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 in 1987
• Birthplace: Plattsburgh, New York
• Derek graduated from Cornell University.
• On his time off, Derek enjoys watching competitive sports with his family. Derek & his wife, Penny, have two children. Their son, Tyler, is a pitcher in the Oakland A’s Baseball Organization. Their daughter, Torey, attends Boston College and is the starting libero on the volleyball team. On occasion, when the weather is just right, Derek finds time to play golf with friends.
• His favorite entrée at the Rosen Plaza is the Veal Ossobuco with Wild Mushroom Risotto which is on the menu at Jack’s Place Restaurant.
• Derek was presented with the Rock Award at the Golden Pillar Awards Gala for a decade of foundational service to Rosen Hotels’ Service Advisory Council.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2006
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
• Jay’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is working with a team of dedicated associates whose main concern is to create a memorable experience for our guests on a daily basis.
• His favorite fun things to do in Orlando are playing golf and spending time with his family.
• Jay’s Favorite item on the Lite Bite menu is the Chicken Pesto Panini
• Jay has hosted his annual Toys for Tots toy drive for the last ten years and continues to do so year after year. Jay also supports a back to school supply drive as well as the Guardian Ad Litem program which provides advocacy for children.

• Years with Rosen Hotels & Resorts: 27
• 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.

Director of Sales & Marketing

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2003
• Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Suzanne is a graduate of Indiana University in Pennsylvania. Fun fact: Indiana, PA, is the Christmas tree capital of the world and hometown of actor Jimmy Stewart!
• Suzanne values family, flexibility, and independence, all of which can be achieved at Rosen Hotels & Resorts. Not only is family time valued, but the workplace is like her family as well.
• Suzanne and her sons consider themselves unofficial and unqualified foodies! They love to try all-new and tenured restaurants around town — the more hidden, the better. Lucky for them, Orlando truly has a world-class culinary scene with so many restaurants to celebrate. Her comfort food is the Brisket Burger at Rosen Plaza’s 3NINE bar and grill.
• Suzanne holds Pacesetter status with the American Cancer Society and is a co-captain of the Unstoppables, a private group that helps with annual fundraisers. As a breast cancer survivor, her mission is to spread awareness, knowledge, and compassion.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2008
• Birthplace: Puerto Rico
• Executive Chef Ricardo Lopez possesses many culinary art talents, including being an accomplished ice sculptor.
• When he is not competing in ice carving competitions, Chef Ricky enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 1991
• Birthplace: Cali, Colombia
• Martha was named Associate of the Year for 2013 and Associate of the Month for April 2017.
• Martha’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is that it does not feel like work because everyone is kind and endearing.
• Her favorite fun thing to do in Orlando is spending time with her family at various local attractions.
• Martha enjoys participating in various company walks and twice a year spearheads “garage sales” at work to raise funds for the Outreach Center’s School Supply and Toy Drives.

• Birthplace: Yaphank, Long Island, New York
• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2006.
• Attended Valencia College.
• James is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) by the Convention Industry Council and was the 2007 Manager of the Quarter.
• James enjoys collaborating with the amazing team at Rosen Hotels & Resorts, working together to create memorable experiences for our guests.
• Hands down, his recommended dish is Jack’s Place’s filet mignon — the best in town!

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2010
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
• John’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is that creativity is encouraged and appreciated.
• He is very proud that Rosen Plaza®’s 3NINE won the Orlando Business Journal’s Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Local Nightclub.”
• His favorite thing off Rosen Plaza®’s menu is 3NINE Poolside Bar’s “Big Boss,” a giant soft pretzel with locally brewed Alligator Drool beer cheese.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 1993
• Birthplace: Dominican Republic
• Marcela’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is her team.
• Her favorite thing off Rosen Plaza®’s menu is 3NINE’s Yucca Fries.
• Marcela has participated in numerous community service and corporate events. She is also a member of our company’s Wellness Initiative Network.

Director of Engineering

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2002
• Birthplace: Colombia
• Jaime attended the National University of Colombia.
• Jaime’s favorite things about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts are the immense support of his team and the great and affordable benefits the company offers.
• His favorite fun thing to do in Orlando is going for walks. With the city’s great weather, he appreciates being able to enjoy simple days at home, working on his house, or taking care of his yard.

• Amir joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts® in 1992.
• Birthplace: Dezful, Iran
• Business Management – Seminole Community College
• Amir has been with the Rosen Plaza® since opening. During his tenure he has established a reputation for commitment to excellent customer service, ensuring employees a safe and positive work environment
• Amir’s favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts® is the team spirit and dedication to excellence.
• Amir’s favorite activity away from work is spending time with his family, walking on the beach, and hiking.
• Amir’s favorite menu items are Zayde’s Kosher Kitchen’s hummus and baba ganoush.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2006
• Birthplace: Overland Park, Kansas
• Patrick graduated from the University of South Florida
• Patrick’s favorite things about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is working with a fantastic Organization & Team, and being able to provide a safe a secure environment for guests and associates.
• Patrick’s favorite fun things to do in Orlando is to ride his Harley motorcycle around town, and to take his two English Bulldogs (Hank and Gus) to parks around town.
• In 2015, Patrick was honored with the Rosen Hotels & Resorts Community Hero of the Year Award, an award that recognizes associates for their exemplary efforts in community service. Patrick has been active with Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank and was very active with the American Cancer Society and has held leadership positions with the Relay For Life of Lake Nona.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 1993
• Birthplace: Orlando, Florida
• John’s favorite fun thing to do in Orlando is grilling with family and friends.
• John volunteers for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida preparing food for the kids and families, and has participated at the Corporate 5K.

• Joined Rosen Hotels & Resorts in 2000
• Birthplace: Morocco
• Ahlam’s favorite things about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts are the employee benefits, the leadership, and the family-oriented atmosphere.
• On her time off, she enjoys going to the movies and experiencing the great attractions around Orlando.
• Ahlam’s favorite thing on the Rosen Plaza® menu is Jack’s Place’s The Wedge, their signature flourless chocolate cake.

Jason holds an associate’sdegree in hotel and restaurant management, and has served Rosen Hotels & Resorts since joining the VIP Concierge team in 2013. A year later he was promoted to Front Desk Supervisor and has served as Assistant Front Desk Manager since 2015. Jason is a highly respected team player with exemplary customer service skills. He is bright, quick-witted, and cheerful. Guests and fellow associates appreciate Jason’s steady, well-mannered temperament as well as his charming professionalism. His peers, who have recognized him for these qualities, have nominated him for a SAC Associate of the Month award. During his free time, Jason volunteers at Give Kids the World Village, and as a sports enthusiast, enjoys playing golf and sports-related video games like Madden NFL and FIFA.

• Birthplace: Medellin, Colombia
• Andres’ favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels & Resorts is that it is family-oriented, a smoke-free workplace, and has a company culture of wellness and health.
• During his time off he enjoys visiting area recreational parks and watch Orlando City soccer games.
• Andres loves the burgers at 3NINE.
• He has been recognized as Associate of the Month as well as Manager of the Quarter.

• 24 years on first page
• Birthplace: Leogane Haiti
• Favorite thing about working at Rosen Hotels and Resorts is the opportunity to grow and to work with great people from many other cultures
• Favorite thing from the Rosen Plaza menu is the 39Poolside Bar and Grill “Sixty South” Salmon Salad which features mixed green lettuces, mango salsa, candied pecans and a pineapple mango dressing
• Emilien has participated in corporate events such as Charity Challenge, Volunteers for Boys and Girls Club’s of Central Florida and is the recipient of the “Smoky” award for dedication and commitment to safety