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Executive Leader · Strategist · Communicator

Transforming Vision Into Measurable Impact

Every challenge is an opportunity to inspire, innovate, and leave things better than I found them.
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Years Leading
0 +
Years Military
0 +
Budgets Managed
$ 10 M+

Meet LaTonya Stark

What I do

I help organizations transform vision into measurable impact.

For more than 25 years, I have led teams, brands, initiatives, and organizations through periods of growth, change, and transformation. By combining strategic leadership, data-driven decision making, compelling storytelling, and innovative thinking, I help organizations strengthen their reputation, engage stakeholders, build high-performing cultures, and achieve meaningful business results.

My experience spans marketing, communications, public relations, community engagement, events, and organizational leadership, allowing me to connect strategy with execution in ways that create lasting value. Whether launching new initiatives, navigating change, building teams, or elevating a brand, I am passionate about helping people and organizations reach their full potential.

About me

Professional Journey

I am an executive leader, strategist, communicator, and community advocate with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations navigate growth, transformation, and change.

Throughout my career, I have led teams, brands, and initiatives across government, hospitality, tourism, entertainment, real estate, and nonprofit sectors. From developing award-winning marketing and communications strategies to leading organizational change initiatives and building high-performing teams, my focus has always been on creating meaningful impact and delivering measurable results.

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Beyond the Bio

While my career has provided incredible opportunities, the roles I value most are those that don’t appear on a résumé.

I am a proud wife, stepmother, mentor, volunteer, and lifelong learner who believes deeply in the power of service, community, and meaningful relationships. Family, faith, and purpose remain the foundation upon which I build both my personal and professional life.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, my Midwest upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic, humility, resilience, and an appreciation for treating people with respect and kindness. Those values continue to shape how I lead, serve, and engage with others.

Outside of work, I enjoy planning events, writing, mentoring emerging leaders, volunteering in the community, improving processes, and occasionally spending time on the golf course. I am also an unapologetic lover of a well-organized plan, a thoughtfully executed event, and a perfectly crafted message.

One of my greatest sources of joy is spending time with my four-legged companion, Mufasa, who reminds me daily of the importance of loyalty, consistency, and unconditional love.

My personal mission is to live a life I don’t need a vacation from and to leave every person, organization, and community better than I found them.

That commitment continues to guide both my leadership journey and the legacy I hope to create.

LaTonya Stark at a Glance

  • 25+ Years of Leadership Experience
  • United States Navy Veteran
  • Senior Vice President of Influence
  • Former Adjunct Business Professor
  • Orlando Magazine Women of the Year Honoree
  • BS Journalism & Public Relations
  • MS Administration (Human Resources)
  • Speaker, Mentor & Community Leader
  • Proud Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
  • Dog Mom to Mufasa
What Guides Me

Guiding Principles

01

People Matter Most

Organizations succeed when people feel valued, heard, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose. Whether leading a team, serving a community, or building a brand, people will always be the greatest asset.

02

Curiosity Fuels Innovation

The best leaders never stop learning. Curiosity drives discovery, innovation, growth, and the willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of better outcomes.
03

Excellence Is a Daily Choice

Extraordinary results are rarely the product of a single moment. They are built through consistency, discipline, preparation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
04

Leadership Is Service

Leadership is not about titles or authority; it is about influence, responsibility, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. The greatest privilege of leadership is helping people become more than they believed possible.
05

Stories Create Connection

Whether communicating with employees, customers, stakeholders, or communities, authentic storytelling has the power to build trust, inspire action, and bring people together around a common vision.
06

Leave It Better Than You Found It

This principle guides both my personal and professional life. Every project, organization, team, and community should be stronger because we were part of it.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my leadership journey, my goal remains simple: to create meaningful impact through service, innovation, and influence.

I am passionate about helping organizations navigate change, build strong cultures, elevate their brands, develop future leaders, and create lasting value for the people and communities they serve.

 Whether through executive leadership, speaking, mentorship, board service, or strategic counsel, I hope to continue inspiring others to think bigger, lead boldly, and make a difference. Together, extraordinary things are possible. 

Together, extraordinary things are possible.

Impact & Recognition:

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to serve organizations, communities, and teams that have challenged me to grow as a leader and make meaningful contributions. While recognition has never been the goal, these honors and accomplishments reflect a lifelong commitment to service, excellence, leadership, and impact.

  • Military Service & Honors
As a proud United States Navy veteran and former Public Affairs Officer, I had the privilege of serving my country while leading strategic communications initiatives, media relations, community engagement efforts, and public affairs programs.

