Meet Our Team

Our team is here to help you plan your dream event in the Florida Keys, from start to finish. Get to know the team below:

Kate Boyd, Director of Group Sales

Kate’s Background: With over 20 years in hospitality, I’ve dedicated my career to creating experiences that leave lasting impressions. I began my path in wedding sales in the Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma in 2017, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of guiding couples through their most meaningful celebrations. Originally from Uzbekistan, I came to the Keys in 2013 for a one-year internship and never left. Today, I lead sales strategy with the same passion that brought me here—building connections that matter.

Fun Fact: I love to bake, and friends often joke that I should open my own bakery every time I bring something fresh from the oven.

Kate’s Favorite Part Of Her Role: The energy of celebration and connection never gets old; it’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Kim Thompson, National Account Director

Kim’s Background: I’ve been in the resort hospitality industry for more than 35 years—which either means I’m very experienced or simply too stubborn to leave. I’ve worked my way through just about every position imaginable, from Executive Assistant to the General Manager to Sales Administrator, Catering Sales, Banquet Manager, Director of Catering, Group Sales, and Director of Sales & Catering. As a North Florida native, I’ve spent the last 20 years specializing in the Florida Keys resort market, working remotely (before it was trendy) and even calling the Keys home for a few years. Somewhere along the way, I’ve learned that every challenge has a solution, every event has a story, and laughing is absolutely a job requirement.

Fun Fact: Thanks to my uncle serving alongside Elvis in the Army, I was raised on the King. After decades of being a fan, I finally visited Graceland for the first time in 2025—and yes, it lived up to the hype.

Kim’s Favorite Part Of Her Role: My favorite part of what I do is selling. Throughout my 35+ year career, I’ve worked exclusively with independent resorts, where success comes from telling each property’s unique story rather than relying on a well-known brand name. I love the thrill of prospecting for new business, uncovering new clients, and introducing them to destinations they may not have previously considered. Today, that means sharing the magic of the Florida Keys and showcasing Isla Bella Beach Resort—the newest luxury resort in the Keys—as an unforgettable setting for meetings and events.

Laurie Lupton, Director of Catering and Conference Services Manager

Laurie’s Background: With more than a decade of experience in luxury resorts, I specialize in weddings, catering, and conference services—helping couples and organizations bring their dream celebrations to life with ease and excellence. Originally from Central Illinois, I swapped the Midwest’s cornfields for the turquoise waters and endless sunshine of the Florida Keys, and I haven’t looked back since!

Fun Fact:After years of helping couples create unforgettable weddings in the Keys, I had the joy of planning my own in Key West in December 2017. Experiencing both sides of the aisle—first as a planner and then as a bride—has given me a unique perspective on just how magical and memorable a Florida Keys wedding truly is.

Laurie’s Favorite Part Of Her Role: What inspires me most is the creativity behind every celebration. Each wedding is its own beautiful story, full of unique details that reflect the couple’s personality. Even after planning hundreds of events, I still treasure the little moments that bring a smile during the process. And nothing compares to the joy of watching a couple’s vision come to life, flawlessly and unforgettable.

Cindy Facenda, Group Rooms Coordinator

Cindy’s Background: Halfway through to my Civil Engineering masters, I said “what am I doing?”. I knew hospitality ran through my veins and that I wanted to be a hotelier. I walked through that ceremony knowing I had made the best decision I could have! I packed my bags and left the big city lights and high heels in Miami and traded it all in for baby blue water and sandy sandals in search of the best hotel to work for; here you’ll find me ten years later!

Fun Fact: I was born on Leap Day and am currently only 9 years old.

Cindy’s Favorite Part Of Her Role: Making lifetime connections with my guests and being part of the planning of the best day of a bride’s life, or a company’s excitement to celebrate their employees really makes paradise all that better.

Cheryl Matyi, Conference Services Manager

Cheryl’s Background: I bring over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and travel industry, specializing in weddings, corporate events, and incentive programs. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for event logistics, BEO creation, contract compliance, and vendor coordination—all with the goal of making every event seamless and memorable for our guests.

Fun Fact: I had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of flying on the inaugural Concorde flight from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro—the very first commercial supersonic passenger flight.

Cheryl’s Favorite Part Of Her Role: What I love most about my role is watching an event come to life from the very first planning call to the final farewell. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my clients can simply relax, celebrate, and enjoy themselves, confident that every detail has been taken care of.