Heart Behind Hammock Beach
At Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, our team is the soul of every unforgettable guest experience. From warm welcomes at the front desk to expertly planned events and seamless service throughout your stay, our dedicated professionals are passionate about creating lasting memories in Palm Coast, Florida. Get to know the friendly faces who bring luxury, hospitality, and heart to everything we do.
Director of Sales & Marketing
I’m Verdell Ekberg, a native Nebraskan and the Director of Sales & Marketing at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. I lead our sales strategy and work closely with my sales professionals and meeting planners to create customized, seamless experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.
My approach is rooted in collaboration, trust, and a genuine passion for hospitality. I believe the most successful events are built on strong relationships and attention to detail, and my goal is always to help planners deliver experiences that exceed expectations.
When I’m not in the office, I’m a huge Nebraska Cornhusker fan, enjoy collecting bourbon, playing golf, and cherish spending time with my 5-year-old grandson.
Director of Group Sales
I’m Stephen Baker, Director of Group Sales at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa and proudly the only staff member from the great state of South Carolina. I truly feel I have one of the best jobs at the resort, working closely with our sales team each day to help navigate the world of group meetings. From golf outings and corporate events to association gatherings and family reunions, every planner and group brings a unique vision, and I’m honored to help bring that vision to life.
With nearly 20 years at the property, I’m proudly old school when it comes to building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. I believe repeat business is the foundation of success, and by taking great care of our customers, they’ll return—and refer friends and colleagues along the way.
Outside of the office, I enjoy bass fishing, Clemson football, church, golfing, and spending quality time with my wife and three daughters.
Sales Administrative Assistant
My name is Julie Cannino, Sales Administrative Assistant to The Sales Team & Executive Assistant to The Managing Director of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. I been with the company for four and half years.
I started in The Reservations Office as a Reservation Sales Specialist and excelled thoroughly. I enjoyed working there because you get to talk to people from around the world and “story tell” about Hammock Beach. I love to guide guests to the best package that will accommodate their needs and create the best memories here at Hammock Beach.
I am originally from Long Island, New York. I moved to Florida in July 2021. I have a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business Management. I have been in the Hospitality Field for about 15 years and have worked at multiple hotels in New York. I love to spend my free time outdoors, working out, shopping, cooking, and spending my time with family & friends.
National Sales Manager
I’m Summer Rouse, a Florida native and Director of National Accounts at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, with over 17 years of experience in hotel and resort group sales. I work closely with corporate clients and meeting planners to build trusted partnerships and deliver seamless, high-impact meetings and events that combine meticulous planning with exceptional hospitality.
I’m passionate about helping organizations create meaningful experiences while ensuring every detail supports both their goals and guest satisfaction.
Outside of work, I enjoy cheering for FSU, cooking, reading, kayaking on the St. Johns River, tackling home renovation projects, and spending time with my husband and two sons.
National Sales Manager
I’m Lisa Sloan, I’m originally from Montana. My career is rooted in luxury hospitality, I bring decades of experience working with premier hotel and resort properties across Arizona, California, and Texas. I am now proud to call Florida home, serving as a Director of National Accounts here at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
I have the pleasure of working closely with Florida-based associations, as well as clients throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Hospitality and client relationships are truly my passion, and I believe the most successful events are built through collaboration, flexibility, and thoughtful customization. Every group I work with receives personalized attention and a tailored approach to meet their unique goals.
When I’m not at work I enjoy cooking, entertaining, health & fitness as well as being a wine enthusiast.
Sales Manager
Hi, I’m Alexandra Luyster, I’m originally from New Jersey and currently work as a Group Sales Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. In my role, I help clients plan and coordinate group accommodations and events, ensuring everything from room blocks to meeting spaces is handled smoothly. My goal is to make the planning process stress-free and enjoyable, so every group has an exceptional experience.
Before moving into sales, I spent three years in Conference Services, which gave me a strong foundation in event logistics and guest service. That experience allows me to anticipate needs and provide personalized solutions for my customers.
Outside of work, I love cooking, enjoying fine wine, and spending quality time with my family.
Leisure Sales Manager
I’m Laura Pazzini, a native New Yorker who grew up on Long Island and now proudly serves as Leisure Sales Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. I work closely with travel advisors and industry partners to curate meaningful, fun, and unforgettable vacation experiences for their clients.
With a strong background in relationship building and business development within hospitality, I enjoy educating travel partners on the resort’s beautiful accommodations, exceptional amenities, and diverse activities. Collaborating with an energetic team and building lasting partnerships that elevate each guest’s experience is what I love most about my role.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about health and wellness. Whether it’s a peaceful beach walk or a gym workout, that’s my happy place. I also enjoy cooking, spending time with family and friends, attending Redemption Church, and unwinding to great country music.
National Golf Sales Manager
My name is Danny Hughes, and I grew up in Las Vegas Nevada. After graduating high school, I played golf at Palomar Junior College in North County San Diego California. Golf has always been a big part of my life and developed by love for Florida while attending PGA school in Port St. Lucie.
I am the National Golf Sales Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, overseeing Canada, Florida’s East Coast, and the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States. With a lifelong passion for golf and extensive experience in the golf industry, I take pride in creating exceptional golf getaways that deliver unforgettable experiences tailored for every group.
