Curtis J. Crider Appointed as President and CEO of GMBHA

Curtis J. Crider Takes the Helm at GMBHA

The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) has announced the appointment of Curtis J. Crider as its new President and CEO, effective May 2025. This decision marks a significant step for the GMBHA as they aim to navigate the complexities of Miami's vibrant hospitality industry.

According to GMBHA Chairman Amir Blattner, Crider's extensive experience in hospitality management and his strategic vision poise him as the ideal candidate to lead the association into a new era. Blattner emphasized, "Curtis's extensive background in hospitality leadership and his thoughtful, strategic vision for the future of our industry made him the clear choice for this role."

Crider comes to the GMBHA with over 30 years of experience in the luxury service, food and beverage, and hospitality fields. His most recent role was as chairman, president, and managing director of Jungle Island Resort, where he led all operational aspects and played a pivotal role in launching Joia Beach, Miami's first private beach club and restaurant. Under his leadership, the resort experienced substantial revenue growth, improved employee satisfaction, and enhanced brand prestige.

Additionally, Crider was instrumental in developing an ambitious project for an 18.6-acre eco-adventure park featuring a hotel with 300 guest rooms, a rooftop restaurant, pool bar, and extensive meeting space.

Prior to this, Crider spent over 15 years working with Sonesta Hotels, where he managed the luxury Sonesta Coconut Grove, a AAA Four Diamond hotel, and was the resident manager at the Sonesta Beach Resort & Spa in Key Biscayne.

GMBHA President and CEO David Whitaker stated, "Miami-Dade County's visitor industry needs to continuously build and strengthen alliances to maximize growth, workforce development, and make the necessary investments to keep service levels high. Curtis's leadership will be key to these efforts and help our destination continue on its path of success. I look forward to collaborating with him."

As a resident of Miami, Crider holds a degree from St. Petersburg College and is deeply involved in community initiatives. He serves on various boards including the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and the Executive Board of the GMBHA. His contributions to the community have been recognized with several awards, including the City of Miami's Community Involvement Award and being named Business of the Year.

With Crider's extensive expertise and commitment to Miami's hospitality scene, the GMBHA is set to enter a promising phase, aimed at promoting the interests of its members while advancing Greater Miami as a premier destination for visitors. The GMBHA, established in 1965, plays a crucial role in advocating for the hotel and hospitality industry in Miami-Dade County by fostering education, partnerships, and growth opportunities.

For further details, please visit GMBHA's website.