Evelyn Adams Honored as the 2014 HFTP Paragon Award Recipient

Evelyn Adams, was selected as the 2014 Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) Paragon Award recipient for her significant time and efforts devoted on the chapter and global levels of HFTP. Based in Boca Raton, Fla., Adams is currently the controller for the Bocaire Country Club. Adams will be presented with the prestigious Paragon Award, established to recognize individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to both HFTP and the hospitality industry, during the Annual Convention and Tradeshow annual business meeting on Friday, October 24.

"When I received the phone call informing me that I had been selected as this year's Paragon Award recipient, it was by far one of the most exciting moments of my life," said Adams. "To be included in the ranks of so many men and women that I have admired over my 25 years as a member of HFTP is an honor beyond description."

Adams has over 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry, beginning with her first job in 1986 as the controller at The Fountains Country Club in Lake Worth, Fla. Making the switch to club accounting was a challenge and it was during her time at The Fountains that she began attending meetings for HFTP, then known as the International Association of Hospitality Accountants (IAHA).

"Evelyn freely shares her knowledge and understanding of the private club industry with fellow HFTP Members and others serving in the industry," said Mitch Stump, CPA, consultant for Club Tax Network. "Whether it is working directly with chefs, general managers, controllers and members, she is seen as a valued resource to all."

In 1993, she was approached by the small Hamlet Country Club to become their new controller and use her expertise to provide many improvements. In 2007, even though she was not looking for a new job she became the controller for the Bocaire Country Club. In the eight years since joining Bocaire she has managed to convert their software system, rewrite their employee manual and implement new compliant human resource policies.

During her time in the industry she was able to contribute to the success of many private clubs all while working tirelessly to grow the HFTP Gold Coast and South Florida chapters. Adams served as president of the Florida Gold Coast chapter from 2002-2003 and for the past 17 years has served on their charity committee.

"Successful chapters have allowed HFTP to grow and prosper and Evelyn is a perfect example of how someone at a chapter level can have a significant impact on HFTP," said Thomas Smith, CHAE, vice president of the private club division for IBS Club Software and HFTP Global past president. "I have seen Evelyn at regional and local meetings called the 'Queen of HFTP' many times due to people understanding how much time she has given to HFTP."

HFTP established the annual Paragon Award in 1999. Paragon Award nominees can be HFTP members; representatives of industry-related associations, societies or trade publications; or leaders from hospitality businesses, educational institutions and other related disciplines. The recipient is selected by a panel of fellow hospitality industry experts.

Previous Paragon Award winners include Alice Banks, CHAE (1999); Henry "Buddy" Weeks, CHAE (1999); Frank Santos, CHAE, CHA (2000); Katherine Cavanagh, CHAE (2001); Raymond Schmidgall, PH.D., CPA, CHAE (2002); Frank Wolfe, CAE (2002); Len Bartello, CPA, CHAE, CHTP (2003); John J. Cahill, CHA, CHTP (2004); Wendy Zurstadt, CPA, CHAE, CHTP (2005); Richard Braa, CHAE (2006); Robert Patasnick, CPA (2007); George Glazer (2008); Agnes DeFranco, Ed.D., CHAE (2009); Stephen LeBruto, CPA, CHAE, Ed.D. (2009); and Steve Doherty, CHAE, CHTP (2010); Frank Agnello Jr., CMA, CHAE (2011); Howard Field, FBHA, FCA (2012); and Joseph McInerney, CHA (2013).

For more information on the Paragon Award, contact the HFTP Communications Department at[email protected] or +1 (512) 249-5333.