Duane Winjum

Duane Winjum is an experienced executive of the Hospitality Industry starting with Hyatt Hotels. Most recently Duane took over the role of General Manager for The Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando North. Previously he was the General Manager for the historic & award winning Plaza Resort & Spa, offering the best selection of resort amenities, full service spa, recreation program, multiple restaurants and event facilities on Daytona Beach. The Melia Orlando Celebration, one of the most visible properties within the global company’s Americas region. Duane Winjum’s strategic vision was critical in the design and implementation of an innovative initiative across the organization to be the first hotel to lead a Finance Department using Robotics Process Automation, and his hotel was appointed as The Pilot Hotel to test all new technologies to create a “Smart Hotel”. He has previously worked for such brands as Marriott, InterContinental, Sheraton and Radisson along with several unique boutique independent hotels. Duane Winjum served on the 2020/21 Board of Directors for the Osceola County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Experience Kissimmee. Duane also served on the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors, the CFLHA Political Action Committee and the CFHLA Political Committees’ Board, the Foundation Board and was Vice-Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Duane was also the 2011 CFHLA Board Chairman. Duane has served as President of Skal International Orlando in 2017. Duane Winjum served as the 2008 Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Kissimmee/Osceola County - Osceola Resort Area Council. Duane Winjum has been active in the Central Florida Partnership, Business Force, Florida Citrus Sports, Downtown Orlando Partnership, the Downtown Development Board, Visit Orlando and served on the Central Florida Regional Commission on Homelessness. Duane Winjum believes in taking an active role to help our community be a better place for us all to live. Duane has volunteered with Green Up Orlando, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, he helped build a home with Habitat for Humanity, he has volunteered at the Sunshine Foundation, Give Kids The World and H.O.M.E. (Helping Others Make the Effort), the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Marriott’s “Spirit to Serve” program. Duane Winjum has been a corporate sponsor of the Florida Film Festival and has sponsored the Orlando Fringe Festivals and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. However, his most important and number 1 job is as a father and husband.