Waves of Impact

In this episode of Waves of Impact, Ali Green interviews Shelby, General Manager of Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park in Destin, Florida, about what it takes to lead a complex, high‑risk attraction with a hands‑on, people‑first approach. Shelby unpacks her leadership style—from starting each day with “daily dive” huddles and in‑park visibility to designing recognition‑driven staff events that keep seasonal team members engaged through the entire summer. She also shares how she helped shape a new operations internship within Lucky Strike Entertainment’s growing portfolio of waterparks, positioning students to gain broad, cross‑department experience and a potential pathway into full‑time leadership roles.

Shelby is an Alumni of the GH&TM program here at the University of West Florida, class of 2020. We are all so proud of her accomplishments throughout the years, and it was a delight to have her share her experiences.

Dr. Green and students from the HR in Hospitality program sit down with Anamarie Mixon, Assistant Vice President, and Anna Lochas, Assistant Director, of the University of West Florida's exciting new University Conferencing, Events and Youth Services department. This is a milestone moment for UWF and the greater Pensacola community, and these two dynamic leaders are at the center of it all. From centralizing campus events to preparing for the university's highly anticipated multi-use stadium, Anamarie and Anna share the vision, the energy, and the momentum behind what is shaping up to be a game-changing chapter for UWF. As the university makes its bold move to Division I athletics, this department is poised to bring world-class events, community engagement, and premier experiences to Pensacola like never before. This is UWF stepping into its next great era, and you won't want to miss it.

ANAMARIE MIXON — Bio

Anamarie Mixon, Assistant Vice President of University Conferencing, Events and Youth Services at the University of West Florida, is a driven and dynamic professional whose passion lies at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and organizational development. She believes we are defined not by our titles but by who we are, and that our actions are the clearest expression of our character. A strategic thinker who thrives in fast-paced, ever-evolving environments, Anamarie leads, plans, coordinates, and executes a broad series of events annually while continually working to create efficiencies that increase productivity without sacrificing integrity in work or culture. A seasoned public speaker, she uses storytelling as a vehicle for meaningful change. Outside of her professional life, Anamarie volunteers with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, serving on the Silent Auction Committee as a fundraiser and advocate for children and families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

ANNA LOCHAS — Bio

Anna Lochas is the Assistant Director of University Conferencing, Events and Youth Services at the University of West Florida, a role that feels like a natural homecoming for someone who has been an Argonaut since birth — literally, having attended the UWF childcare center as an infant. Anna earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Recreation, and Resort Management and her Master of Science in Public Administration from UWF, later adding a Master of Science in Event Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Her career at UWF has spanned multiple departments, including Continuing Education, the UWF Historic Trust, and the Office of the President, where she served as Board of Trustees liaison before transitioning into her current role. She is the current President of Pensacola Young Professionals and is also active in the Junior League of Pensacola and Impact 100. In 2025, she was recognized as UWF's Employee of the Year.

In this episode of Waves of Impact, we sit down with Jake Lange, Offensive Assistant/Quarterbacks Coach at the University of West Florida (UWF). Moving beyond the playbook, Jake offers a fascinating look at how the "grind" of college athletics has fundamentally shifted in the digital age.

We explore the transition from the old-school "midnight at the library" era to a modern landscape where student-athletes are managing personal brands, social media platforms, and high-speed information processing. Jake shares his unique perspective on leadership, explaining why his role is less of a "job" and more of a "calling" to build men of character.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Key HR & Leadership Takeaways:
  • The Evolution of the "Workday": Analyzing how flexible environments (online classes) and mobile technology have altered the daily routines and attention spans of modern talent.
  • Brand Alignment vs. Workplace Behavior: Navigating the "new reality" where every team member has a public platform. We discuss how to protect the organizational profile while empowering individual brands.
  • The Culture of Accountability: Why true leadership and retention is directly aligned in everything in the daily life of a coach.
  • Reducing "Turnover" of Character: Jake shares his mission to ensure his "players" (talent) evolve into better versions of themselves, creating a legacy of excellence that lasts long after they leave the building.

