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 launching an innovative hospitality-aligned advisory program designed to connect visitors to homeownership opportunities throughout Northwest Florida.

At the center of Hawkins’ role will be the development of the Watersound Private Client Advisory Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative for the Emerald Coast that creates a bridge between St. Joe’s premier hospitality destinations and residential opportunities across the region.

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

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

While Watersound’s thoughtfully designed communities will often be part of those conversations, the program is intended to support guests exploring opportunities across the entire 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 reflects the elevated hospitality culture associated with the St. Joe brand. Participation will be limited to a select group of experienced advisors who demonstrate strong market knowledge, professionalism, and a deep understanding of luxury clientele.

“This initiative represents the type of collaboration and long term vision that sets Watersound Real Estate apart,” 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 that 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 expanding its presence across Walton and Bay counties.

Licensed since 2012, she has been deeply 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 strengthening the connection between the region’s hospitality experiences and its 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.

©Watersound Real Estate, LLC 2026. All Rights Reserved. “Watersound®” is a registered mark of The St. Joe Company and used under license.   Watersound Real Estate is an affiliate of The St. Joe Company and does not have the authority to act on behalf of or bind The St. Joe Company.