I enjoy playing and watching golf, spending time with my three daughters, grandson, and my beautiful wife.
National Golf Sales Manager
I am Louis Giovacchini, National Golf Sales Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Originally from the New Jersey–Philadelphia area, I draw on my regional roots while overseeing golf groups throughout the Northeast United States and Florida’s West Coast.
My approach is grounded in a deep knowledge of the game, paired with kindness, understanding, and a genuine focus on guest experience. Whether coordinating groups of 12 or 200 players, I believe every golfer deserves an exceptional and memorable experience. Building strong relationships with planners and guests—combined with the advantage of two of the finest golf courses in the country - has been a winning formula.
Outside of work, I’m grateful to have been married for 33 years and am a proud parent of three children. Our oldest, Mark, is a Special Olympian who has earned numerous medals across bocce, bowling, swimming, and basketball. When I have spare time, you’ll most often find me on the golf course.
Golf Services Manager
I’m Brandon Netherton, originally from the Midwest state of Indiana, and I relocated to Florida in the fall of 2022. I currently serve as the Golf Services Manager and Assistant Golf Professional at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. In this role, I ensure our golf groups enjoy an exceptional experience by organizing tee times and competitions, as well as coordinating food and beverage amenities throughout their stay.
My approach to hospitality is rooted in clear communication, collaboration, and attention to detail. I work closely with group leaders to create golf experiences that are second to none, with the goal of delivering unforgettable retreats that become annual traditions.
In my downtime, I enjoy playing golf and continuing to refine my game. I’m a passionate sports fan, with college football at the top of the list, and I also love spending time with friends and family—especially when it’s beachside.
Director of Conference Services
I am Matt Stockman, originally from Pittsburgh PA, and the Director of Catering and Conference Services at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, where I lead the strategic direction of the Catering and Conference Management team. In this role, I work closely with my event planning team members and their conference planners to design and execute customized, seamless experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.
With more than three decades in the hospitality and events industry, I’ve been delivering exceptional event experiences since 1992. Guided by teamwork, conviction, and a genuine love for the industry, I approach every event with the belief that strong partnerships, open communication, and attention to every detail are what transform great plans into unforgettable experiences.
When not in the office I am a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoys spending time watching my 12-year-old daughter compete with her traveling soccer team.
Senior Conference Services Manager
I’m Jeremy Lott, originally from Marietta, Ga but have spent most of my life in the beautiful state of Florida. I am the Senior Conference Services Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. My colleagues and I work collaboratively with meeting planners from all over the world to ensure a seamless meeting and conference experience for corporations and social events.
My approach is to first understand the organizations vision and purpose of the conference/event and I have a genuine passion for hospitality and assisting others. I believe the success of an event is attention to detail and being able to see it from the attendee’s perspective, and my goal is always to see that the planners have a sense of accomplishment as we deliver the experience they intended.
As an alumnus of the University of Florida, I’m a huge Florida Gators fan, enjoy cooking, and spending time with my newly beloved wife.
Executive Meetings Manager
My name is Jessica Fox. Originally from Northern Utah, I bounced around the western U.S. before finally settling on Florida’s beautiful Atlantic coast. As Executive Meetings Manager at Hammock Beach, I specialize in small and executive-level groups and day meetings, creating seamless, elevated experiences that make the most of our oceanfront setting—whether it’s an intimate board meeting with a view or a thoughtfully planned one-day gathering that feels anything but ordinary.
Collaboration is at the heart of my approach, and I enjoy partnering closely with clients to bring their goals to life through efficient service, strong advocacy, and a positive attitude—because great events deserve great energy. Showcasing the magic of Hammock Beach through effortless, impactful experiences is always the goal.
Outside of work, I love road trips and visiting national parks with my four-year-old Labradoodle. When it’s time to unwind, my guilty pleasure is reality food competition shows.
Catering Sales Manager
I’m Sandra Oliveira, born and raised in Massachusetts with Portuguese roots, and I’ve always been inspired by culture, connection, and community. Those early influences taught me the importance of hospitality, warmth, and bringing people together — values that continue to guide me today.
Today, I bring that same spirit to my work as a Catering Sales Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, where I specialize in building meaningful client relationships, designing memorable events, and ensuring every detail comes together seamlessly.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about animals, conservation, and travel. I’ve volunteered with wildlife organizations around the world and continue to find joy in seeking opportunities to explore new cultures, foods, along with fitness and wellness.
Catering Sales Manager
My name is Colleen McTiernan. I was born and raised in New York and currently serve as a Catering Sales Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, this work is truly a passion of mine. I thrive on connecting with people and bringing their vision to life, creating meaningful experiences and lasting memories.
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my five-year-old daughter, cooking, and staying active on my Peloton.
Marketing Manager
I’m Nicole O’Neill, originally from Michigan and raised in Flagler County, I am the Marketing Manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. With more than 15 years at the resort, I have built my career across multiple departments including Food & Beverage, Golf, Accounting, and Marketing, giving me a deep understanding of the property and its many moving parts.
I approach marketing with a customer-first mindset, focusing on collaboration, storytelling, and strategy to support both guests and internal partners. My cross-department experience allows me to anticipate needs, create thoughtful solutions, and ensure marketing efforts are aligned with the overall guest experience and business goals.
When I’m not in the office, I enjoy home projects, exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with my husband, four children, and our three fur babies.