Navy Commendation Medal (4)

Awarded for sustained acts of meritorious service, leadership, and professional achievement. The Navy Commendation Medal is one of the military’s most respected recognitions for exceptional performance and contributions to mission success.

Navy Achievement Medal (3)

Awarded for outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and superior performance while serving in positions of increasing responsibility.
  • Professional Recognition

Disney Partners in Excellence Award

Recognized as one of Disney’s top-performing Cast Members through the prestigious Partners in Excellence Award program.

This distinction is awarded to fewer than 2% of Disney Cast Members and recognizes individuals who consistently exemplify excellence, innovation, teamwork, leadership, and exceptional guest service.

Orlando Magazine Women of the Year Honoree

Recognized for professional achievement, community leadership, and contributions that positively impact the Central Florida region.

Women We Admire – Top Women Leaders Recognition

Honored among distinguished women leaders for professional accomplishments, leadership influence, and contributions to business and community advancement.
  • Leadership & Community Impact
Beyond professional accomplishments, I am deeply committed to leadership development, mentorship, volunteerism, and community service.

Executive Leadership

Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Influence for one of the nation’s largest local REALTOR® associations, helping guide advocacy, communications, community engagement, philanthropy, events, and strategic initiatives serving approximately 18,000 members.

Higher Education

Served as an Adjunct Professor of Business for more than eight years, mentoring and educating future business professionals.

Professional & Community Service

Throughout my career, I have held numerous leadership roles within professional associations, nonprofit organizations, civic initiatives, and community service organizations, helping strengthen programs, develop future leaders, and create meaningful impact.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

Actively engaged in leadership, conference planning, risk management, mentorship, and service initiatives that advance the organization’s mission of service to all mankind.

By The Numbers

Years of Leadership Experience
20 +
Years of Military Service
10
Navy Commendation Medals
4
Navy Achievement Medals
3
Years as an Adjunct Professor
10 +
Members Served Through Association Leadership
10 +
Budgets Managed During Career
$ 10 M
Events, Campaigns, and Experiences Led
10 +
Guiding Principle

While titles, awards, and accomplishments are meaningful milestones, I believe leadership is ultimately measured by the lives we impact, the people we develop, and the positive change we create.

My goal has always been to leave every organization, team, and community stronger than I found it—and to help others realize their full potential along the way.

Leadership Impact

Throughout my career, I have focused on helping organizations grow, strengthen their brands, engage stakeholders, develop high-performing teams, and achieve measurable business results. The accomplishments below represent a sample of the impact generated through strategic leadership, innovation, collaboration, and execution.

  • Revenue Growth & Business Development

$20M+ Annual Revenue Generation

Led performance marketing initiatives at Holiday Inn Club Vacations that generated more than $20 million annually through demand-driven marketing and strategic channel optimization.

400% Increase in Sponsorship & Advertising Revenue

Transformed revenue generation efforts at the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, delivering more than a fourfold increase in advertising and sponsorship revenue.

Strategic Partnership Development

Secured and renewed high-value partnerships, including multi-year agreements with major organizations such as AdventHealth and Fifth Third Bank, generating long-term organizational value and financial sustainability.

New Revenue Creation

Generated $800,000 in new revenue opportunities through strategic marketing, communications, and brand-building initiatives.
  • Brand Growth & Visibility

397% Increase in Earned Media

Unified brand messaging and communications efforts, resulting in a 397% increase in earned media and a 47% increase in media coverage and visibility.

5 Million Media Impressions

Secured more than 100 media placements and dozens of executive interviews, generating significant visibility and strengthening organizational reputation.

Digital Audience Growth

Increased website traffic, email engagement, social media performance, and professional audience growth across multiple organizations through integrated marketing and content strategies.

2 Million+ Search Impressions

Delivered more than 2 million Google search impressions and over 41,000 website clicks through strategic SEO and digital marketing initiatives.

Organizational Leadership & Transformation

Built and Led High-Performing Teams

Successfully led teams of up to 20 professionals across marketing, communications, public relations, sales, events, and stakeholder engagement functions.

Led Through Change and Growth

Guided organizations through mergers, restructures, economic uncertainty, and significant business transformation while maintaining stakeholder confidence and employee engagement.

Maintained Performance During Staff Reductions

Sustained and improved marketing performance despite a 38% reduction in staffing by redesigning workflows, leveraging technology, and maximizing team effectiveness.

