ORLANDO, FL (March 25, 2025) – Rosen Hotels & Resorts President and CEO Frank Santos is now a member of the UCF Rosen College Hospitality Hall of Fame. During an induction ceremony at the university Tuesday evening, Santos was recognized for playing “a pivotal role in shaping Florida’s hospitality industry over the past four decades.” Santos was inducted along with Jeff Polk, who is a vice president at Universal Studios and the general manager of Epic Universe.
Prior to becoming president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Santos worked side by side with Rosen Hotels & Resorts Founder and President Harris Rosen as his chief financial officer. Over their 39 years together, their collaboration transformed the company into Florida’s largest independent hotel group. Santos played a key role in the company’s growth, overseeing the construction and opening of Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre, and Rosen Shingle Creek. Under his financial guidance, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has achieved the rare feat of remaining debt-free.
“Through the good times, and some not so good times, my friend, the late Harris Rosen stood by me. He elevated me. And he guided me through my hospitality journey,” Santos said at Tuesday’s ceremony. “I owe so much to Harris and it is such an honor to be on this stage where he stood 16 years ago.”
Beyond his business acumen, Santos has been instrumental in initiatives like RosenCare, the Tangelo Park and Parramore preschool programs, and of course, the founding of UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management 21 years ago. His leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact on Central Florida and the global hospitality industry.
Santos recalled his humble beginnings in his acceptance speech and thanked the company’s vice presidents for being by his side along the journey. “If I could tell that 14-year-old boy living on subsidized food, working a job while going to school, that he would someday be here, accepting this highest of honors, I know he would say, no, not me.” Santos said. “Yet here I am. It is truly astounding. Or as Harris would say, ‘Only in America.’”
