Bike/Walk Central Florida is pleased to welcome Richard “Rich” Maladecki to our Board of Directors. With more than four decades of leadership experience across nonprofit management, public policy, hospitality, and community development, Rich brings a deep understanding of how strong governance, strategic planning, and partnerships can advance meaningful change.
As a longtime bicyclist and advocate for safer walking and biking, Rich is drawn to BWCF’s mission to create safer, more connected communities across Central Florida. His professional background and personal commitment to active transportation make him a valuable addition to our board as we continue to grow our programs and impact.
A Career Rooted in Leadership and Strategy
Rich is a retired senior nonprofit and hospitality executive with 45 years of experience managing operations, finance, and service delivery for organizations. Most recently, he has served as a consultant supporting leadership transitions and board development, including work with the
National Entrepreneur Center (Orlando), regional chambers of commerce, and Bike/Walk Central Florida’s own board retreat in 2025.
For more than two decades, Rich served as President and CEO of the
Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, leading what was widely recognized as the world’s largest regional lodging association. During his tenure, he oversaw a $2 million budget, empowered governmental affairs and political action committees, developed and initiated several community charity partnerships, and built long-term financial stability through the creation of a permanent reserve fund.
His career also includes executive leadership roles with national and regional nonprofits such as
Parents, Inc.,
The Electrical Association of Philadelphia, and
Junior Achievement across multiple states, where he led strategic planning, fundraising, board development, and organizational restructuring efforts.
Experience That Strengthens Community Impact
In addition to his executive roles, Rich has held numerous volunteer leadership positions throughout Central Florida, including service on boards for
Visit Orlando, the
Orange County Library Board of Trustees
(where he served as Board President),
the Valencia College Foundation, and the
Central Florida Boy Scouts.
He is a two-time President of the
Dr. Phillips Rotary Club
and a
Paul Harris Fellow.
Rich is also an accomplished educator and author. He has taught nonprofit management and hospitality courses at the
University of Central Florida,
UCF Rosen College, and
Valencia College, and is the author of
Bits, Tips, and Power Points, a practical guide for nonprofit managers published by the
American Society of Association Executives.
His leadership and contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the
Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame, Tourism Executive of the Year by the
Orlando Business Journal, and repeated recognition as one of Orlando’s most influential leaders, just to name a few.
Supporting Safer Walking and Biking in Central Florida
In his board application, Rich shared that as a bicyclist for more than 20 years, he values organizations that advance safe biking and walking. At Bike/Walk Central Florida, his expertise in board development, public policy, and organizational strategy will help strengthen our ability to advocate for safer streets, support community partners, and guide long-term sustainability.
We are grateful to welcome Rich Maladecki to the board and look forward to the insight, leadership, and perspective he brings as we work together to create a safer Central Florida for everyone who walks, bikes, and rolls.
