Visit Panama City Beach is excited to announce new staff appointments and promotions across various departments, including marketing, sports, special events, administration, and sales. The destination welcomes Sydney Clifton as the Communications and Social Media Manager, Kristen Krasinskas as the Sports Business Development Manager, Aaron Lee as the Vice President of Administration, and Stephanie Howard as the Sales Coordinator. Staff promotions include Morgan Simo to Special Events Operations Manager and Justin Kelley to Sports Marketing Operations Manager.
“I am thrilled to welcome each of these dynamic and talented individuals to the Visit Panama City Beach team,” said Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “With the addition of these valuable team members, we look forward to continuing the destination’s incredible growth and momentum across all departments.”
Staff Appointments
Sydney Clifton, Communications and Social Media Manager
Sydney Clifton joins the Visit Panama City Beach team with a wealth of experience, having led communication strategies for the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. She earned her master’s degree in public and corporate communications from Florida State University Panama City in 2022. As a Bay County native, Sydney offers a valuable local perspective, and she will now lead communications and social media efforts for the award-winning destination marketing team.
Kristen Krasinskas, Sports Business Development Manager
Kristen Krasinskas brings extensive expertise to her new role as Sports Business Development Manager at Visit Panama City Beach. Previously, she was the Director of Member Experience at InnoLead, a media and events company based in Boston. Kristen has a rich background in sports and leisure business development and sales, having worked with organizations such as Invictus Boston (CrossFit), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Lake Erie Monsters (AHL), Cleveland Gladiators (AFL), and the New England Revolution (MLS). She holds a degree in sports management from Springfield College.
Aaron Lee, Vice President of Administration
Aaron Lee joins Visit Panama City Beach as the Vice President of Administration. He previously led accounting and investment strategies for a local billion-dollar Federal Credit Union. Aaron earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Auburn University in 2005. Born and raised in Bay County, Aaron brings valuable local knowledge and a deep appreciation for the area to his new role.
Stephanie Howard, Sales Coordinator
Stephanie Howard joins the Visit Panama City Beach Sales team as Sales Coordinator. A recent graduate of Florida State University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management in December 2023. Stephanie began her career at a logistics company, where she honed her organizational and operational skills, followed by experience in customer service. Drawn to the area by her love for the beach and passion for community growth, Stephanie is excited to bring her skills and fresh perspective to the team.
Staff Promotions
Morgan Simo, Special Events Operations Manager
Morgan Simo has been promoted to Special Events Operations Manager at Visit Panama City Beach. Since joining the team in March 2023 as Sports and Special Events Coordinator, Morgan has shown exceptional passion and dedication in her work. She is actively involved with the Bay County Chamber and Panama City Beach Chamber and has recently joined their Young Professionals program. Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public and corporate communications from Florida State University Panama City.
Justin Kelley, Sports Marketing Operations Manager
Justin Kelley has been promoted to Sports Marketing Operations Manager at Visit Panama City Beach. He gained valuable experience as an intern with the organization, later joining the team as Sales Coordinator. Nominated for Destinations International 30 under 30, Justin assists in planning and logistics for conferences, sports tournaments, and special events. He played baseball at Gulf Coast State College under Coach Mike Kandler and appeared in a one-game contract with the Savannah Bananas, hitting .333. Justin completed his final season of Division 1 baseball at Troy University, graduating with a degree in Global Business – Marketing.
