CAROL DOVER

PRESIDENT & CEO, FLORIDA RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION, TALLAHASSEE

For three decades now, Dover has led Florida’s hospitality trade association and its more than 50 employees. The organization represents Florida’s $112-billion hospitality industry and 1.5 million employees. Under Dover’s leadership, the FRLA has been successful in pushing against increased taxes, provided support with regulatory issues, built a high school culinary and hotel program that became one of the largest in the country, implemented training to combat human trafficking, and started its first disaster-relief program to help hotels and restaurants after emergency events.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS), Johnson & Wales University (Honorary DBA)

READING: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell 

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Bob Leonard, former president and CEO of IHOP and former chairman of the Florida Restaurant Association Chairman (now FRLA), has been a constant source of inspiration. A respected executive and operator in the food service industry, Bob was known for his no-nonsense problem-solving approach and treating everyone equally.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Never burn a bridge. You may disagree with someone’s approach or position on an issue, but there is no excuse to ever be unprofessional, disrespectful or unkind. We work in a process where differences certainly exist, but you will get nowhere if you don’t work towards consensus and the best possible result. People move around frequently, and you never know when you will work with them again.