Sunshine Matters

I am proud to announce that Toni Caracciolo and Samantha Padgett were officially confirmed as members of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors during Friday’s Enterprise Florida board meeting. Having already been approved by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Toni and Samantha will fill seats vacated by two retiring board members.

As Vice President of Marketing and Sales for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s three Orlando Parks – SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, Toni oversees all advertising, sales, promotions, and partnership and publicity programs.  She has more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, and has been with the SeaWorld parks since 1990.  Toni will be filling a regional seat on VISIT FLORIDA’s board representing Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties.  Her term begins immediately and runs through June 30, 2018.

Samantha serves as Vice President and General Counsel for the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) and its brand divisions.  She advises the Board of Directors and Executive Staff on legal matters pertaining to the Federation, including compliance with federal and state regulations, and advocates on behalf of FRF and its members in front of Florida’s legislative and executive branches of government.  Samantha also manages the Sustainability Council, the Beauty Industry Council and the FRF Emergency Preparedness Network, and serves on the Board of Managers for FRF Benefits, LLC.  She will be filling a seat on VISIT FLORIDA’s board dedicated to the statewide retail association.  Her term begins immediately and runs through June 30, 2016.

VISIT FLORIDA’s board is comprised of 16 regional seats appointed in such a manner as to equitably represent all geographic areas of the state.  The additional 15 seats on the 31-member board are comprised of representatives of various key sectors of the Florida tourism industry.

The VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors is the organization’s private sector governing body who, along with the members of its 11 committees, provide guidance, input and insight into the evolution of VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing programs.  With their strong backgrounds and extensive industry knowledge, Toni and Samantha are excellent additions to our Board and I look forward to working with them to help make Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.