Scott Knutson, CTC, vice president of sales for Costa Cruise Lines—North America, announced today that Misty Freeman has been named business development manager for Costa’s Central Florida region. Most recently, Freeman was director of sales for Candlewood Suites in Paducah, Kentucky. Prior to that position she was a business development manager for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, covering Georgia and Alabama. In her new role, she will report directly to Bill Dwyer, CTC, director of field sales for Costa North America.

As the director of sales for Candlewood Suites, Freeman oversaw all pre-opening sales and marketing activities for the hotel, working with local businesses and affiliations as well as with the InterContinental Hotel Group. Prior to this role, Freeman spent six years with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, overseeing Georgia and Alabama. Her primary responsibilities included travel agent training and support, including the creation and implementation of advertising promotions and marketing plans for agencies. Freeman was named “regional business development manger of the year” by the company in 2006.

“Misty has a proven record of creating results-driven sales and marketing plans for travel agents and has a strong background in building industry and community relationships from the ground up, all of which are key to growing our business in Central Florida,” said Knutson. “Her personable nature and sales savvy are certain to be a hit with our travel agent partners in the region.”

Freeman graduated cum laude from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Strategic Communications. She recently relocated from Paducah, Kentucky to Orlando, Florida, where she will be based for her new position.