Congratulations to Nease’s business partner, David Rivera, of Flagler College, who was named the St. Johns County School District’s Advisory Board Partner of the Year for his incredible work with our Academy of Hospitality & Tourism. If you’re fortunate enough to have a conversation with David Rivera, there’s no doubt you’ll leave inspired. His passion for helping students grow professionally is remarkable. His positive attitude, seemingly endless energy, and innovative ideas have fostered a new era for Flagler College’s Hospitality & Tourism Management program. Since joining Nease’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Board in 2019, David Rivera has created a bridge between his collegiate program and Nease’s Academy, serving as a guest speaker, hosting field trips on Flagler’s campus, even spending funding earned by his program to allow for 30 of our Hospitality Academy students and 2 chaperones to travel to Universal Studios with his students to meet with marketing professionals for the theme park, and then enjoy a day in the parks for free. Now, David is working on creating summer internship opportunities for our high school students to take part in along with his college students, and has been an advocate for launching Hospitality & Tourism Dual Enrollment courses through Flagler College. There is no better example of an Advisory Board Partner who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. Thank you, David, for giving so much of yourself today to help the Hospitality and Tourism professionals of tomorrow.
