Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/08/2024 Agreement AGREEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT This Agreement made on the 8th of August, 2024 and between the 3406 North Roosevelt Boulevard Corporation d/b/a Visit Florida Keys, a Florida Not For Profit corporation duly created, organized, and existing under and by virtue of the laws of Florida, and having its principal place of business at 1201 White Street, 102, Key West, FL 33040, which is hereinafter called Company, and Kara Franker, who is hereinafter called the Employee. This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions, board resolutions and agreements, and constitutes the sole and entire Agreement between the parties covering the terms of employment from September 9, 2024, through September 9, 2027. WITNESSETH WHEREAS, Company desires to employ Kara Franker as President and CEO; and WHEREAS, Kara Franker is agreeable to this employment: NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises of the parties and the mutual benefits they will gain by the performance thereof, Company and the Employee mutually agree as follows: 1. EMPLOYMENT TERM Employee shall devote full time during the term of this Agreement to the service of Company in the position of President and CEO, the chief staff executive of Company. Employee agrees to use her best efforts to promote the objectives of Company and to follow the policies of Company and its Board of Directors. Company agrees to retain the services of Employee in the capacity of President and CEO for a term commencing on September 9, 2024, and ending at midnight on September 9, 2027, unless otherwise extended or terminated, as provided herein. The first day of employment will be on or before September 9, 2024. No later than March 1, 2027, the parties shall enter into discussion as to whether the Employment Agreement should be extended. The extension agreed to, if any, shall be decided no later than before June 1, 2027. 2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Employee shall perform the duties and responsibilities of President and CEO in accordance with Company Bylaws and Company's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended, and shall provide executive management services for Company as set forth in the job description attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A. Employee shall perform such other duties and services as may be entrusted to the President and CEO by Company in accordance with its Bylaws and consistent with the President and CEO's office and the terms of this Agreement. During the term of this Agreement, Employee shall be the chief staff executive officer of Company and shall report and be responsible to the Chairman of Company and the Board 1 of Directors. As part of her duties as President and CEO, Employee shall hire, compensate, and terminate Company staff within the parameters established by the Company's Board of Directors, the Company's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended and the framework of Company's approved budget. Employee shall recommend the selection of legal counsel, auditors and other consultants to Company's Board of Directors for approval. Employee shall be present at all of Company's meetings, except if directed otherwise by a majority of the Board of Directors. LOCAL LIAISONS AND MEMBERSHIPS- The Employee shall establish and maintain liaisons with her counterparts in local governmental and public agencies, accommodation and tourist related agencies located within the geographical limits of Monroe County, and with such agencies of the State of Florida and the federal government as may be appropriate and desirable. Any reasonable costs, fees, charges, or other expenses incurred in establishing and maintaining these liaisons shall be reimbursed or paid for by the Company. 3. COMPENSATION Employee shall be paid an annual salary of$250,000, evaluated by the Company Board annually, and payable in bimonthly installments. The Board of Directors may award an Annual Performance Incentive of up to 5% of base salary. The Annual Performance Incentive will be based on measurable criteria as set forth by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Employee. Establishment of the criteria for the first Annual Performance Incentive will be deferred to November,2024. Employee shall earn a Revenue Growth Incentive of 3% of the incremental revenue growth above the prior year's actual revenue. In addition to the above Annual Performance Incentive, the Employee will have a 3-month review after employment begins in accordance with the VFK Personnel Policies and Procedures. Employee will be eligible for the same annual cost of living allowances as Company staff, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Employee may be reimbursed up to $20,000 per month over a 3-month period for housing, utilities and other housing related expenses. This may be reviewed by the Company's Board of Directors prior to the end of the 3-month period. No additional housing allowance will be authorized without approval of the Company's Board of Directors and an amendment to this Agreement. 