Developed New Organizational Strategy

Created and implemented the first strategic plan for ORRA’s Influence Division, aligning advocacy, communications, community engagement, philanthropy, and public-facing leadership initiatives.
  • Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

200%+ Customer Growth

Leveraged analytics, automation, and personalization strategies to drive customer growth exceeding 200% across a portfolio of more than 20 resort properties.

Improved Owner Engagement & Loyalty

Developed communications and engagement programs that increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, utilization, and digital engagement among more than 370,000 members.

Crisis Communications Leadership

Successfully led communications during organizational crises, major operational events, industry disruptions, military operations, and public-facing challenges, maintaining trust and transparency with stakeholders.
Leadership Philosophy

The most meaningful results occur when strategy, communication, innovation, and people come together around a shared purpose.

I believe sustainable success is built through strong leadership, authentic relationships, measurable accountability, and a commitment to leaving every organization stronger than I found it.

  • Education & Executive Development:
I believe sustainable success is built through strong leadership, authentic relationships, measurable accountability, and a commitment to leaving every organization stronger than I found it.
  • Advanced Education

Central Michigan University

Master of Science in Administration (MSA)

Emphasis in Human Resources

Central Missouri State University

Bachelor of Science in Journalism

Emphasis in Public Relations

  • Professional Development & Certifications

Certificate in Digital Marketing

University of Vermont

2019

Certificate in Hospitality Management

Florida Atlantic University

2020

Management Studies Program

Rollins College

Strategic Leadership for Women

Simmons School of Leadership

Public Affairs & Military Spokesperson Training

Defense Information School

  • Commitment to Growth

My educational journey reflects a unique combination of communications, leadership, business administration, human resources, hospitality, marketing, and public affairs. This diverse foundation has enabled me to lead across industries, connect strategy with execution, and successfully navigate complex organizational challenges.

 I remain committed to continuous learning, professional development, and staying at the forefront of leadership, communications, marketing, and organizational transformation.

Core Leadership Competencies

Over the course of my career, I have developed expertise across leadership, communications, marketing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and business strategy. My experience spans government, hospitality, tourism, entertainment, nonprofit, membership association, and real estate sectors, where I have helped organizations grow, navigate change, strengthen relationships, build high-performing cultures, and achieve measurable business results.


The competencies below represent the areas in which I have consistently delivered strategic value, organizational influence, and lasting impact.

Executive Leadership

  • Organizational Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Team Development
  • Change Management
  • Culture Transformation
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Executive Communications
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Marketing & Brand Strategy

  • Brand Management
  • Reputation Management
  • Integrated Marketing
  • Omnichannel Marketing
  • B2B Marketing
  • B2C Marketing
  • Demand Generation
  • Performance Marketing
  • Digital Marketing
  • Content Strategy

Communications & Public Affairs

  • Public Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Crisis Communications
  • Internal Communications
  • Employee Engagement
  • Executive Positioning
  • Thought Leadership
  • Community Relations
  • Government & Public Affairs Communications

Revenue Growth & Business Development

  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Sponsorship Development
  • Revenue Generation
  • Sales Enablement
  • Customer Engagement
  • Market Expansion
  • Customer Retention
  • Business Growth Strategy

Data, Technology & Innovation

  • Marketing Analytics
  • CRM Strategy
  • Marketing Automation
  • Digital Transformation
  • Customer Insights
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Technology Adoption
  • Process Improvement

Experiences & Events

  • Conference Planning
  • Experiential Marketing
  • Event Strategy
  • Community Engagement Events
  • Executive Events
  • Hospitality Management
  • Meeting & Event Production

Creative & Design

  • Content Development
  • Storytelling
  • Creative Direction
  • Brand Messaging
  • Interior Design & Staging
  • Presentation Development
  • Visual Communications
Let's Connect

Together , Extraordinary Things Are Possible

Whether through executive leadership, speaking, mentorship, board service, or strategic counsel, I hope to continue inspiring others to think bigger, lead boldly, and make a difference.

Send a Message

I look forward to hearing from you.

Stay Connected

Get insights on leadership, strategic communications, and building organizations that create lasting impact.

Find Me Online

Let's continue the conversation.

Email

Lstark713@gmail.com

Phone

407.274.2199

Address

14528 Dover Forest Drive, Orlando, FL 32828

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🐾One of my greatest sources of joy is spending time with my four-legged companion, Mufasa, who reminds me daily of the importance of loyalty, consistency, and unconditional love.