Harris Rosen, a charter member of the UCF Board of Trustees, was recognized as the top winner among chief operating officers at large companies. Rosen, president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, was praised for his extensive community involvement and philanthrophy.
A five-year financial plan, centered on restructuring debt to allow capital growth, was one of the key factors in the Orlando Business Journal’s selection of Stricklin.
“I really appreciated just being nominated,” Stricklin said. “But to win the award is quite an honor, especially to be recognized by the Orlando business community. I’m very appreciative of the staff I have. Consistency is a key. We’ve had our staff in place for many years and we really work well together. They deserve this recognition as well.”
UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Todd Stansbury said Stricklin is “extremely deserving” of this recognition.
“Brad’s professionalism and attention to detail have been a strength for our department and for me personally as I have transitioned into my role as athletics director,” Stansbury said.
Stricklin has been with UCF Athletics since 2006. He oversees the Knights’ business operations, human resources and information technology departments. He also serves as the sport administrator for volleyball and men’s and women’s golf.
Rosen oversees seven Orlando-area hotels that include 6,300 rooms and employ 3,500 workers. In the 1990s, he created the Tangelo Park Pilot Program, which provides free preschool education for all 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds in the Central Florida neighborhood as well as other initiatives designed to assist the students through high school and college. The program provides all students in the neighborhood who are accepted to a Florida vocational school, junior college or four-year public college a completely free education, including room and board.
The Orlando Business Journal has previously recognized Rosen as a “Healthcare Hero” and one of the area’s top CEOs.