The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is proud to share the exciting news of CGAF Board Member Curtis Crider’s appointment as the new President & CEO of the Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA).

According to GMBHA Chairman and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Board Member Amir Blattner, “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 has dedicated more than three decades to shaping the region’s luxury service, food & beverage, and hospitality industries. He most recently served as chairman, president, and managing director of Jungle Island Resort, where he led all operations and helped launch Joia Beach, Miami’s first private beach club and restaurant. His executive leadership drove revenue growth, boosted employee satisfaction, and elevated the brand.

Previously, he spent over 15 years with Sonesta Hotels, serving as general manager of the Sonesta Coconut Grove, a luxury AAA Four Diamond hotel, and resident manager at the Sonesta Beach Resort & Spa in Key Biscayne.

Crider is active in the community, serving on the boards of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, GMBHA Executive Board, and was vice president of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce.

“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,” said Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO David Whitaker. “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.”

Crider is a Miami resident and holds a degree from St. Petersburg College. His accolades include the City of Miami’s Community Involvement Award, Business of the Year Award and General Manager of the Year.

About the GMBHA

Established in 1965, the GMBHA is a membership-based organization that represents the hotel and hospitality industry in Miami-Dade County. The GMBHA promotes the interests of its members through advocacy, education and partnerships and advances Greater Miami as the visitor’s destination of choice. For more information, please visit: www.gmbha.com.