Dedman School of
Hospitality

Dedman School of Hospitality

Programs
• Bachelor's in Hospitality
• Bachelor's in Professional Golf Management

• Faculty



Facilities
University Center Building B University Center Club Golf Complex Contract & Grants Room Library



International Center for Hospitality Research & Development


Funding Initiatives
DSH General Operating Fund DSH Faculty Fund DSH Student Fund Contribute Online

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Featured Alumni

Tallahassee, Florida, July 14, 2009: The Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality will present the Alumnus of the Year Award to Mr. David Gilbert on Friday, October 9 at the annual Society of Hosts Alumnus of the Year Reception held at the Hotel Duval. Each year, the Society of Host Alumni Association Board and the Faculty of the Dedman School of Hospitality, select an individual that has made notable contributions to our school, our industry, and their company. This individual has served as a role model for our students and alumni by their behavior and accomplishments since graduation. This year, David Gilbert, Class of 1978, has been chosen as the alumnus who best exemplifies these qualities. "We are very proud to have David Gilbert named as Dedman School of Hospitality Alumnus of the Year 2009" states Dr. Jane Ohlin, Director of the Dedman School of Hospitality. "David was always recognized as one who had tremendous potential and so it is no surprise to those who remember him from his days as a student here at Florida State, that he flourished in his career and achieved the position of COO at the National Restaurant Association. For those of us associated with the Dedman School, it is an honor to have him serving in this role. We look forward to our relationship continuing into the future for many years to come."

David L. Gilbert
Chief Operating Officer, National Restaurant Association
Executive Director, National Restaurant Association Solutions

David Gilbert is the chief operating officer for the National Restaurant Association, the industry's largest and most respected trade organization. In this position, he oversees the Association's membership, technology and NRA Show teams. Additionally, he is Executive Director of National Restaurant Association Solutions, the Association's wholly owned products and services subsidiary that produces ServSafe, the restaurant industry's leading food safety training and certification program; ServSafe Alcohol, the industry's trusted responsible alcohol service program; ManageFirst, the Association's collegiate restaurant and foodservice management program; and ProStart, the Association's career-building program for high school students who are interested in culinary arts and foodservice management.

As COO, Gilbert is focused on guiding the organization as it continues to provide and develop valuable products, services and benefits to help the Association's members – the cornerstones of their communities – build customer loyalty, rewarding careers and financial success.

Prior to joining the NRA, Gilbert was a restaurant industry consultant for several years and previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (CBOCS) for five years. During his tenure at Cracker Barrel, Gilbert's responsibilities included operational innovation, marketing, retail planning, retail and restaurant distribution, supply chain, purchasing, risk management, real estate development, construction, technology, strategic planning, business analysis, HR (OD, compensation, benefits), and financial planning on behalf of the 540-unit Company with approximately $2.3 billion in restaurant and retail sales.

Before joining CBOCS in 2001, he was EVP and CAO with Shoney's, Inc. where he was responsible for the shared support services for Shoney's, Captain D's, Pargo's and their distribution Company, COI. The support services included legal, human resources (compensation and benefits), risk management, real estate, brand development, asset management and travel. He was responsible for divesting 389 restaurant properties exceeding $149M in proceeds.

Gilbert previously held positions as executive director of development with Applebee's; director of development and purchasing with Rio Bravo (purchased by Applebee's International); VP of real estate with Restaurant Systems Inc. (RSI) and a management company operating 96 Wendy's restaurants. Prior to these executive administrative positions, Mr. Gilbert spent five-years as a multi-unit restaurant operator.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Administration from Florida State University, and is married with three children.

Anne Hamilton
Vice President, Resort Sales & Services
Walt Disney World Resort

Anne leads the team responsible for all sales and services efforts related to meetings, conventions and incentive programs held at the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard the ships of Disney Cruise Line. In this role, she leads an award-winning team of 200 industry professionals who produce an enormous array of events for associations and corporations from around the globe.

Anne started her Disney career in 1996, joining the team as Sales Director for Corporate/Alliance Sales. A year later she was promoted to Director of Resort Sales, taking on additional responsibilities related to all corporate, association and incentive groups, as well as Disney Cruise Line group and charter sales. Assuming the role of Vice President in 2003, Anne's responsibilities further expanded to include the Catering & Convention Services organization.

Prior to becoming a Walt Disney World Cast Member, Anne spent three years as Director of Sales at the Hilton Walt Disney World Village (now Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort). Her Hilton career also included serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. and at the Miami Airport Hilton & Marina in Miami.

A champion for the meetings industry, Anne has held a variety of volunteer leadership positions and served on numerous industry committees. In addition to serving on the PCMA Board, Anne also currently serves as the 2007 Marketing Section Co-Chair for ASAE's Associations Advance America program. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality and on the Visit Florida Meeting and Convention Task Force.

Anne has been consistently recognized for her active industry involvement. Most recently she was named a Fellow by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The Fellows designation is one of ASAE's highest recognitions, conferred upon "thought leaders" in the association community who have compiled a history of significant contributions during their careers.

A graduate of Florida State University, Anne has a Bachelors Degree in Business, with a major in Hotel/Restaurant Management. She also studied at the American College of Switzerland. Anne also holds a certificate as a Certified Hospitality Sales Executive.

CHUCK FLOYD
COO - NORTH AMERICA OPERATIONS
GLOBAL HYATT

Chuck Floyd is Chief Operating Officer - North America Operations for Global Hyatt, based in Chicago, Illinois. Floyd, a 26-year Hyatt veteran, is responsible for the management of the company's 124 hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada and Caribbean in addition to overseeing various corporate functions including sales, human resources, product and design, rooms, food and beverage and engineering.

Most recently, Floyd served as executive vice president of operations and prior to that position, senior vice president of operations and senior vice president of sales, responsible for day-to-day sale operations, administration, national and international sales efforts, training and recruitment. Since joining the company in 1981 at Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Floyd has filled a variety of management positions. He was general manager at Hyatt hotels in Chicago, Minneapolis and San Francisco where he was appointed vice president-managing director in 1996.

Floyd holds a B.A. in Hotel & Restaurant Administration, College of Business, at Florida State University and a MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Floyd is a founder and sits on the advisory board of Enderun College located in the Philippines. He resides in Winnetka, Illinois with his wife and four children.