Wild Dunes Resort announces key leadership additions and promotions across sales and revenue teams
May 28, 2026
Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination by Hyatt property, announced several strategic leadership appointments within its sales and revenue management team. The announcement includes the promotion of Parker Stephenson to national sales manager, the addition of Kimber DeMoya as national sales manager (Midwest territory), and the appointment of Preston Smelt as director of revenue management.
“Wild Dunes Resort continues to build on its reputation as a premier destination for meetings, events and leisure travel by investing in exceptional talent and leadership,” said Terri A. Haack, managing director of Wild Dunes Resort. “Parker, Kimber, and Preston each bring a unique combination of expertise, passion, and proven success in hospitality, and we are excited to welcome them into these important roles as we continue driving growth and elevating the guest experience.”
Promotion: National Sales Manager, Parker Stephenson
Since joining the resort in May 2025 as a Sales Manager, Parker has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, results-driven mindset, and outstanding leadership capabilities in a fast-paced sales environment. Prior to joining Wild Dunes Resort, Parker held progressive hospitality sales leadership roles with Hyatt properties, including Director of Sales at Hyatt Place Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, Area Sales Manager, and Area Director of Sales. Throughout his career, he has successfully driven revenue growth through strategic account management, innovative sales initiatives, and a client-focused approach. In his new role, Parker will continue to build strategic partnerships and support the resort’s growing group and corporate business segments.
New Hire: National Sales Manager (Midwest Territory), Kimber DeMoya
Kimber brings more than 20 years of hospitality sales, meetings, and events experience spanning luxury resorts and full-service conference properties. Most recently with Sunseeker Resort in Florida, Kimber has built a reputation as a top-performing sales professional and trusted relationship builder, partnering successfully with corporate, association, and incentive clients throughout her career. Known for her collaborative leadership style, professionalism, and passion for hospitality, Kimber brings extensive industry expertise and energy to the Wild Dunes team.
New Hire: Director of Revenue Management, Preston Smelt
Wild Dunes Resort is also pleased to welcome Preston Smelt as Director of Revenue Management. Preston brings more than 20 years of experience in revenue management, hospitality operations, and strategic business leadership. His previous experience includes Director of Revenue Management at YourPad in Charleston most recently, along with senior revenue management leadership positions with InterContinental Hotels Group and Hilton, including serving as Director of Revenue Management at Hilton Atlanta.
In addition to his hospitality leadership background, Preston is also an entrepreneur, having founded and operated his own brewery for several years. His expertise in pricing strategy, forecasting, analytics, and operational leadership, combined with his deep knowledge of the Charleston market makes him a valuable addition to the resort’s executive team.
New Hire: Express Meeting Manager, Lindsay Ackerson
Wild Dunes Resort is also pleased to announce Lindsay Ackerson’s transition into the resort’s Sales team following several years in a Talent & Culture leadership role. With a strong passion for people and relationship-building, Lindsay brings a thoughtful and service-driven approach to developing client partnerships and creating memorable experiences for guests and groups. Her background in HR provides a unique perspective and understanding of the collaboration required to deliver exceptional resort experiences. In her new role, Lindsay will focus on connecting clients with opportunities that showcase the best of Wild Dunes Resort while continuing to foster meaningful relationships.
For more information, please visit wilddunesresort.com or follow along on LinkedIn.
About Wild Dunes Resort
Located 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise along the Atlantic shores offering various accommodations including the new, coastal-modern Sweetgrass Inn; the beloved Boardwalk Inn; and spacious Residences at Sweetgrass guestrooms, suites, and penthouses. With 36 holes of Tom Fazio-designed championship golf year-round, internationally ranked tennis, bike rentals, a world-class spa, an on-site art gallery, resort pools and an array of restaurants and bars, Wild Dunes is an ideal retreat for families, couples, groups and more – offering a little something for everyone. For more information, please visit www.wilddunesresort.com or follow along on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
About Destination by Hyatt
The Destination by Hyatt brand is a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. Ranging from upper-upscale to luxury, each property is purposefully crafted to be a place of immersive discoveries, authentic design, and warm and welcoming service. As an honored host, each Destination by Hyatt hotel connects guests to both people and place—offering a sense of belonging that invites all to make our destination yours. For more information, visit destinationhotels.com. Follow Destination by Hyatt on Instagram: @destinationhotels, Twitter: @Destination, and Facebook: Destination Hotels.
