Watersound Real Estate has announced the appointment of Hana Hawkins as Executive Advisor, a strategic leadership role focused on supporting the company’s continued growth while helping launch a hospitality-aligned advisory program intended to connect visitors with homeownership opportunities throughout Northwest Florida.

At the center of Hawkins’ role will be the development of the Watersound Private Client Advisory Program, an initiative on the Emerald Coast designed to create a connection between St. Joe’s hospitality destinations and residential opportunities across the region.

Through the program, a curated group of Watersound Real Estate advisors will serve in an advisory capacity within select St. Joe hospitality environments. These advisors will act as local resources available to guests who may be interested in learning more about communities, neighborhoods, and ownership opportunities throughout Northwest Florida.

The initiative is intended to complement the hospitality experience rather than interrupt it. Advisors will serve as community specialists, offering guidance when guests express interest in learning more about the area or exploring homeownership possibilities.

While Watersound’s communities will often be part of those conversations, the program is intended to support guests exploring opportunities across the broader Emerald Coast. Participating advisors will have the expertise and resources to assist clients throughout 30A, Walton County, Bay County, and surrounding coastal markets.

Hawkins will lead the design and implementation of the program, including advisor selection, training standards, and operational systems to ensure the initiative aligns with the hospitality culture associated with the St. Joe brand. Participation will be limited to a select group of experienced advisors with strong market knowledge, professionalism, and an understanding of luxury clientele.

“This initiative represents the kind of collaboration and long-term vision that continues to shape Watersound Real Estate,” said Diane Hausler, Senior Vice President of Residential Sales.

“We are helping people discover a lifestyle and a place that resonates with them. Whether someone ultimately chooses a home within a Watersound community or elsewhere along the Emerald Coast, our advisors are positioned to guide that process with the expertise and care clients expect at this level.”

In addition to leading the Private Client Advisory Program, Hawkins will collaborate with the Watersound Real Estate leadership team on strategic initiatives, including recruiting strategy, agent development systems, onboarding experience, and long-term growth planning as the brokerage continues to expand its presence across Walton and Bay counties.

Licensed since 2012, she has been involved with the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, serving on the Board of Directors from 2021 through 2025 and leading the Destin MLS Tour for more than eleven years. She has also served in multiple leadership roles within ECAR and currently serves as Chairman of the Florida Realtors Diversity Committee for 2026.

\As Watersound Real Estate continues to expand its presence throughout Northwest Florida, Hawkins’ role will focus on guiding key initiatives that support agent success while further connecting the region’s hospitality experiences and residential communities.

Real estate professionals interested in learning more about opportunities with Watersound Real Estate or the Watersound Private Client Advisory Program are encouraged to connect directly with Hana Hawkins.