I was raised in Melbourne Beach, so I have a huge appreciation for warm weather and water activities. I’m fortunate to have a close and supportive group of friends and family, and we have a lot of fun.
Also, I get to lead the team here at the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, a talented group of top tourism marketing professionals who love to share information about our destination with visitors and residents alike. It’s a great place to work, and the creativity here is nothing short of inspiring.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve got a great family – including two great adults (no longer kids) who live in our community. Their dad and I still try to co-parent, but honestly they’re way ahead of us!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
This is actually my 3rd time working for the CVB. I’ve left a couple of times to work with other great local companies, but I keep coming back. The businesses and employees who thrive because of visitors to the area are so important, and the CVB mission is very much near and dear to my heart!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are just SO many that I love! The Brickyard and Frappes Italian Grille (FIG) are some of my faves.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since I moved here in 1991
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’m a huge fan of Georgia Turner, who runs the West Volusia CVB. I tell her constantly, she’s on my Top 10 People on the Planet!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve got a couple of vacays planned (motorcycle riding in Phoenix, and glaciers in Alaska,) but my favorite weekend is definitely here in Florida.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m in for anything funny and quirky – so Sideways is an old fave, and Schitt’s Creek is a great way to decompress from a stressful day. The Levy family is just brilliant.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be (even) more kind. Sounds cliche, but we have no idea what others are dealing with these days…
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve checked all the major boxes – just waiting for my next inspiration!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Ed Sheeran. It’s a bit of a crush…
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Lunch with NASCAR’s Cheryl Coxwell – she’s just brilliant and creative and fun – at the Beach Bucket. We’d check the waves and contemplate a paddle-out.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
This destination is just so diverse. The people are welcoming and the variety of attractions, restaurants, hotels and assets is vast.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Not a clue! 🙂
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I buy almost exclusively from non-profit thrift stores. It’s sort of addictive, really. And I still have a half-written novel somewhere. Couldn’t find it if I tried!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ormond Beach on a glassy 1-3 ft day – surfing with dolphins and an occasional manatee.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Any summer month – yep, I love the heat. I love Thanksgiving for the laid-back family gatherings.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Bill Kudlik. Crazy in love with this guy!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My late father, Henry Campbell. Talk about an inspiration!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee makes me happy. And lavender. Ohhhmmm…. 🙂
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Well-loved, relaxing, sanctuary