthwhile causes, like the SimplyIOA Corporate 5K hosted in downtown Orlando and the (now defunct) Charity Challenge.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2006
• Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Chef Michael graduated from the University of Cincinnati.
• For Michael, his favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is having such a diverse staff of culinarians to infuse ethnic flair into the menus and recipes.
• His favorite fun thing to do in Orlando is boating on the many lakes available in the area.

• Birthplace: Fairfax, Virginia
• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2006.
• Attended the University of Central Florida.
• What Keith appreciates most about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts are the endless opportunities for career growth and the meaningful relationships he’s built inside and outside the organization.
• Keith loves how easily Orlando allows him and his family to create lasting memories together, whether it’s trying new restaurants and bars or enjoying family time away from the everyday grind.

• Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida
• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2010.
• Attended the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
• Recipient of the 2024 Harris Rosen Leadership Award and the 2018 Manager of the Quarter, and nominee for the 2011 Service Advisory Council Golden Pillar.
• Adrienne enjoys dining at Rosen Centre’s Everglades Restaurant. She especially enjoys the Burrata Salad, which features fresh ingredients like salty prosciutto and tangy arugula.

Hotel Manager

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 2010
• Birthplace: Bridgetown, Barbados
• Attended Valencia College.
• Stuart’s favorite fun things to do in Orlando are riding his road bike and sailing on the local lakes.
• Stuart’s favorite meal at Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill is the Ropa Vieja, a Cuban classic featuring Braised Beef with Peppers, Onions, Tomatoes, and Red Onion Mojo.
• Stuart participates in various charity walks and Habitat for Humanity projects. He has assisted Christmas in July events that aid efforts to cure childhood cancer.

Director of Safety & Security

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 2014
• Birthplace: New York City
• William’s favorite fun thing to do in Orlando is to visit the city’s beautiful sights.
• During his free time, William has served Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization devoted to building decent, affordable housing for poverty-stricken populations all over the world.

Director of Housekeeping

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 1996
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
• Attended Kingsborough Community College and Hunter College.
• Eldine’s favorite dish off the Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill menu is the Island Coconut Shrimp.
• Eldine coordinates all of the company’s Haiti Relief efforts.

Chief Engineer

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 2008
• Birthplace: Michigan
• Attended Central Michigan University.
• Michael’s favorite item off the Harry’s Bar & Grill menu is the Yuca Fries.
• While working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Michael has participated in the IOA Corporate 5K to benefit the Track Shack Foundation, an organization that promotes health and fitness by funding youth athletics and sports programs.

• Birthplace: Jamaica, B.W.I.
• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2023.
• Attended Valencia College.
• Sonia values knowing the heart behind the Rosen brand and Harris Rosen’s humble beginnings. It’s her favorite aspect of working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts.
• She is an advocate for our community, dedicating her time to community service projects with non-profits like Runway to Hope and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Café Gauguin Restaurant Manager

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 2010
• Birthplace: Puerto Rico
• Attended Valencia College.
• Ramon’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is the family atmosphere.
• Ramon’s favorite item off the Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill menu is the Tripleta, featuring Roasted Pork, Smoked Ham, Shaved Steak, Cheese and Shoestring Potatoes with Cayman Aioli on Grilled Cuban Bread.

Red’s Deli & Room Service Manager

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 2010
• Birthplace: New York City, New York
• Attended Universidad Sagrado de Corazón in Puerto Rico.
• Javier’s favorite signature sushi rolls off the Banshoo Sushi Bar menu are the Fire Dragon (Spicy Crab and Avocado topped with freshwater BBQ Eel) and HaRo Surf & Turf (blend of Lobster, Lump Crab, and Sea Scallops with Mayo Sauce topped with Seared Sirloin Beef).
• In 2014, Javier was recognized as Manager of the Quarter for Rosen Centre Hotel.