4. OFFICE SPACE; OFFICE STAFF; AND SUPPORTING SERVICES. A. Office Space. The Company will provide office space for the Employee at 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, Florida, and this space will be the primary office for the Employee. B. Staff. The Company will provide qualified and trained staff, through the management and supervision of Employee, to assist the Employee in efficiently, productively, and professionally meeting the mission, goals and objectives of the 2 Company and Tourist Development Council and the duties of Employee as President/CEO. C. Supporting Services. The Company will provide utilities, telephone service, computer hardware and software, electronic research and e-mail services, world wide web and intereet access, books and subscriptions, periodicals, office supplies, photocopy equipment, county web-page presence and server access and storage space, postage, office equipment and furniture, and other similar materials, equipment and services as may be necessary for the proper, productive, and efficient operation of the President/CEO and Tourist Development Council office. 5. CONFLICT OF INTEREST During the term of this Agreement, Employee may not enter into any relationships with persons or organizations in any activity directly or indirectly detrimental (or in conflict with) Company or the Company's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended. Employee may not enter into a relationship where such relationship (or Employee's compensation) is contingent upon (or a result of) Employee's employment with Company. Examples of types of activities that could constitute a conflict of interest include, without limitation: (i) Acceptance of gifts or other favors in contravention of Board policy from an outside concern that does business or is seeking to do business with Company. (ii) Financial interest in a concern from which Company purchases goods or services. (iii) Accepting compensation for job-related speaking engagements, consulting services, or other activities. (iv) Representing Company in any transaction in which the Employee or member of her family has an interest. 6. INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS A. Cell Phone; Laptop Computer. The Company agrees to provide a cell phone allowance to the Employee in the amount of $55.00 per month. The Company shall provide a laptop computer to Employee that shall be purchased through the Monroe County Information Technology Department for work purposes. B. Health, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Related Benefits. The Company agrees to make available to the Employee all health, medical, dental, vision, and related benefits as it currently offers to other full time Company employees, under the same terms and conditions as offered to other full time Company employees, and as may be changed, amended, deleted, or added to from time to time, except for the fact that benefits will be provided immediately upon hiring instead of after three months of employment. The Company shall pay the premiums required for single Health, Life, Accident and Disability and Dental Insurance coverage for the Employee. C. Holiday Benefits. The Employee will receive the same paid holidays as full-time employees as per the Company's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended. 3 D. Other Customary Benefits. The Employee shall have the right to participate in 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan as per Visit Florida Keys Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and receive the benefits of other full-time employment-related benefits as are available to full time employees now or in the future. E. One-time Relocation Expense. The Employee has an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for relocation expense reimbursement if the Employee is hired from outside of Monroe County. If Employee terminates, the Employee will reimburse Company at 100% if Employee stays less than one year, and at 50% if Employee stays less than two years. In the unlikely event that you leave the company of your own volition prior to completing 12 months of employment, the Relocation Expenses must be returned to Company in full. This one-time relocation expense allotment can be used within the first 2 years of this agreement. F. It is the intent of the parties that the Employee will qualify for the Department of Education Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program on the basis of this employment. As such, the Company will file the requisite paperwork with the IRS to finish attaining the 501(c)3 designation. Employee will then file documentation with the Department of Education with the intent to list the organization in the PSLF program for any employee of the Company to avail themselves of the same benefit. 7. EVALUATION/REVIEWS The Company and Employee shall periodically define goals, performance objectives, relative priorities, and timelines for performance which the Company and Employee mutually agree are minimally necessary for the proper operation of a company that contract with county government for services and achievement of the Company's policy objectives and goals. A review and performance evaluation of the Employee shall be conducted after Ninety (90) days of employment under this Agreement and may be conducted as often as the Company may deem appropriate. No later than March 1 of each calendar year during which this Agreement is in effect, Company shall evaluate and assess the performance of Employee. Such evaluation shall relate to the duties and responsibilities of the President and CEO under this Agreement, the working relationship between President and CEO, the staff and the membership, and other factors relevant to Employee's performance. Employee's evaluation shall be undertaken by the Company's Board of Directors, which shall meet in, and thereafter discuss its evaluation with Employee. The Employee may hire a contractor at the Board of Directors discretion to help facilitate the review process. The Board of Directors shall also make written recommendations for mutually agreed upon goals and objectives to be considered in the President and CEO's next performance evaluation. In the event that the Employee's performance as President and CEO is deemed unsatisfactory in any respect, the Board of Directors shall describe in writing, in reasonable detail, specific instances of unsatisfactory performance. The evaluation shall also include recommendations as to areas for improvement in all instances where Company deems performance to be unsatisfactory. If Employee disagrees with the Board 4 of Directors' evaluation, he/she may respond in writing to the Chairman of the Board. Any evaluation and response shall be made a part of the Employee's personnel file. A copy of the written evaluation shall also be provided to Employee. 8. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT IN GENERAL - Company shall pay or reimburse Employee for all ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by Employee in the performance of her duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies, budget and procedures established by Company. These expenses shall include, but are not limited to, cell phone, travel expenses in accordance with rules, regulations and policies as imposed by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, and reasonable business expenses. TRANSPORTATION- Employee agrees that she will be responsible for providing her own motor vehicle for transportation within the limits of Monroe County that may be necessary, required, or appropriate in fulfilling her responsibilities and duties under this Agreement. In lieu of the preparation, maintenance, submission, review, approval, and auditing of details travel expenses reimbursements, and as partial consideration for Employee entering into Agreement, Company agrees to pay to Employee the sum of Six Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($650.00) per month as and for a transportation allowance. For travel out of Monroe County by motor vehicle, Employee will be reimbursed on a per trip basis at the rate allowed for under Monroe County travel laws (Ch. 2, Art. III, Div. 3, Monroe County Code, with mileage calculated as if departure commenced at the Monroe County/Miami-Dade County line and return ended at Monroe County/Miami-Dade line. At its sole discretion, and upon request by the Employee, Company may authorize the reimbursement of Employee's actual expenditures where documented evidence is provided detailing the actual expenses incurred. TRAVEL EXPENSES — All Travel is subject to compliance with the Monroe County's travel laws (Ch. 2, Art. III, Div. 3, Monroe County Code), rules and policies, and Monroe County BOCC travel guidelines, as amended. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS- Employee shall, as a minimum, maintain membership in the following professional organizations and interest groups: Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations and Destinations International. All dues, occupational licenses, fees, and costs for obtaining and maintaining the memberships delineated above will be paid for by the Company. The Company will pay for the Employee's annual Florida Bar Association dues in order to maintain good standing as an attorney in the State of Florida. PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL AND TOURIST-RELATED EVENTS- The Company agrees to budget for and to pay the costs incurred by the Employee in attending seminars, continuing education courses, and Tourist-related events and out-of-county meetings as may be necessary or appropriate to the Employee's duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Company agrees that Employee may serve as a member of the board of directors or governing body of companies and organizations affiliated with the industry, and Employee may perform unpaid services for charitable, 5 educational and industry-related organizations without prior approval so long as such activities are communicated to the Board. 9. VACATION AND ANNUAL LEAVE; SICK LEAVE; PERSONAL LEAVE; TRANSFER OF LEAVE. The Employee will earn and be credited with vacation/annual leave and sick leave as outlined in the Company's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended, and will accrue annual leave at the rate of an employee with 8 years of service. 10.NONDISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC RECORDS LAW AND OPEN MEETINGS LAW Employee shall not, during the term of this Agreement, or at any time thereafter, impart to anyone any confidential or proprietary information which Employee acquired or received during the performance of her duties under this Agreement, except as permitted by Company or under compulsion of law. Confidential and proprietary information shall include, without limitation, any plans, compilations of information, technical data, mailing lists, distribution methods, supplier names and information regarding Association members, contracts and/or other related matters. Employee shall ensure that compliance with Public Records Law as set forth in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and Public Business and Open Meetings Law as set forth in Chapter 286, Florida Statutes. 11.INDEMNIFICATION A. Indemnification. Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Employee, from any and all actions and causes of action, claims, demands, liabilities, judgments, interest and attorneys' fees and all other reasonable costs, expenses and charges of Employee, which is related directly to Employee's action in her capacity as President/CEO in carrying out the terms and conditions of this Agreement, except for breach of Employee's duty of loyalty to Company or its members, any act of omission in violation or contrary to the Company's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended, an act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, or an act or omission occasioned by the gross negligence of Employee. Employee shall promptly notify Company of any known or suspected adverse claims or threatened or actual lawsuits. B. Cooperation. Employee shall provide complete cooperation to Company, its attorneys, and agents in such case to the extent possible. In the event of actual or threatened litigation and/or administrative proceedings involving the Company, the Tourist Development Council, or Monroe County Board of County Commissioners which arises out of an action or actions which occurred or are alleged to have occurred while the Employee was acting in the capacity of President/CEO, the Employee will cooperate with the Company and TDC and its counsel in defending and resolving the litigation or proceeding. In such regard, the Company agrees to pay the Employee's reasonable travel and subsistence expenses incurred in cooperating with the Company or TDC and its 6 counsel, including preparation for and actual discovery, settlement, and trial and hearing of such matters. (i) The Employee agrees that, unless required by law, she will not cooperate with or assist any party, person, or entity who has, had, or may have, or asserts that he, she or it has or may have any claim of any nature against the Company or Tourist Development Council, its agents, officers, or employees, unless the Company or its authorized agent expressly consents in writing to waive this provision of this Agreement. (ii) The Employee will not disclose to any person, party, or entity any confidential, proprietary, time-sensitive, or non-public information relating to the Company, the Tourist Development Council, and its operations unless required by law to do so. (iii) The restrictions, prohibitions, and conditions set forth in Section 11.13(i) and (ii)will not be applicable in instances where one or more governmental entities with jurisdiction over a claim or a violation of law are involved. 12.EFFECT OF AGREEMENT This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, Employee shall not assign any part of her rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Company. In the event of a merger, sale, transfer, consolidation or reorganization involving Company, this Agreement shall continue in force and become an obligation of Company's successor, except as provided in paragraph 13, below. 13.TERMINATION Termination for Cause: Employee may be terminated for cause in the event of a good faith finding by the Board of Directors, after giving Employee the opportunity to be heard, of: (i) any dishonest, grossly negligent or willful misconduct by Employee in the execution of her duties; (ii) continued failure by Employee to fulfill the duties and responsibilities required for employment, after notice and an opportunity to cure; (iii) misappropriation by Employee of the assets or business opportunities of Company and/or its affiliates; (iv) embezzlement, fraud or other financial misconduct by or with the knowledge of the Employee; (v) the indictment, conviction or entry of a plea of nolo contendere by Employee to charges of any felony or crime involving moral turpitude; (vi) chronic use of alcohol, drugs or other similar substances affecting work performance; (vii) the inability, due to disability or impairment, of Employee to perform one or more essential functions of her job; or viii) any act or omission in violation or contrary to the Company's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as amended. In the event that Company terminates this Agreement for cause, Company shall not be required to pay the Employee severance. Termination Without Cause: Employee may be terminated without cause and if so, Company shall pay the Employee as severance, One hundred and twenty (120) days of the Employee's annual base salary, such severance to commence after Employee's final day of active employment, conditioned on Employee's execution of a general release of claims against Employer. The general release shall be executed by the Employee within thirty (30) days after termination or the Employee forfeits the severance pay. Severance shall be paid at the rate of compensation as of the date of termination, and shall be paid to the Employee, at the option of Company, either in a lump sum payment or in equal monthly installments made throughout the severance period, less the usual applicable payroll taxes and other payroll deductions. Employee's COBRA health insurance premiums for health insurance benefits of the same level as he enjoyed during her employment shall be paid by Company during the severance period. Any payment of severance is conditioned upon Employee's honoring the Nondisclosure of Confidential Information and Noncompetition After Termination covenants of paragraphs 9 and 12 of this Agreement. 