2025 TPOY Nomination Form

  • 34th Annual South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year NOMINATION FORM

  • Award to be presented at the 34th Annual South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Gala

    November 13, 2025

    Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay

    The Advisory Board of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT), made up of travel & tourism leaders in Miami-Dade County established the South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Award in 1991. The South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Award is presented annually to the leader who has made significant contributions to the tourism community - and the South Florida community at large - through his or her leadership at the office as well as through his/her volunteerism efforts. 

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
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  • Qualifications

  • Your nominee should be an industry leader who meets the following qualifications:

    • Resides in South Florida
    • Worked in the travel& tourism industry in South Florida for a minimum of 5 years
    • Has made significant contributions to the travel & tourism industry at large, in addition to his/her own organization
    • Demonstrates a record of outstanding community service in areas of educaiton and leadership 

    Note:

    • Community service is not limited to AOHT
    • Nomineees cannot be a current elected official or previous recipient (list below)
    • Previous nominees can be nominated again

     

    Guideline for the Nomination: 

    Please expand on the answers to provide the best submission for your nominee. Answer the questions below to support your nomination. 

  • Include with your nomination supporting materials such as letters, testimonials, photos, and any other evidence that supports the nomination.

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  • Selections are based on the quality and completeness of your application.

     

    A committee of impartial judges will review and rank each nomination based on a rubric. Please ensure that your answers are complete and that all supporting documentation has been uploaded to ensure a fair review during the selection process. 

    Nominees will be notified on October 1, 2025 and are required to attend the South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Gala, Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. Nominees will receive one complimentary ticket to the event. 

     

    For additional information call Julie Kennedy at 305-693-3030

  • Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025

  • Don't forget to purchase your tickets to the event of the season! Click here for more information.

    Joel Gonzalez, AOHT Advisory Board Chair with Julissa Kepner, General Manager of the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay and 2024 South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year

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  • South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Distinguished Awardees

    2024 – Julissa Kepner

    2023 – Gene Prescott

    2022 – Steve Adkins

    2021 – Dr. Peter Ricci

    2019 – Dr. Paul George

    2018 – Alyce Robertson*

    2017 – George Neary

    2016 – Wendy Kallergis

    2015 – Henry Delgado

    2014-  Kimberly Wilson

    2013 - Rocco Angelo

    2012 - Shawn Hauver

    2011 - Tony Goldman*

    2010 - Joan Remington

    2009 - Alvin L. West

    2008 - Lee Dickson*

    2007 - Arthur Hertz*

    2006 - Bob Dickinson

    2005 - Michael Aller*

    2004 - Farooq Rehmatwala

    2003 - Juan Romero

    2002 - William D. Talbert, III

    2001 - Cheryl Carter*

    2000 - Alexandra Villoch

    1999 - Gary D. Dellapa

    1998 - Maria A. Sastre

    1997 - Horace Hord

    1996 - Merrett R. Stierheim*

    1995 - Stuart Blumberg

    1994 - Roger M. Carlton

    1993 - Jeanne Westphal*

    1992 - Sherwood Weiser*

    1991 - Sherman Winn*

    *Deceased

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