Board & Governance

Stewardship Through Independent Governance

The Proxenia Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors responsible for stewarding the Foundation's mission, ensuring public benefit, and providing long-term oversight.

The Board exists to guide strategy, uphold fiduciary responsibility, and ensure that the Foundation operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability as it serves the broader hospitality innovation ecosystem.

The Role of the Board

Oversight, Not Operations

The Board of Directors provides governance and strategic oversight. Day-to-day operations are managed independently.

Classical Greek statue representing stewardship and wisdom

Board responsibilities include:

Program management and daily operations are handled outside of the Board’s governance role.

Board Composition

Diverse Perspective, Shared Responsibility

The Proxenia Foundation is intentionally building a board that reflects the interdisciplinary nature of hospitality innovation.

The Board is expected to include leadership from:

This composition ensures that decisions are informed by real-world experience, cross-sector insight, and long-term perspective.

Independence and Public Benefit

Built for Trust

The Proxenia Foundation operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Foundation is governed independently and operates for the public benefit. All net earnings are applied solely in support of the Foundation’s charitable and educational mission.

Where relationships exist with aligned organizations across the ecosystem, appropriate governance practices, disclosures, and safeguards are maintained to ensure independence and transparency.

Founding Board

Transitional Governance During Formation

The Foundation's Founding Board provides initial governance and fiduciary oversight during formation and IRS 501(c)(3) determination.

As the Foundation enters operations in 2026, a permanent Board of Directors will be seated, comprising leaders from Central Florida's hospitality industry, academic institutions, and community organizations.

Founding Board Members

Scott Hill

[BACKGROUND PLACEHOLDER - 2-3 sentences about your experience, why you started the foundation, Central Florida connection]

Tim Debaun

[BACKGROUND PLACEHOLDER - 2-3 sentences about Tim's expertise and role]

Jehue Francios

[BACKGROUND PLACEHOLDER - 2-3 sentences about Jehue's expertise and role]

The permanent Board selection process will prioritize deep hospitality industry experience, academic leadership in relevant fields, and demonstrated commitment to Central Florida's innovation ecosystem.

Service and Commitment

Board Expectations

Board service is a meaningful commitment focused on stewardship and governance.

Board members are expected to:

Service is uncompensated.