I feel grateful, excited and inspired every day to work in such a beautiful coastal setting. Leading a team of talented and passionate marketing, communications, retail and event professionals in all strategic marketing efforts for the world-renowned, award-winning master planned community of Alys Beach, is a career high. Situated along the iconic Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton County, Florida, Alys Beach is becoming a highly sought-after luxury destination, with over 260+ residences now constructed and dozens more under construction. The town will consist of nearly 800 residences at complete build out. Breathtaking amenities, including an owners-only Gulf Front Beach Club, deliver an unparalleled experience like no other along the Gulf Coast.My team's oversight, involvement and efforts impact real estate sales, vacation rentals, on-site retail, food & beverage, special events and construction through channels such as digital, print, broadcast and social media, targeted direct and email campaigns, public relations and earned media efforts, and brand creative, collateral and publication development. We also oversee Alys Beach owner, vacation rental guest, and employee communications.

Lead a six person team of talented professionals (public relations, marketing, graphic arts, membership, visitor services) in a comprehensive, integrated marketing and communications effort to position Mobile as an ideal destination for the leisure, group, convention and international markets. Strategies include traditional print and broadcast as well as ever-emerging digital, social and mobile platforms, cooperative opportunities and promotional programs. Lead all efforts in local, regional and national earned media and public relations. Co-lead in a successful city-wide rebranding effort with Mayor’s office, City Council, County Commission and other key business and civic organizations, including a name change, the development of a new national promotional video, collateral, trade show displays, major signage, blog, social media channels and website. Active in civic, community and legislative (local, state and federal) outreach. Work with stakeholders such as the waterfront Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center, Carnival Cruise Lines, Mobile Regional Airport, area attractions, hotels, restaurants, retail, the creative arts community, special events, city, county and state governments and other organizations to present a vibrant, exciting brand and message designed to generate room nights, attraction and event attendance and other travel-related expenditures. Additionally, provide marketing support for several major city festivals and events. Significant experience managing crisis communications such as the 2010 BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, major storms and other events impacting the area.

After launching and overseeing the company's resort marketing division for several years, was advanced and promoted into a regional marketing position responsible for managing and/or having an active roll in the overall marketing and public relations strategies for the multi-county area of operations, including several upscale, mixed-used and master planned residential/resort communities, three top-rated golf courses, two marinas, a variety of retail centers and a major commercial/industrial/residential master-planned project surrounding a new international airport that opened in May of 2010.

Michael Belk & Company 2001-2003 (two years)Director of Client ServicesA boutique advertising agency working with clients such as Seaside, WaterColor, Rosemary Beach and other real estate/tourism organizations in South Walton County, I served as the liaison between clients, the agency owner and other partners overseeing print advertising, real estate direct marketing pieces, event promotions and other supporting collateral and communication efforts.

Owned and operated an upscale sailing charter business based out of Destin Harbor. Responsible for the marketing and promotion of this unique water experience to the many visitors in the Destin area, including developing a website, ads and collateral, as well as managing media outreach and establishing resort-referral and customer-loyalty programs.

One of the most visited tourist attractions in the state of Louisiana, with over 200,000 visitors annually at its peak. Developed annual marketing and advertising budget and campaigns for leisure, group, incentive and travel agent audiences. Oversaw creative and collateral development. Launched and managed regional and national communication and public relations campaigns. Location management of films, photo shoots, documentaries. Produced and marketed several large scale public events. Primary contact for all industry organizations and responsible for maximizing their services to our benefit.

Oversaw cooperative marketing, membership and communication programs for this 1000+ membership organization, including print advertising, brochure/collateral production and distribution, editor of Louisiana Tour Guide and other publications, special events, conferences and meetings and press/media outreach. LTPA was a private sector member-based organization but worked closedly with Louisiana Office of Tourism and state-wide CVB's, hotel/motel and restaurant associations to promote travel to the state of Louisiana.