Sunshine Matters

As VISIT FLORIDA expands our statewide strategy to develop Florida on a global platform, we set out to find individuals with excellent industry experience that we could bring on board to lead the charge.  A series of recent hires with impressive credentials and a slew of successful programs already under their belts ensure VISIT FLORIDA is well positioned to continue to grow our international efforts.

Our most recent hire is Alfredo Gonzalez, who has taken over as VISIT FLORIDA’s new Vice President of International Sales & Market Development. Previously with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Brand USA, Alfredo has helped lead global market development programs and served as a thought leader for the international tourism industry for many years.  He also has tremendous experience in route development, which will be vital to Florida’s continued visitation growth.

A second strong addition to the team is Shari Bailey, VISIT FLORIDA’s new Director of International Sales & Market Development.  Shari too has an extensive background in the Florida tourism product, having been with the Kennedy Space Center, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Visit Tampa Bay.  Both Alfredo and Shari have spent years in the field participating in and organizing worldwide marketing efforts and bring important contacts and expertise to VISIT FLORIDA’s global strategy.

That global strategy includes not only International Sales and Market Development, but Advertising and Public Relations as well.  With increased funding, VISIT FLORIDA is now able to invest more heavily in international marketing.  In order to develop a global media plan that puts our resources to the highest and most productive use, VISIT FLORIDA has brought on Marlene Squires-Swanson as our Director of Global Advertising.  Her prior experience as Vice President of NSA Media and Ashley Furniture retail stores provides us with a leader who clearly understands the domestic and international advertising landscape.

The final new member of VISIT FLORIDA’s executive team is Tim DeClaire who serves as our Global Public Relations Director.  His list of prior firms is a who’s-who of world-renowned brands, including Walt Disney World, Discovery Channel, Nintendo, Turner Broadcasting and Groupon.  The level of experience and accomplishments Tim achieved make him uniquely well-suited to direct public relations and corporate communications programs for VISIT FLORIDA’s integrated domestic and international approach.

As VISIT FLORIDA develops our short- and long-term strategic marketing plans, the input and guidance of these four recent hires will be critical to our ability to craft a successful global platform that adds value for our tourism industry Partners and establishes Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.