Calling her impending departure “bittersweet,” Shadowland on Silver Beach Executive Director Nicole Heugel’s final day is less than two weeks away after she announced today her upcoming transition to “a new career field,” without identifying her ultimate destination.
On March 31st, Heugel will leave behind an 11-year hospitality career that brought the venue several awards and improvements.
While she is moving to a new career locally, she will return to help with a few events in April.
Nicole says, “It’s been a complete honor to work here,” and adds, “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years and very grateful for the confidence that the board has always put in me to make this place succeed.”
Her time at Shadowland started in October of 2009, two months before the venue’s grand opening and since then, more than 500 weddings and numerous other events have taken place there under her watch. Heugel says she will miss working with wedding couples the most, as part of her job was to showcase the ballroom to prospective couples.
Nicole tells us, “I’m so proud of what his facility has become. Over the last 11 years, I have put my heart and soul in this organization. Leaving is bittersweet but I couldn’t be happier with how Shadowland has evolved over the years. What I will miss most is showing potential clients our beautiful space and how it can fit into their vision. Shadowland has always been my third child and I am a very proud parent.”
During her Shadowland career, the venue received several awards including the Best of Weddings award from The Knot for nine consecutive years since 2009 and Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice Award the past six years. The venue also grew in partnership with the Silver Beach Carousel and Curious Kids’ Museum. Together, they’ve created the Silver Beach Center, something Heugel calls a “gem” for St. Joe.
Of the center’s creation, Heugel says, “It’s a group effort — the success of this organization is not just because of me. It’s because of the talented staff that I’ve been fortunate enough to surround myself with and the dedicated partners of Silver Beach Center, and they will ensure everything will be successful.”
Those who have upcoming events planned for Shadowland on Silver Beach have no need to worry, as the dedicated staff will make sure their plans run smoothly, as Nicole says, “I’m leaving Shadowland in very good hands,” concluding, “We have a dedicated staff, and the partners in the building will ensure that there will be success beyond me.”
A search for Huegel’s replacement will begin immediately, according to Sam Abdelnour who serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shadowland.
Abdelnour says, “She’s very talented and passionate across a number of things including hospitality, finance, operations and just general running of the facility,” and adds, “We’re sad to see her go. Certainly, she’ll be hard to replace because of her vast experience. We thank her for the great work she did and, of course, we wish her good luck and success.”
Applicants for the position should have a business and operations background with experience and a passion for hospitality. Those interested can email Abdelnour at samaabdelnour@gmail.com.
Shadowland on Silver Beach is a popular venue for weddings, receptions and other events. With plenty of customizable options for each event, they have won nine consecutive awards from The Knot and six consecutive awards from Wedding Wire.
For more information or a virtual tour, visit the link below: https://shadowlandonsilverbeach.com/virtual-tour/ You can also click this link: https://www.facebook.com/ShadowlandonSilverBeach/ or call 269-932-1128.
