Annual Tourism and Hospitality Employee of the Year Awards Announced

St. Augustine, Fla. – The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) recently recognized the finalists in the 2025 St. Johns County’s Hospitality and Tourism Industry Employee of the Year awards. Each winner was recognized at his or her place of business in a celebration with their co-workers.

Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau and Charlie Robles, Consultant for The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens and Chairman of the VCB Board, recently presented the top honors in five categories: Retail, Attractions, Government, Accommodations, and Restaurants. Nominees were recognized for their service and contributions to St. Johns County largest industry – tourism and hospitality.

The 2025 Award Winners:

“Each of the 25 nominees for the prestigious Tourism Employee of the Year recognition is highly deserving,” said Charlie Robles, VCB Board Chair. “The hospitality professionals on Florida’s Historic Coast are what make this destination one of Florida’s very best, and the VCB is proud to honor and recognize these outstanding individuals for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to exceptional service.”

An additional 20 hospitality professionals were also nominated by their employers for the recognition, including:

Restaurant and Bar:

· Julia Smith, Line Cook, Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine

· Christa Sloop, Floor Supervisor, Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine

· Lauren Bechard, Outlet Supervisor, WGV Renaissance Resort St. Augustine

Government:

· Dena Masters, TDC Administrator, St. Johns County

· Eric Teuber, Information Host, City of St. Augustine

Accommodations:

· Chloe Shenk, Guest Services, Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown

· Maura Casey, Banquet Captain, Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown

· Graham Schurman, Bartender, Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown

· Judy Day, Sales Administrative Assistant, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

· Tiffany Gross, Reservation Agent, The Ocean Gallery

· Frank Patricola, Banquet Manager, WGV Renaissance Resort St. Augustine

· Tony Futch, Banquet Chef, WGV Renaissance Resort St. Augustine

· Morgan Lewis, Sales & Event Manager, WGV Renaissance Resort St. Augustine

· Adam Herman, Front Office Manager, Home2 Suites St. Augustine

Attractions:

· Emmanuel Shockley, Guide & Interpreter, Fountain of Youth Archeological Park

· Kimberly McLemore, Tour Host, The Tasting Tours

· Russell Saunder, Tour Guide, St. Augustine Experiences

· Meaghan McKnight, Expert Historian and Tour Guide, Pineapple Ride and Tour

· Ryan Murdock, Expert Historian and Tour Guide, Pineapple Ride and Tour

Tourism is the largest industry in St. Johns County and supports more than 32,000 jobs.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners of the 2025 St. Johns County Tourism and Hospitality Employee of the Year Awards!