Meet Our Team

David Merryman, a veteran hospitality leader, heads our team of professionals who work tirelessly to create a hospitality culture of excellence, and provide lifetime memories for all.

Passionate about travel, and the unique experiences that come from those opportunities, David believes in a holistic approach to hospitality, where the location of the property, the values of the local community, and the unique talents of the staff combine to create an experience for guests that will last for a lifetime. A strong believer in the Quality Sciences, David and his team work tirelessly to ensure that they consistently deliver gracious, enthusiastic, and flawless service to all who enter.

David comes to Camp Creek Inn, after a successful six years leading the award-winning Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach and brings with him over 30 years of wide-ranging hospitality leadership experience. He began his career in Charleston, South Carolina, widely regarded as one of the most gracious and hospitable places in the United States. Since that time, he has honed his craft in some of the finest Hotels and Inns in the United States and globally, from New Orleans and the Eastern Shore of Maryland to the mountains of Sochi, Russia, the beaches of St. Martin, and the Pacific coast of Mexico.

David also had the unique privilege of spending over four years working with students in the classroom and in the field through his association with the Hotel & Restaurant Management program at Auburn University during his tenure at The Hotel at Auburn University.

David holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Kristy McKinney has been a significant part of The St. Joe Company's hospitality sector since 2013, demonstrating her leadership and management skills across several properties including The Pearl Hotel, Watersound Beach Club, Watersound Inn, and WaterColor Inn.

With over a decade of experience within the company, she has now embraced the role of assistant general manager at Camp Creek Inn. Kristy is particularly excited about her position at this new boutique luxury hotel along 30A, where she looks forward to welcoming guests and Club Members alike. Her journey reflects a commitment to excellence in hospitality and guest services.

Kevin Dixon, passionate about food, libations, and exemplary service with a smile heads our Food & Beverage team. Kevin prides himself by building a team of like-minded food service professionals who are dedicated in their pursuit of hospitality excellence to create memorable dining experiences throughout the property.

Over many years of food and beverage experiences, Kevin strives for his team to provide food and beverage offerings that are unique yet familiar; each plate of food, cocktail, or simple snack tells a story, reminding us of good food and good times with friends and family.

Kevin joined the Camp Creek Inn team, having recently worked at the award-winning Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach as Director of Food & Beverage where his passion for food service assisted the Food & Beverage team in their many accolades. Before working for St. Joe Hospitality, Kevin had a diverse background in hotel and resort operations, including working at Walt Disney Resorts, Great Wolf Resorts, Omni Hotels and Resorts, and independent and boutique hotel companies. During his career, Kevin has worked in all areas of Food and Beverage including roles as Executive Chef and Front of House Management. This diverse background has continued to create a food service foundation that Kevin continually draws upon each day to enhance the food and beverage offerings at Camp Creek Inn.

Kevin holds an Associate Degree in Culinary arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Foodservice Management from Johnson & Wales University.

Patrick Richardson has made a significant impact in the golf world, serving as the Watersound Club Director of Golf Operations since 2021. His impressive career includes roles as Head Golf Professional at Sea Island Golf Club (2018-2021) and Wilmington Island Club (1999-2018). As a PGA Member, Patrick has been recognized for his excellence with awards like Section Golf Professional of the Year (2018, 2011), Youth Player Development Award (2002), and Assistant Professional of the Year (1999).

His contributions extend to significant committees and boards, including the 2022 PGAHQ Tournaments Committee and the National Board of Directors for District XIII in 2023. Patrick's expertise spans teaching and coaching, golf operations, tournament operations, leadership, merchandising, and player development.