Guest Bio:
Jake Lange is an Offensive Assistant and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of West Florida. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Jake brings a blend of high-level athletic experience and a deep commitment to mentorship and player development.

In this episode of Waves of Impact, host Dr. Ali Green sits down with two of UWF's own, Dr. Gil Fried and Dr. Ryan Dastrup, both Professors in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, for a wide-ranging conversation about the role human resources plays across every corner of the sport and hospitality industry. Recorded live with students from the HR in Hospitality course (HFT3221, Spring 2026), the episode is as much a classroom moment as it is an industry conversation.

Dr. Fried, a sport law specialist and expert witness in more than 200 cases, opens the discussion with the hard truth that most organizations learn too late: the breakdown almost always starts before the guest arrives. From negligent hiring and background checks to the legal concept of respondeat superior, the idea that employers are responsible for the actions of their employees on the job, he draws a direct line between HR process and guest safety. He also challenges conventional thinking about workplace communication, arguing that most HR communication is ignored precisely because there is too much of it, and that what organizations actually need is less noise and more signal.

Dr. Dastrup brings the perspective of sport business, sharing a firsthand example of a sponsorship activation that nearly derailed because HR was left out of the planning process entirely. A missing signature turned a straightforward video shoot into an organizational headache. His point is clear: HR is not a department you loop in at the end. It is the glue.

Together, they field questions from students on morale, communication, what employers actually look for in interns and new hires, and how to think about your first job not as a destination but as a direction. Dr. Fried closes with a challenge to students: stop thinking about the interview as something being done to you, and start thinking about whether the organization is worth your talent.

The episode ends with two surprises, one classically trained pianist and one co-author of a comic strip. You will have to listen to find out which is which.

This episode is part of the HR in Hospitality series, produced by students in Dr. Green's course at UWF, exploring the gap between the internal customer (employees) and the external customer (guests).

Guest Bios:

Dr. Gil Fried is a tenured Full Professor at the University of West Florida's Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, specializing in sport law, facility management, and risk. He received his master's in sport management and his law degree from The Ohio State University. He has authored more than 19 books used in over 140 universities worldwide and has served as an expert witness in more than 200 cases involving crowd safety, venue management, and facility liability. He is Editor-in-Chief of Sports Facilities and the Law and Co-Editor of Legal Issues in Sports Betting.

Dr. Ryan Dastrup is an Assistant Professor in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business at the University of West Florida, where his research focuses on sport sponsorship, spectator engagement, and the gap between academic scholarship and industry practice. He is the co-author of the Shaking Up Sports column with Ricard Jensen and has published peer-reviewed research on mega-event programming and fan behavior. He brings both research rigor and real-world sport business experience to his teaching at UWF.

In this episode of Waves of Impact, host Ali Green sits down with Erin Connor, Marketing and PR Coordinator at Six String Southern Productions, a concert promotion company based in Athens, Georgia. Six String Southern Productions works across the Southeast—from Virginia to Florida—bringing diverse entertainment experiences to communities, with a particular focus on country music and unique touring productions like MasterChef All Stars Live. Erin shares insights into the behind-the-scenes world of event promotion, exploring how entertainment, hospitality, and tourism intersect to create economic impact in local markets like Pensacola. The conversation delves into the grassroots marketing strategies that connect venues, artists, and communities, the evolving role of social media in event promotion, and the people-first approach that makes live experiences meaningful. From coordinating with local restaurants and cooking enthusiasts for culinary events to ensuring three-hundred-sixty-degree positive experiences for artists, venues, and fans alike, Erin reveals how the concert promotion industry serves as a powerful connector that brings vibrancy, community, and economic vitality to cities across the region.

