News Summary
August Decker, Golf General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, has been awarded Executive of the Year by the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. Recognized for his exceptional vision and leadership, Decker has made significant operational improvements while championing sustainability initiatives. His commitment to developing future talent further exemplifies his impact on the hospitality industry in Orlando and beyond, marking a notable achievement at the inaugural Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards.
August Decker Shines as Executive of the Year in Central Florida!
Orlando is buzzing with excitement as August Decker, the Golf General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, recently snagged the prestigious title of Executive of the Year from the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA). This accolade was part of CFHLA’s inaugural Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards, and let’s just say, the competition was fierce, with over thirty talented nominees vying for this coveted honor.
Trailblazing Visionary in Hospitality
What makes Decker stand out? Well, he’s been recognized for his exceptional vision, performance, and impact on both Grande Lakes and Marriott Golf. His leadership style is all about reaching for the stars while delivering top-notch luxury experiences that embody Marriott’s core values. Inside the world of hospitality, where standards run high, Decker is setting the bar even higher.
Decker’s leadership didn’t just end with excellent guest experiences; he has also driven impressive operational results at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes. Under his guidance, the golf club has seen transformative changes that elevate both its reputation and its sustainability practices. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the customer experience!
Going Green with Enthusiasm
One of the standout achievements during Decker’s tenure has been his commitment to sustainability. He spearheaded a remarkable transformation at the resort, leading a dedicated 32-person green team focused on eco-friendly practices. How cool is that? They increased the trash diversion rate from a mere 3.8% to over 20% in just a few short years! Imagine the positive impact on the planet when a facility steps up like that.
And wait, there’s more! Decker’s sustainability initiatives included a composting program that successfully diverted over sixty-five tons of wet waste. This is not just any small feat; it highlights a serious commitment to creating a greener future.
Empowering Future Leaders
Decker is not just focused on the present; he’s also all about developing talent for the future. He recently promoted two team members to the positions of Directors of Golf, which fosters a culture of growth and innovation within the organization. It’s fantastic to see leaders like him investing in their people and inspiring them to aim for greatness in their own careers.
Jon McGavin, the Area General Manager of Grande Lakes Orlando, is beaming with pride over Decker’s recognition, and understandably so! It’s not every day you see such a strong commitment to both people and the planet in the fast-paced world of hospitality.
A Global Influence
Decker’s impressive work is part of a bigger picture, too. Marriott Golf manages an astounding 45 golf courses across 14 countries on 5 continents. The Marriott Global Golf Division offers nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf for various Marriott brands. The impact Decker makes at a local level radiates globally as part of this expansive network.
Since 1970, Marriott has been a trailblazer in integrated resort and golf operations, known for its award-winning results and service culture. It’s exciting to think that someone like Decker is contributing to a legacy of excellence!
If you’re interested in the wider community of hospitality leaders, take a moment to check out the Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards as they continue to celebrate those who excel in the industry. That’s something you won’t want to miss!
With dedicated leaders like August Decker steering the ship, the future of luxury hospitality in Orlando and beyond looks incredible!
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Additional Resources
- First Call Golf: August Decker Named CFHLA Executive of the Year
- Google Search: August Decker
- On Tap Sports Net: Brian Rolapp Joins PGA Tour
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- The Golf Wire: Marriott International Golf Division Awards
- Hotel Online: Grande Lakes Orlando Welcomes Chef Graeme Little
- Upgraded Points: JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
- Google News: Marriott Golf
- CoStar: Commonwealth Hotels Hires Vice President of Operations
