Nicolet Severe–Puhl, MBA
Nicolet Severe-Puhl is a visionary strategist and respected executive leader with over 25 years of experience in hospitality, public affairs, economic development, and international business and event strategy. As the Executive Director of Severe Strategies, she leads strategic growth initiatives, partnership negotiations, and high-level advisory engagements focused on brand development, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive economic strategies. Her consulting work empowers institutions to navigate public policy, amplify executive visibility, and strengthen civic impact.
Nicolet has built partnerships with organizations such as Disney, Universal Orlando Resort, Duke Energy, the Orlando Magic, and numerous government entities at the local, state, and national levels. Her work has supported multi-property marketing initiatives, global event activations, and business development campaigns through roles with Visit Orlando, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.
She has held executive positions including Vice President of Operations at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce and President & Executive Director of the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, where she led government affairs, economic development, and event strategies that boosted engagement, visibility, and membership growth. She also served as Director of Alumni & Community Relations at Barry Law School, advancing institutional outreach and partnership development.
Her career includes leadership roles at top hospitality brands such as the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, El Conquistador, and Hilton Grand Vacations. She also directed outreach campaigns for the U.S. Census Bureau under the Department of Commerce and served as Executive Assistant to the Advisor to the President of the United States for the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative.
Nicolet has led international campaigns and trade events in global markets including Dubai, Australia, and Latin America, fostering cross-sector collaboration among tourism, education, government, and business stakeholders. She has received awards recognizing her impact in multicultural leadership, tourism innovation, and public service, and is known for mentoring emerging leaders in fundraising, strategy, and policy engagement.
A bilingual communicator (English/Spanish), public speaker, and media spokesperson, Nicolet continues to serve as a trusted advisor in community transformation and inclusive economic growth. She has served on several boards, including the Central Florida Zoo, Leadership Seminole, and Orlando Teen Challenge.
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Joseph “Joe” Puhl, CHA
Joseph “Joe” Puhl, CHA, is a veteran hospitality executive with over 35 years of leadership experience spanning hotel management, transitional housing operations, and franchise strategy. Known in the industry as “The Hotel Avenger,” Joe has a proven record of transforming underperforming properties, building high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence across nationally recognized hotel brands including Holiday Inn, Sheraton, IHG, and Choice Hotels.
As Deputy Executive Director at Severe Strategies, Joe co-leads consulting engagements focused on housing policy, site development, and public-private collaboration. His leadership combines technical expertise in compliance and revenue optimization with a hands-on approach to turnaround strategy and workforce development.
Joe served as an advisor to Seminole County’s tourism and hospitality boards, including the Tourism Improvement District Task Force, where he lends strategic insights on hotel performance, economic development, and sustainable tourism growth. He also served on the Choice Hotels Ownership Council, providing national-level franchisee guidance to enhance marketing, operations, and guest experience.
His operational portfolio includes managing multimillion-dollar renovation projects, streamlining cost structures, and consistently exceeding guest satisfaction and RevPAR targets. A Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and certified workforce development trainer, Joe has mentored dozens of frontline employees into management roles and is widely respected for fostering a culture of service, accountability, and growth.
Recognized with the 2023 & 2024 Best of Sanford Awards and a Seminole Business Award nomination, Joe’s industry leadership is matched by his passion for mentoring and organizational transformation. His insights on hotel performance and leadership have been featured in HospitalityNet and other platforms.
Joe brings a unique blend of executive-level strategy, operational rigor, and civic-minded service. His work continues to shape the future of hospitality through innovation, collaboration, and people-centered leadership.
Nicolet