14.OTHER PROVISIONS A. The employment shall terminate automatically without severance pay upon the death or permanent disability (physical or mental) of Employee and/or upon the dissolution of Company. Should the Employee die during the term of this Agreement, the obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall immediately terminate except for payment of accrued and unused leave balances to the Employee's designated beneficiaries of her estate; payment of all outstanding hospitalization, medical, dental, and vision bills in accordance with Visit Florida Keys Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual; and payment of all life insurance benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's insurance policies or plans. B. Employee would be eligible to continue her and her spouse's health insurance at her expense under COBRA for termination with or without cause. C. If any provision, term, or portion of this Agreement shall be held to be unconstitutional, illegal, invalid, or enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining terms, conditions, and portions shall remain in full force and effect as if originally agreed to without the term, condition, or portion that has been determined to be unconstitutional, illegal, invalid or unenforceable. D. The waiver by either the Company or the Employee of a breach or violation of any term or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation by the other party. E. The Company and Employee acknowledge that each has shared equally in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement and, accordingly, no court or administrative hearing officer shall construe any provision of this Agreement more strictly against one party over the other party, and every term, condition, covenant, and provision of this Agreement shall be construed simply according to its fair meaning. F. This Agreement incorporates and includes all prior negotiations, correspondence, conversations, agreements, and understandings applicable to the matters contained herein. It is further agreed that there are no commitments, agreements, or understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement that are not 8 ctntairied hereina and nra rdeulaticn froirr"the terrns bereofhNt be practcetad upprr /rr//,��;//%,�i�°i/o/// /iis any prE ar ireprespnt tN arcs,606rs, promises, �nd�i+ rn t r r s� r � :r Al aural car-'wr°ittett and 'by-whomever r o e Tie;;text +n or st�trute re gr merrt betwe rN t1t bmpany,afid ttr "N=rri alp ee,, rrri t i r ray r�1 nric t ii//// arii te a mended"except:br r cu scufi/ the same fbrinelities as;this AgreeMpri 15.EXECUTION!AND APPLICABLE' This Agreement shaNl be craverrdeci in aec+ rrlric +�uifkt the tawy ofNorida yn; uery, respet,,, This Agreement is made in the"aEte of IIvEcta arzd uwi1W.Ee;gorernecf Nay Nor�da Ise TI�e i; prevailing party in any litigetioni"arbitrati(h,4or m tliati�n'relating tJ A' teemar�t entitled to recover its reasoriatale expenses and ottarn ysR Fees frprr;tire rattier pE rtY matters, including but not"Iirni�ted to, appeals: I'V�©riroe Cs a tt , t^N ci #a u�ri�N l the pr op r venue for any litigation lnV,0IV ng/thi!�,Ageo6r rent, 16,ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement contains, ai1t of'the terms ague, upon Icy tF�e parties wry%I i subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes alI pr�iii agrierinent „ rrearr7er�ts and cornmunidatiaris between the pary s„ppr erning such,';,' ubgeot rr�after, or written, This AgrEeCBlen$may I)E= rrlerC�°artily ;With in writing. IN WITNESS WHEREOF„ the/ rt A, re tzav, xg,ned //// date first written abaue, K r r / i g, / ,rr EXHIBIT A The President/CEO of Visit Florida Keys, a 501 (c)(3) corporation, oversees the use of the tourism development taxes (TDT) collected in Monroe County, Florida, through the Tourist Development Council (TDC) by developing and executing effective marketing, sales, and community engagement strategies as well as providing strategic leadership for and oversight of every aspect of the organization's operations. Visit Florida Key's annual budget is fully funded by TDT dollars. The President/CEO will report to the nine- member TDC Board of Directors, who serve as volunteers and are appointed by elected board members of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. The President/CEO provides the vision and leadership required to sustain the Florida Keys & Key West as Florida's premier travel destination and the county's economic welfare. The President/CEO advances the TDC mission and drives the achievement of the long- range strategic plan while ensuring the professional and fiscal integrity of the organization. This highly visible community leader interfaces with key industry, government, media, and tourism leaders, serving as the key spokesperson for the organization, and is responsible for creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture that inspires and promotes a continued focus on excellence. She is responsible for the adoption of industry best practices, including the assembly and management of a team of destination marketing professionals who collectively demonstrate excellence in tourism research, sales, marketing, brand management, promotion, and community relations. She is also the custodian of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) public revenues and responsible for the overall development and implementation of policies and programs that protect public assets and support the established strategic plan for the destination. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Sales and Marketing • Oversees the marketing efforts for the destination, which encompasses the creation and deployment of strategies and tactics to bring The Florida Keys & Key West brand to life across all communication channels (traditional, social, and digital media/advertising, public relations, etc.), driving new visitation and increasing loyalty among existing visitors while generating resident engagement and support. • Oversees the sales efforts for the destination, which encompasses efforts to increase meetings, special events, and travel trade relations collectively to maximize visitation of the destination, minimize seasonality, and align with county economic development strategies. • Oversees the agencies of record (international sales agencies, advertising, public relations, and website and digital services) and their subcontractors to ensure the marketing plan is being implemented as planned. 