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.

The Role of the Board

Oversight, Not Operations

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

Board responsibilities include:

  • Safeguarding the Foundation’s mission and public purpose
  • Overseeing financial stewardship and compliance
  • Supporting long-term strategic direction
  • Ensuring ethical governance and accountability
  • Evaluating impact at the ecosystem level

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:

Hotel Industry

Restaurant Industry

Events, Entertainment & Theme Parks

Technology & Innovation

Academia & Workforce Development

Industry Organizations & Community

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.

The Foundation’s Founding Board is being seated in 2026. Board members will be announced as the board is formally constituted.

Service and Commitment

Board Expectations

Board service is a meaningful commitment focused on stewardship and governance. Board members are expected to:

  • Participate in periodic meetings
  • Engage thoughtfully in governance decisions
  • Act in the best interests of the Foundation and its public mission

Service is uncompensated.