Hotels and Restaurants – Advisory Council

Geoff Luebkemann, Chair

Drew McLeod, Vice Chair

Next Hotels & Restaurants Advisory Council Meeting:
January 27th, 2025
Draft Meeting Agenda

The advisory council was created by the Florida Legislature to:

• promote better relations, understanding, and cooperation between the hospitality industry and the division;
• to offer ways to better protect the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens and visitors using the hospitality industry services;
• to provide knowledge and experience concerning the industries and individual businesses affected by the laws and rules administered by the division; and
• to promote and coordinate the development of programs to educate and train personnel for such industries.

Section 509.291, Florida Statutes, provides more information on the advisory council.

STATUTORY MEMBERS

Chip Tatum

Executive Vice President
Florida Apartment Association
105 E Robinson Street
Suite 301
Orlando, FL 32801

Geoff Luebkemann

Senior Vice President
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
230 South Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301-1729

Denis Hanks

Executive Director
Florida Vacation Rental Management Association
7862 W. Irlo Bronson Highway
Suite 305
Kissimmee, FL 34747

Ethan Perry

Public Policy Representative
Florida Association of Realtors
200 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301

APPOINTED MEMBERS

Jon McGavin – Term Expires: December 15, 2028

Erin Ballas – Lay Member – Term Expires: December 22, 2026

Drew McLeod – Term Expires: December 22, 2026

Owner/Operator, Savour
115 E. Park Ave
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Julie K. Hilton – Term Expires: December 22, 2026

President, Emerald Sun Resorts
13200 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Unit B
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Dr. Donald Farr – Term Expires: October 6, 2024

Director
Dedman School of Hospitality, The Florida State University
288 Champions Way, Suite 4100
Tallahassee, FL 32306

Bonnie Smetzer – Term Expires: December 22, 2026

Executive Vice President, Asset Living
4840 Dairy Rd., Suite 104
Melbourne, FL 32904