Premier Island Management Group Debuts in Northwest Florida

ShawnS323 · #1 (**permalink**) October-14th,2008, 09:07 AM

Pensacola, Fla. – (Oct. 10, 2008) – Premier Island Management Group, LLC, the newest luxury island destination rental and homeowner association management group on the Gulf Coast, announces its debut with the management of three premier properties on Pensacola Beach, Fla.

Rob Babcock, a 25-year hospitality industry veteran, who most recently served as general manager and vice president of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Fla., along with Michelle Evans, previously Sandestin's director of finance, have formed Premier Island Management Group. The newly formed company will manage the rental and home owner association operations at Portofino Island Resort & Spa as well as the rental operations at Beach Club and Emerald isle – all located on Pensacola Beach, Fla.

The Premier Island Management team will work together to increase brand awareness of its properties by leveraging the extraordinary coastal location, luxury accommodations and unique amenities that set these properties apart from other Gulf Coast destinations. Premier Island Management has created a service-oriented employee team dedicated to delivering a premier resort experience to both visiting guests and resident homeowners.

Babcock will assume the role of general manager for Portofino as well as oversee the homeowner association operations at Portofino Island Resort & Spa and Emerald Isle, while Evans will serve as the company's chief financial officer.

"I truly feel Portofino and its sister properties – Beach Club and Emerald Isle –
are the premier destinations on Pensacola Beach and along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast." said Babcock. "Each is poised for tremendous growth, and I'm excited to head the team that will lead the way."

Rounding out the management team in four key roles are Zandra Wolfgram, Lia Morris, Bill Merlyn and Brandy Barrett.

Zandra Wolfgram will lead the marketing and public relations programs of all three Premier properties. Wolfgram has 20 years experience in marketing and public relations; the past 13 years of her career have been focused expressly in the hospitality industry. Wolfgram most recently ran the marketing and PR program for Seaside. Prior to that, she spearheaded Sandestin's marketing efforts for eight years during the most active time in the resort's history.

Lia Morris, a seasoned hospitality leader with more than 25 years in the industry, including 12 years at Sandestin, will serve as the director of front office operations leading the efforts of the front desk, reservations and guest service teams.

Bill Merlyn joins Premier as director of club operations overseeing the operations for food and beverage, the fitness center, the spa, as well as recreational activities and special events at Portofino Island Resort & Spa. He has 25 years of experience in the industry, including positions with General Mills, the Brinker Corporation and the Broadmoor Hotel. Prior to joining Premier, Merlyn served as director of food and beverage for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Brandy Barrett joins Premier Island Management Group in the Owner Relations department as a Rental Manager. In this role Barrett will serve as a liaison to the homeowners, assisting them in maintaining their property. Barrett has worked in condominium resort management for two years and prior to that in retail for three years. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelors degree in Apparel Merchandising and a Minor in Business.

For more information about Premier Island Management Group, or to make reservations at Portofino Island Resort & Spa, Beach Club or Emerald Isle, visit www.portofinoisland.com or call 888/707-0945.

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