ERIN CONNER

MARKETING / PR COORDINATOR

During her time at the University of Georgia, Erin began interning with Aubrey Entertainment, where she first gained real-world experience in music promotion. Through that experience, Erin pursued other opportunities in the Athens music scene by booking bands at Roadhouse, curating social media content for bands, and utilizing her photography skills at live events. Her passion and drive led her to Six String Southern Productions, where she will combine her knowledge of public relations, marketing, and the music industry. Erin is excited to join the SSSP team and looks forward to continuing to work in the industry.

Join me in exploring the remarkable 25-year hospitality journey of Rhiannon Reynolds, Vice President of Operations for Innisfree Hotels, whose leadership philosophy centers on a fundamental truth, this business is entirely about people. Reynolds exemplifies the perfect blend of industry expertise and academic excellence, serving as an adjunct professor at Northwest Florida State College where she brings invaluable real-world experience to hospitality theory. Her students are fortunate to learn from a leader who has climbed every rung of the hospitality ladder while never losing sight of the human element that drives successful operations. 

In this episode of "Ask the Professor," discover how authentic people-centered leadership creates both operational excellence and meaningful community impact in today's hospitality landscape. 

Bio

A graduate of the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Reynolds says her communications background has enabled her to solve problems “quickly, calmly, and efficiently” in the hospitality business. She is known at Innisfree for her ability to uncover new revenue sources as well as to build relationships with a range of people.

“Innisfree’s commitment to our people and the planet creates an environment of support and collaboration that makes me feel motivated and fulfilled at work,” said Reynolds. “I am grateful for this opportunity to put my skills to use on a broader scale for the company.”

Reynolds shares her skills with the next generation of hospitality professionals and hoteliers as an adjunct professor at Northwest Florida State College. She is passionate about providing employment opportunities for disabled adults and helped the Hilton Garden Inn in Fort Walton Beach win an Exceptional Employer award last year and be the first partner site for Project SEARCH in Okaloosa County. In addition, Reynolds volunteers with One Hopeful Place, which provides services to those facing homelessness in Okaloosa County, and she is an avid supporter of libraries.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Reynolds enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two teenage children outdoors, on the beach, and watching movies.

Listen to an amazing conversation with my friend, Dr. Peter Ricci, Hospitality & Tourism Management Director and Professor at Florida Atlantic University. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry and academia, he is passionate about advancing the knowledge and practice of the dynamic and diverse field. As a clinical professor and director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Dr. Ricci leads a team of dedicated faculty and staff who provide high-quality education and research to our students and stakeholders.

Peter's mission is to prepare the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals with the skills, competencies, and values they need to succeed in a competitive and globalized market. He also strives to foster strong industry partnerships and collaborations that enhance the relevance and impact of the program. Dr. Ricci has authored or co-authored multiple publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings on various topics related to hospitality and tourism management, and holds several professional certifications in this field. He has received multiple awards and recognition for my teaching, leadership, and service to the hospitality and tourism community.

What brings him JOY? "As an educator, I have tremendous joy in converting the student who doesn't know what they want to do to something they love."

In Florida, we have many different hospitality programs, and as you can imagine, most of us in hospitality and tourism education love to network with each other across the state. We are all launching highly qualified graduates for our hospitality and tourism workforce.

"Hospitality is a wonderful tool in your career tool belt.  It’s always about how you make people feel."

Amazing gathering that intersects hospitality, tourism, education, and hosts who LOVE all things Pensacola (area).

Special thanks to Jackson's  Steakhouse. Check out this staple in downtown Pensacola. https://jacksonsrestaurant.com/

Brent Lane and his partner Mel won CMA Personality of the Year for 2022. They received the CMA Award at the Show on November 9, 2022.

