David Adelson’s Post

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Experienced C- Level Business Leader | Visionary | Entrepreneur | Investor

You might want coffee for this long post – Sorry, not sorry! In July, I announced my retirement. As I step into this new chapter, I find myself reflecting on 30 years of incredible memories, experiences, and people who have shaped my career. From the beginning, I was scrappy, hungry, and eager to learn. In my twenties, I embraced the hotel industry, surrounded by great coworkers and friends like Sean Mullen and Stephen Gorse. My journey took a major leap when Gus Vonderheide gave me my first shot with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Those 10 years were transformative, working alongside amazing people like Bernard Guet, Richard Morgan, John Thiesfeld, Jerry Lewin, John Kroll, Stuart Meyerson. Hyatt was not just a company; it was a family that groomed me into a leader. Hyatt opened doors for me to move to Orlando and work on the Peabody Orlando expansion. I’m forever grateful to Alan Villaverde and Barry Anderson for believing in me. Collaborating with talented individuals like Barb Bowden, Marshall Kelberman, Sheri Swan, Alan Enns and John Askew made those years unforgettable. After years of watching innovation intersect with hospitality, I took a leap of faith and created INTELITY, a first-of-its-kind platform. While the concept and vision were mine, the success belonged to the incredible team around me—Chris Grey, Gregg Hopkins, Troy Fisher, Jennifer Ranno, Jessica Bush Aslanian, David Rosenfeld, Erynn Torrenga and many (hundreds) more of the INTELITY family. Those 12 years were the best of my professional life. Selling INTELITY brought unexpected challenges and an identity shift. After some soul-searching, I was fortunate to join the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), thanks to Tim Giuliani. This opportunity rekindled my passion and allowed me to work with selfless, visionary leaders like Scott Fagan, Jo Newell, Danielle Permenter, Charlie Lewis, Paul A. Sohl, Dawn Haynes, Ashley McMullan, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Daryl Holt, Eric Ushkowitz, Thad Seymour, Jr., Carol Ann Dykes Logue and others—all united in the mission to "Make Orlando Great." The OEP experience led me to InnovateOrlando.io, where I found joy in putting the Orlando Tech Community on the map. These years have been a blur, but they’ve been an incredible ride. Along the way, I’ve come to realize that true success lies in listening, learning, and supporting the talented teams that make everything possible. I am fortunate to retire at this stage of life, but what I value most are the people who have inspired me. Thank you to everyone who gave me a shot, challenged me, and stood beside me. You’ve made this journey unforgettable....and for those that know me and have read this far - know it would be impossible for me to retire. Onward!

Joel Martin

Experihaus Media Sales, CTV DOOH + Experiential | Board of Directors | 2025 Youth Marketing Summit, Fest Forums Panelist | Startup Advisor | Sustainability Advocate helping the next-gen of leaders champion social impact

3w

Congratulations on this moment in your life! I’m sure you have plans for the next phase on Space Ship Earth. As a side note, might I offer this small inception.. I’ve met a few retirees that came back as professionals at University, Makerspaces, etc. Maybe look for a faculty position at the university and spread the joy of your wisdom. That’s how I met Jack Stubbs, who was about to retire. He lead a few of us post grads and me a veteran of VFX/games to build some special things with a skunk works approach to development. Your expertise can inspire students to invent things, launch businesses and send ripples of your breath of work forward in time.

Lindse Murphy

Catalyst for Women Leaders. Certified Chief Wellbeing Officer. Master Connector. Community Accelerator. Public Speaker. Entrepreneur.

3w

It was an honor to work alongside you David, Ashley McMullan, Brooke Hill, M.A. and Kristen Cowman at the OEP. I wish you a wonderful "Semi-Retirement" and look forward to supporting Innovate Orlando and Sheena Fowler on this next journey. There is truly nothing like the Orlando tech community. Cheers!!!

Isabella Johnston

Tech Founder/CEO of Employers 4 Change | Mission, Values, & Core Skills Expert | Future of Work Speaker | Host of Intern Whisperer Podcast | Servant Leader | Author

3w

Happy for you David. It has been such a wonderful experience to have spent time with you and launch Tech Hub Orlando I am also thrilled that Sheena Fowler is your predecessor. She is a wonderful choice and in my humble opinion, the perfect choice. Thank you to the team that selected such a ‘fire’ leader.

Charlie Lewis

Need to hire? We can help!

2w

Thank heavens...I was like "when is this guy going to get out of here already?" 😂 But for real, it was fun having you around buddy

Mila Bryce

NCL Personal Cruise Consultant

1d

Congratulations David!!! What an amazing journey. Extremely proud to have worked with you. Enjoy retirement 

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Sean Mullen

President, Acquisition, Sales, and Revenue at Noble House Hotels & Resorts

2w

Agree, not a chance you are retiring. Been a long ride since the Philadelphia days. Lots of great memories, some we can’t talk about but smile about…..

Bernard Guet

President at EVERGREEN INVESTMENT PHILADELPHIA

2w

Congratulations on turning the page and heading into a new chapter. I am not sure you are going to sit behind the television. More like I did (real estate), go for something less stressful than Corporate America. All the best in any new venture. Stay in touch

Maryann Kilgallon

Tech Entrepreneur | POMM® Founder & CEO | Forbes Next1000 | Two-Time Published Author | Business Journal Startups To Watch |

3w

David Adelson what a great journey & happy for your next move of retirement.

Michael C. Cohen

President and Managing Partner @ GAIN - Travel, Hospitality, MICE Tech Advisor •🎙️Keynote Speaker • Mentor and Lecturer @ NYU Tisch Center of Hospitality • Spark⚡️to Scale 📈 ™️• 7500+ followers • ✈️ 💼The Nomad Exec

2w

Wonderful to hear this news David. Always enjoyed our interactions, and was a pleasure working with you in the various scenarios over the years. Enjoy the freedom and time, and if/when your back in on something great, will support you as always.

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