CAROL DOVER

PRESIDENT & CEO, FLORIDA RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION, TALLAHASSEE

FRLA represents Florida’s hospitality industry, defending over 10,000 members through advocacy, education and training, regulatory support and workforce development. With a team of approximately 60, FRLA protects the industry, promotes tourism, supports local economies and cultivates hospitality careers. Dover has been CEO for 30 years.

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

FIRST JOB: My first job was at age 14, working at a hotel owned by my mother’s friend in Orlando, where I was born and raised. I also worked in restaurants at a young age to help my family.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: If I wasn’t involved in the hospitality and tourism industry, I would likely be doing something with interior design. I have also been a lifelong equestrian, so I would be working to develop equestrian projects and riding and competing as much as possible.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I’m truly a farm girl at heart. Life on my horse farm brings me immense joy — from caring for the horses to embracing the hard and important work of running the farm.

PASSION PROJECT: One of my passion projects has been expanding and funding the Florida Horse Park, helping solidify Ocala as the Horse Capital of the World.

NONPROFIT PASSION: As a breast cancer survivor, I’m passionate about supporting research and funding for breast cancer, and I also support many nonprofit organizations and charities that help children.

MENTEE IMPACT: Through Florida’s ProStart and HTM programs, we’ve mentored over 300,000 high school students pursuing hospitality careers in restaurants and hotels. Watching students we’ve mentored grow into industry leaders affirms the importance of guidance, encouragement and creating real-world opportunities for the next generation.