10 • Develops and supervises the implementation of an annual marketing and sales plan to promote The Florida Keys & Key West to local, state, regional, national, and international audiences. • Serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization and destination, particularly in crisis situations requiring clarity, truth, and moderation. • Establishes and maintains effective ongoing communications with community members, government leaders, business and cultural institution leaders, travel trade and event planners, and local and national tourism industry officials to develop collaborative marketing and sales strategies effectively. • Represents the organization at select state, regional, national, and international conventions as well as other business meetings that facilitate the achievement of the organization's mission. • Works collaboratively with Monroe County airport leadership to solicit and support additional airlift from existing and emerging markets. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Works collaboratively with various Monroe County Chambers of Commerce and economic development organizations to advance shared economic development objectives, address challenges, advocate for solutions, and increase visitors. • Ensures the availability and timely deployment of crisis management plans to minimize damage to the destination's image and accelerate post-incident recovery. Such plans may include contingencies and communications actions in the event of hurricanes, health-related incidents, environment-related incidents, social unrest, mass shootings, or policy-generated travel boycotts, among others. • Oversee the event and capital contracts and the request for the application process to ensure that those programs are implemented annually. • Develop relationships with Visit Florida and Destination Florida. Organizational Sustainability • Development of strategic plan to address the talent, financial, governance, information technology, research, and marketing efforts required to achieve the organization's vision, mission, and goals over the long term. Suggest initial presentation prior to budget strategy in April 2025 then on-going annually for five and ten year intervals. Finance • Directs the preparation of the annual budget with the input of Monroe County that supports the organization's activities and provides competitive compensation and benefits for the employee team; presents the annual budget to the TDC Board for approval and subsequent approval by the BOCC. • Reviews all financial reporting monthly to ensure the adequacy and soundness of the organization's financial condition and holds regular financial reviews with 11 department heads to ensure each department receives timely and effective communications regarding their performance. • Collaborates with the executive management team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, effective organizational processes/policies, and appropriate talent to support the strategic and operational objectives of the organization. • Ensures the annual audit takes place in compliance with County guidelines and confirms satisfactory results through appropriate and ongoing internal control systems. • Manages appropriate compliance with all provisions of the contracts with agencies of record and the process for yearly contract amendments with the goal of enhancing operational agility and the related benefit to The Florida Keys & Key West tourism; ensures compliance with contract provisions to facilitate contract renewal as per County Purchasing Policy. • The President/CEO is responsible for the appropriateness of the expenditure of public funds, including all invoices and reimbursement requests submitted for payment to the BOCC through the Monroe County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller. • Leads by example in promoting high ethical standards that reflect the role as custodian of public funds, an entrepreneurial approach, and unwavering fiscal responsibility. Talent • Attracts, recruits, trains, mentors, and retains qualified members of the management team in an environment that encourages career development and recognizes individual achievement. • Fosters a success-oriented, engaged, and accountable environment within the organization by regularly articulating the vision for both the organization and destination and by establishing, communicating, and implementing appropriate standards of performance. • Ensures all organizational activities are implemented within established policies, guidelines, and state, and federal laws and consistent with the highest ethical standards. Utilizes County policies and procedures as guidelines to improve VFK documentation of policies and procedures and development of handbook and wage scale. • Ensures the application of a performance management system to monitor and improve individual performance. Regularly analyzes overall performance and results of all functional areas within the organization relative to the established performance objectives and ensures appropriate steps are taken to correct any deficient conditions. • Fosters a culture that celebrates and affirms the value of people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, economic status, ability, and more. 12 ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Research/Destination Development • Ensures the maintenance of a comprehensive research function that analyses past performance, tracks brand performance and visitor and resident sentiment, forecasts need periods, and gathers an array of business intelligence and insights to enhance decision-making and the ROI of marketing and sales strategies. • Supports the destination development master plan and advocates for key destination-defining infrastructure through approved capital funding such as iconic landmarks, attractions, arts, sports, and other facilities to generate demand and maintain destination competitiveness. • Oversees the business intelligence and research initiatives that guide all marketing and sales investment decisions. Be an expert on trends and be proactive in changing the road map for success. Governance • Ensure all activities of both VFK and the TDC are compliant with the Sunshine laws. • Ensures the appropriate secretarial functions for the organization's board; public notice of meetings; drafts and maintains minutes of committee and board meetings; and provides timely and appropriate agenda items and materials for chair and board review prior to meetings. • Plans and attends all meetings for the board of directors and TDC and calls special meetings when required. • Provides the board of directors with monthly financial and operating reports. Community Engagement • Promotes a broad local understanding of tourism's vital role in economic security and quality of life, resulting in increased stakeholder participation and financial, in-kind, and value-added resources for the organization's success and image. • Maintains close and effective communications with the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, TDC Board, District Advisory Committees (DAC), Umbrella Committees- Fishing, Diving and Cultural, the leaders of Chambers of Commerce, non-profit organizations and other leading organizations in the county to communicate the organizations and destination's progress and ongoing needs. ACCOUNTABILITIES FOR SUPERVISION 13 The President/CEO has full responsibility and ultimate authority for the organization chart, staff recruitment, and supervisory decision- making for direct reports as well as for all team members within the organization. Direct reports are to be determined when the organization chart is finalized but currently include the Office Manager, Business Development Tourism Sales Manager, Director of Sales, Director of Research, Corporation Manager, and Film Commissioner. Establishes the overarching organizational structure that ensures the best use of resources to inspire travel to the destination. 1.Makes decisions related to the selection, promotion, transfer, compensation, and performance improvement of all team members. 2. Assures appropriate training is facilitated for new employees, personally participating as necessary, to ensure established procedures are clearly understood and followed. 3. Makes herself visible and available to team members; answers employee questions; resolves work-related problems; and interprets organizational policies for staff to improve the quality and quantity of work performed. 4. Monitors the work performance of direct reports on a continual basis, conducts effective performance appraisals, and takes corrective action whenever necessary. 5. Creates a working environment in which team members are motivated to develop their skills and abilities; demonstrates by personal example the desired standards of conduct and work performance. 6.Administers company policies in a fair and equitable manner and documents all incidents and actions taken. TOP PRIORITIES • Hire CFO/Finance Director and review organizational structure and make recommendations to the Company/VFK Board of Directors regarding the structures and positions of VFKs in accordance with the VFK Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. • Obtain accreditation for Visit Florida Keys through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). • Embark on a 'listening tour" of a robust sampling of tourism stakeholders at the TDC Board level, DAC level, and umbrella level as well as various lodging 14 facilities, attractions, cultural institutions, local youth and recreational sports facilities/providers, and other industry suppliers to formulate a "reality check" about tourism status and aspirations. Conduct a similar tour with the Board of County Commissioners and mayors of the municipalities. • Evaluate and conduct a full review of the internal organization and strategic plan; work with the Board and key stakeholders, gaining buy-in to develop and implement potential enhancements to update the company's strategic plan. Including, but not limited to, staffing. • Develop a strong working knowledge of the budget and finances, including all revenue sources. Become well-versed in the County's financial policies and procedures. Ensure all are in place and being adhered to at VFK. • Visit all five district Welcome Centers and meet with that area's chamber of commerce leadership. Also visit and meet with the staff at the Business Guild in Key West. • Embark on a "listening tour" with staff and then evaluate each individual and determine built for success organizational chart. Hire key positions. • Embark on a "listening tour" with agencies of record and then evaluate the future. • Prepare for the RFP cycle for the public relations agency prior to the contract end of September 2025 as per County purchasing policies. • Review County and VFK Emergency/Crisis Management Plan. Meet Key Players. 15