Brent Lane has been on air in Pensacola on the Cat Pak Morning Show since 2005. Believing in success through service, Brent works to serve Pensacola. He has served as the Master of Ceremonies for the King and Queen of Spain. He leads thousands of people in the Annual Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk. More than just the voice, Brent is actively involved in event planning and execution for these events. He has also actively worked to attract visitors to the Pensacola area through Visit Pensacola and Visit Florida. Brent is the current Vice Chair of the Visit Pensacola Board of Directors. The host of more than 30 Tourism Videos, Brent is a recognizable face of Pensacola locally and nationally. Locally Brent has a soft spot for helping people better themselves. He served as the 2011 President of Manna Food Pantries Board of Directors and is currently in his 3rd term on the Board (12 Years). He is a graduate of Leadership Pensacola (class of 2009) and enjoys helping new LeaP Class members.

Brent and his wife Angela have 3 children… All of whom have worked at the radio station in some capacity. Both Brent and Angela mentor others as Coordinators for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Course. Angela is a member of Impact 100 (the largest women’s IMPACT philanthropic group in world) and works as the Team Captain for Making Strides and the American Cancer Society.

When not on the radio, Brent loves Diving, the Blackwater River, and photography on the Gulf Coast. Brent can be heard every morning on the Cat Pak Morning Show.

In this episode of Waves of Impact, Nicole sits down with Warren Sonnen of the family-owned hospitality group behind O'Riley's Irish Pub, Sir Richard's Public House, and Mugs & Jugs. The conversation explores how these long-standing Pensacola establishments have become integral to the local Pensacola vibe. 

 Warren discusses how he became interested in Pensacola's tourism industry through community involvement, board participation, and active engagement with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). The discussion highlights the critical relationship between local hospitality businesses and tourism dollars.

Hospitality Roundtable: 5 Years Later - From Crisis to Prosperity

This is part 2 in the Hospitality Roundtable.

Five years ago, we gathered at Timeless Tanglewood for what began as a discussion about our local hospitality industry. Then, the whole world shut down. The Hospitality Roundtable quickly evolved into a vital gathering where local leaders helped each other navigate unprecedented challenges. Representatives from FRLA, hotels, restaurants, and tourism all came together to document what was happening in real-time.

The original conversations can be found here: https://navigating-hospitality.blubrry.net/2020/03/19/march-192020/

Now, 5 years later, we find a different story. Bustling businesses and plentiful travel to the area have replaced uncertainty. Some faces around the table have changed, while others remain the same.

On April 4, 2025, we reunited at Trader Jon's inside the Pensacola History Museum—a fitting location as the first bar in Pensacola—to discuss hospitality 5 years after the crisis that brought us together.

Featured Participants:

• Rick West - President, VooDoo Franchising; Franchisee/Owner at VooDoo BBQ & Grill. 
• Nicole Stacey - Vice President of Destination Development, Visit Pensacola
• Dr. Scott Keller - Interim Dean, Professor, Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business
• Dr. Alison Green - Professor, Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, GH&TM
• Dr. Richard R. Hawkins - Professor, Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business

YouTube video can be found here: https://youtu.be/T0LIHT3DO4E?si=Y5i716QhVtTSY2a5

Filmed at Trader Jon's Located in the Pensacola Museum of History 330 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502 Special 

Thank you to the UWF Historic Trust Robert Overton, Jr. Executive Director Alli Frank Event Coordinator

Thank you to our sponsor, UWF Historic Trust for allowing us to record the session at Trader Jon's. 

Trader Jon's

Martin "Trader Jon" Weissman, owner and namesake of Trader Jon's Bar, was well known for his personal eccentricities such as his famously mismatched socks and "Tradernomics" as well as his eclectic establishment. One of Pensacola's top tourist destinations for decades, Trader Jon's, decorated with photos and memorabilia, some traded for drinks, was a safe haven where young flight students, military personnel, astronauts and movie stars rubbed shoulders with local politicians, characters and the occasional ne'er-do-well. Trained as a U. S. paratrooper in WWII, Trader's lifelong love of naval aviation and his livelihood were inseparable. There was truly nothing like it on Earth! Step inside and experience the legend that was Trader Jon's.

The Trader Jon Exhibit is housed in the Pensacola Museum of History. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00-4:00 and Noon-4:00 on Sunday