In this episode of Waves of Impact, Ali Green interviews Shelby, General Manager of Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park in Destin, Florida, about what it takes to lead a complex, high‑risk attraction with a hands‑on, people‑first approach. Shelby unpacks her leadership style—from starting each day with “daily dive” huddles and in‑park visibility to designing recognition‑driven staff events that keep seasonal team members engaged through the entire summer. She also shares how she helped shape a new operations internship within Lucky Strike Entertainment’s growing portfolio of waterparks, positioning students to gain broad, cross‑department experience and a potential pathway into full‑time leadership roles.

Shelby is an Alumni of the GH&TM program here at the University of West Florida, class of 2020. We are all so proud of her accomplishments throughout the years, and it was a delight to have her share her experiences.

Dr. Green and students from the HR in Hospitality program sit down with Anamarie Mixon, Assistant Vice President, and Anna Lochas, Assistant Director, of the University of West Florida's exciting new University Conferencing, Events and Youth Services department. This is a milestone moment for UWF and the greater Pensacola community, and these two dynamic leaders are at the center of it all. From centralizing campus events to preparing for the university's highly anticipated multi-use stadium, Anamarie and Anna share the vision, the energy, and the momentum behind what is shaping up to be a game-changing chapter for UWF. As the university makes its bold move to Division I athletics, this department is poised to bring world-class events, community engagement, and premier experiences to Pensacola like never before. This is UWF stepping into its next great era, and you won't want to miss it.

ANAMARIE MIXON — Bio

Anamarie Mixon, Assistant Vice President of University Conferencing, Events and Youth Services at the University of West Florida, is a driven and dynamic professional whose passion lies at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and organizational development. She believes we are defined not by our titles but by who we are, and that our actions are the clearest expression of our character. A strategic thinker who thrives in fast-paced, ever-evolving environments, Anamarie leads, plans, coordinates, and executes a broad series of events annually while continually working to create efficiencies that increase productivity without sacrificing integrity in work or culture. A seasoned public speaker, she uses storytelling as a vehicle for meaningful change. Outside of her professional life, Anamarie volunteers with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, serving on the Silent Auction Committee as a fundraiser and advocate for children and families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

ANNA LOCHAS — Bio

Anna Lochas is the Assistant Director of University Conferencing, Events and Youth Services at the University of West Florida, a role that feels like a natural homecoming for someone who has been an Argonaut since birth — literally, having attended the UWF childcare center as an infant. Anna earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Recreation, and Resort Management and her Master of Science in Public Administration from UWF, later adding a Master of Science in Event Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Her career at UWF has spanned multiple departments, including Continuing Education, the UWF Historic Trust, and the Office of the President, where she served as Board of Trustees liaison before transitioning into her current role. She is the current President of Pensacola Young Professionals and is also active in the Junior League of Pensacola and Impact 100. In 2025, she was recognized as UWF's Employee of the Year.

In this episode of Waves of Impact, we sit down with Jake Lange, Offensive Assistant/Quarterbacks Coach at the University of West Florida (UWF). Moving beyond the playbook, Jake offers a fascinating look at how the "grind" of college athletics has fundamentally shifted in the digital age.

We explore the transition from the old-school "midnight at the library" era to a modern landscape where student-athletes are managing personal brands, social media platforms, and high-speed information processing. Jake shares his unique perspective on leadership, explaining why his role is less of a "job" and more of a "calling" to build men of character.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Key HR & Leadership Takeaways:
  • The Evolution of the "Workday": Analyzing how flexible environments (online classes) and mobile technology have altered the daily routines and attention spans of modern talent.
  • Brand Alignment vs. Workplace Behavior: Navigating the "new reality" where every team member has a public platform. We discuss how to protect the organizational profile while empowering individual brands.
  • The Culture of Accountability: Why true leadership and retention is directly aligned in everything in the daily life of a coach.
  • Reducing "Turnover" of Character: Jake shares his mission to ensure his "players" (talent) evolve into better versions of themselves, creating a legacy of excellence that lasts long after they leave the building.

Guest Bio:
Jake Lange is an Offensive Assistant and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of West Florida. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Jake brings a blend of high-level athletic experience and a deep commitment to mentorship and player development.