Richard Maladecki is president of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA), a position he has held since 1997. He oversees governmental affairs, a Political Action Committee, membership services community partnerships and board development. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and received his master's degree from Eastern College in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. Richard has been an adjunct professor in the University of Central Florida's Non-Profit Management Program since 2000.

Under his leadership, the CFHLA has developed an Adopt-A-School Program with Orange County Public Schools, provided free lodging for new teachers through its Teacher Relocation Program, given educators hands-on experience in local hotels through its Teacher Academy and awarded grants to the district's hospitality programs.

Richard serves on the boards of many organizations, including Florida's Blood Centers, Valencia Community College Foundation, Central Florida Boy Scouts, the Orange County Regional History Center and the UCF Non-Profit Curriculum Advisory Council.