The Alfond Inn at Rollins Announces Three New Leadership Appointments
2/12/2026
The Alfond Inn at Rollins, the award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park, is pleased to announce three new appointments: Antwan Ellis as Executive Chef, Liz Barlow, Director of Marketing, and Jon Van Eron, Director of Spa & Membership. Antwan Ellis will join the property this week, while Liz Barlow and Jon Van Eron joined the team in late 2025.
“This group of appointments reflects an intentional investment in the future of The Alfond Inn,” said Michael Briggs, Managing Director of The Alfond Inn. “Antwan, Liz, and John each bring deep expertise in their respective fields, along with a shared respect for craft, community, and purpose. Together, they strengthen our leadership team and reinforce our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience.”
Antwan Ellis, Executive Chef
Ellis joins The Alfond Inn from Las Vegas, most recently serving as Executive Chef and Culinary Director at Emmitt’s Vegas. Before that, Ellis was Executive Chef de Cuisine at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a Fairmont Hotels & Resorts–managed property in Bermuda, overseeing multiple outlets and leading large culinary teams in fast-paced luxury environments. He holds a BSc (Honours) in Hotel Management from the University of the West Indies and has pursued continued professional development across hospitality leadership and operations.
“Chef Ellis brings extensive luxury-hospitality experience and the kind of steady, standards-driven leadership that elevates everything around it,” said Michael Briggs, Managing Director of The Alfond Inn. “He understands how to enhance a culture, develop talent, and deliver consistency at the highest level. We’re excited for what this means for our culinary program, our guests, and our team.”
“I have admired The Alfond Inn since its opening in 2013, so this is a dream workplace for me,” said Antwan Ellis. “I’m excited to move the culinary department forward, maintaining consistency and quality while keeping a keen eye on growth. The hotel’s philanthropic mission and the art throughout the property also speak to me. Food has always been my medium of expression, and this is a place where creativity is part of the everyday experience.”
Liz Barlow, Director of Marketing
Barlow brings a background spanning hotel and resort marketing strategy, content leadership, and brand-building for destination properties. She previously worked as an independent marketing task force for hotels and resorts, specializing in marketing strategy and department structure for new and rebranding projects. After relocating to Orlando, she served as Content Marketing Manager at Timbers Company, overseeing content creation across multiple brands and projects, including properties in Kauai and Tuscany.
“Since my arrival in Central Florida, the reputation of The Alfond Inn preceded my personal introduction to it,” said Liz Barlow. “I’m eager to take part in a one-of-a-kind guest experience that’s rooted in a larger mission of education, culture, and discovery. In a time when human expression is increasingly filtered through technology, it’s meaningful to be part of a place that celebrates creativity, from cuisine to fine art to the everyday warmth of hospitality.”
John Van Eron, Director of Spa & Membership
Van Eron joins The Alfond Inn at Rollins from The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, where he served as Director of Spa, Recreation & Retail. His background spans luxury spa and wellness leadership in both resort and day spa environments, with an early career rooted in hands-on service as a hairstylist and makeup artist. Over the past decade, he has focused on spa operations and a people-first approach to leadership.
“What drew me to The Alfond Inn at Rollins was the opportunity to build on something that’s already special,” said John Van Eron. “The property has a strong foothold in the area, and I’m excited to help thoughtfully grow the spa experience, including an eagerly anticipated membership program that strengthens community and enhances what guests already love.”
ABOUT THE ALFOND INN AT ROLLINS
A member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X.SM collection, The Alfond Inn at Rollins has a AAA Four Diamond Rating and is managed by Olympia Hospitality, an innovative leader in hospitality. Owned by Rollins College, a private coeducational liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida, The Alfond Inn opened in August 2013 and directs net operating income to Rollins College scholarships. The 183-room boutique hotel offers The Spa at The Alfond Inn, two pools, a 6,000-square-foot Amenity Deck, a fitness center, and 12,400 square feet of flexible meeting space. The award-winning Hamilton's Kitchen restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while The Café offers lighter bites and beverages. The hotel is located 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. The Alfond Inn at Rollins, 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. 407-998-8090. www.thealfondinn.com
Among its many distinctions, The Alfond Inn has been recognized as a 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Award winner and a 2026 Orlando Magazine Best of Weddings Hall of Fame recipient.
PRESS CONTACT
National: alfondinn@culturalcounsel.com
Regional/Local: kathy@khapr.com
