Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Strengthens Business Development Team

Keyser and Wilkerson Appointed to Top Sales Leadership Positions

DESTIN, FL, May 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast, today announced it is strengthening its business development team with the appointment of two key executives.

Nancy Wilkerson has been promoted to director of group sales and Daniel Keyser has been named to executive director of resort sales, overseeing the resort's sales efforts inclusive of group, transient and social business.

According to Mark Hodgdon, general manager of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Dan and Nancy will bring significant strength and leadership to the resort.  "Based on market indicators and steadily improving economic conditions, we are seeing an increased interest in Sandestin," said Hodgdon. "Nancy's and Dan's excellent leadership combined with our established, strong group sales team will allow Sandestin to serve existing customers and new business like never before."

Nancy Wilkerson has been promoted to director of group sales after serving 18 years at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  Recognized industry-wide as a Sandestin veteran and highly respected sales executive, Ms. Wilkerson brings more than 25 years of diverse experience where she will serve in a senior role leading and enhancing the group sales efforts.

During her tenure, Ms. Wilkerson has built client partnerships based on mutual respect and has successfully grown most every major market for the resort.  She most recently served as director of regional sales, based out of Atlanta, a satellite office she first opened for the resort in 1996 allowing her to grow the market exponentially.

Ms. Wilkerson's other sales management experience includes her role as director of sales and marketing with Barnsley Gardens Resort in Georgia, and opening a Atlanta satellite office for Mirage Resorts & Casinos as regional sales manager for Beau Rivage Resort, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she also provided lead generation for Bellagio, Mirage Resort, Treasure Island, located in Las Vegas.  Ms. Wilkerson is a licensed real estate agent in Florida and prior experience also includes real estate sales and property management. She also held sales positions with the Seascape Resort in Florida and the Florida Lottery.

She has been a member of Meeting Planners International (MPI), the American Society of Association Executives, Georgia Society of Association Executives, Site Southeast and the Society of Government Meeting Planners.  Her leadership positions have also included vice president and director of the Walton Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Georgia chapter of Hospitality Sales & Marketing International and a trustee of the Birmingham Business Alliance.

Dan Keyser joins Sandestin as executive director of resort sales with more than 30 years of hospitality experience at some of the country's top hotel companies and resort destination properties. Included in that timeframe is more than 25 years with Marriott International and eight years with KLS Resorts, opening and championing the Sales and Marketing efforts at prestigious properties such as JW Marriott Desert Springs, La Quinta Resort & Spa, Renaissance Esmeralda and Rancho Las Palmas Resort.

He most recently was the regional director of sales and marketing for the BF Saul Company's Hospitality division out of Bethesda, MD. Here he led the Crystal City hotels this past year to an improvement of $1 million year over year in group revenue. Outside of the 13 years spent in the Southern California resort market, Keyser also spent 12 years in the resort, downtown and boutique markets of Atlanta, GA.

In Atlanta, Keyser was director of sales and marketing at Milan Crowne Plaza Buckhead, opened the Wyndham Atlanta Hotel as director of sales and marketing, as well as infusing new talent and direction at the Emerald Point Resort in north Georgia.  He also served in sales management positions at Renaissance and Marriott properties in Atlanta, California, Washington DC and Texas. He began his hospitality career at the Marriott Crystal City in Virginia.

Keyser has been a member of MPI, the American Society of Association Executives, California Society of Association Executives, Association of Meeting Professionals (AMPS) in Washington, DC and other industry groups.

Penny Jackson, who previously served as director of group sales for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, remains in the Sandestin family and is now a licensed agent at Sandestin Real Estate.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a top destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 hotel style accommodations, villas and town homes.  A member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife.

Guests and visitors are invited to learn more about Sandestin by downloading the Sandestin's APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.

For additional information, visit www.sandestin.com or call 1.866.91.BEACH.

SOURCE: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

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Laurie Hobbs
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Sarah Brazwell
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