Executive Leadership Team

While growing up in rural west Alabama, Jason developed a strong, competitive work ethic. In 1995, he attended college at the University of West Alabama, graduating in 1999 with a business degree. It was during this time that he worked for a regional construction company and learned the construction business. They built several municipal projects, along with hospital, and nursing home expansions. Through this experience, he cultivated an interest in construction and development.

In 1997, Jason helped organize the purchase of several multi-family apartment buildings and quickly expanded this operation to hundreds

of units. This experience helped facilitate investment in a small motel which, led to multiple hospitality projects in AL, MS, and FL. He was selected by Choice Hotels International in 2013 as a Platinum Award winner, which recognizes the top 3% of operators within their family

of hotel brands. He’s have been a guest speaker on new hotel development at the Choice Hotels corporate headquarters in Silver Springs, MD.

Jason’s experience in hospitality led him to some exciting developments including the construction of the 100 room Comfort Inn and Suites-East Beach in Gulf Shores, AL, 70 room Sleep Inn, and Mainstay Suites both in Meridian, MS. The renovation and repositioning of the 70 room Inn on Destin Harbor. Most recently developing hotel projects in Andalusia, AL and Panama City Beach, FL. He is overseeing the construction and development team, as well as heading the management team of these properties. Jason and Lloyd Blue currently have 12 projects under management or in their development pipeline in AL, MS, and FL. They are very excited to add The Grayton Beach Motor Lodge to our growing portfolio of unique properties.

Yulia Wilkinson is a globally experienced hospitality executive with over 15 years of leadership across luxury and branded hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Wood Development, guiding the company’s hospitality investment and management portfolio across the Gulf Coast.

Before assuming her current leadership role, Yulia held key executive positions with major international hotel groups, including Choice Hotels International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International. Her experience spans multiple continents, leading high-performing teams and operational turnarounds in destinations such as Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, and the United States.

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Yulia’s global background includes:

• Director of Rooms Operations at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha - 600 rooms property, where she oversaw guest services, front office, housekeeping, SPA and Loss Prevention for a 5-star 600 rooms property business and leisure property in the heart of Qatar.

• Human Resources Director roles at both Kigali Marriott (Rwanda) and Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles, where she helped open and structure luxury resort operations, leading construction and pre-opening teams and talent development programs.

• General Manager for IHG Hotels & Resorts and Choice Hotels International in Florida, driving brand repositioning, operational excellence and financial performance in highly competitive coastal markets.

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Yulia’s leadership is marked by a deep understanding of both Western and emerging-market hospitality cultures, enabling her to build diverse, high-performance teams and create authentic guest experiences that resonate globally.

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She holds a Master of Arts in Law from the Moscow State Academy of Business Administration and completed the Marriott Careers Program on the Director of Operations/Hotel Manager track, providing her with a rigorous foundation in international hotel management and leadership development.

Lloyd is a proud alumnus of the University of Florida, Llevin College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1977 and a Master of Law in Taxation in 1978. His legal journey began in white collar criminal defense law, but after four years, he found his true calling in Land Use Regulations and Development.

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Lloyd's impact on the development landscape of Okaloosa and Walton Counties through his 50+ projects is undeniable. He is a champion of wetland protection and environmental preservation, and he masterfully incorporates local history into his projects.His name is synonymous with quality South Walton development, and for good reason.

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As a native to the area, Lloyd's developments maintain a small-town feel while adding a touch of class to the community. His latest project, the Grayton Beach Motor Lodge, exemplifies this approach with its nostalgic design and integration with the surrounding state park and state forest lands. This approach results in near unanimous community support.

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Lloyd is also a dedicated community leader. He has been involved with numerous causes, including Nokuse Plantation, Alaqua Animal Rescue, Children's Volunteer Health Network, and high school scholarship programs through the Walton County Small Business Association, which he founded and grew to nearly 200 member businesses. Together with his wife, Lloyd owns three award-winning restaurant properties in South Walton, including the world-renowned Red Bar in Grayton Beach (a partner for 28 years). These establishments have garnered well-deserved recognition in numerous publications.

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"I have known Lloyd for more than 50 years. His contributions to our community are truly remarkable. As a lawyer, as a developer, as a community leader - he is the top of the class." -Tony Anderson, 2024 Chairman Walton County Commission and Commissioner 2016-2028.

Advises on investment opportunities, development strategy, and community partnerships.

Michael is an accomplished financial executive with extensive experience in strategic financial management, accounting leadership, and operational finance. With a proven record of optimizing performance, Michael brings a deep understanding of the unique financial dynamics of operations and development.

Throughout his career, Michael has helped drive profitability, streamline financial systems, and implement data-driven strategies that enhance guest experience while maximizing return on investment. He has successfully overseen budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, capital planning, and debt structuring for multi-property portfolios, ensuring financial resilience and sustainable growth.

Known for a hands-on leadership style and a commitment to operational excellence, Michael partners closely with property managers, investors, and executive teams to align financial strategy with long-term business goals.

He is passionate about leveraging technology and analytics to improve financial transparency and decision-making in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Michael holds a CPA designation and has earned degrees in Mathematics and Accounting.

Alexa McFarlane is a dynamic marketing and communications executive with a strong foundation in hospitality brand development and public relations. She currently serves as Vice President of PR & Marketing at Wood Development, where she oversees communications strategy, media relations, and brand positioning across a growing portfolio of boutique and branded hotel properties along the Gulf Coast.

With a degree in Business and a deep passion for storytelling, Alexa brings both analytical and creative insight to her role. She has led marketing initiatives for key hospitality assets including the Inn on Destin Harbor, the Comfort Inn & Suites in Gulf Shores, and new developments such as The Andalusian in Andalusia, AL, and the Grayton Beach Motor Lodge in Grayton Beach, FL.

Alexa plays a central role in shaping the public image of each property from the ground up, collaborating closely with ownership, development teams, and local partners to ensure every brand touchpoint reflects the unique personality of the destination. From launching full-scale digital campaigns to managing media relations and overseeing visual identity systems, her approach is rooted in authenticity, guest connection, and long-term brand value.

Her expertise includes:

• Property branding and positioning for both boutique and national hotel brands

• Integrated marketing campaigns and social media strategy

• Media outreach, press events, and influencer engagement

• Guest experience design and brand storytelling

Alexa’s leadership continues to elevate the presence of Wood Development’s properties in highly competitive markets, helping to drive both performance and long-term brand equity.

She is currently leading the pre-opening branding and launch strategies for The Andalusian and Grayton Beach Motor Lodge—two highly anticipated additions to the company’s growing hospitality portfolio.

Blaine Wilkinson is a globally accomplished culinary leader with more than 20 years of experience directing kitchens and food programs across luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. As Vice President of Culinary at Wood Development, he oversees the company’s culinary vision, operational standards, and menu development for a growing portfolio of distinctive hospitality properties.

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Blaine’s career spans leadership roles with Marriott International, Accor’s MGallery Collection, and several five-star independent resorts across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. His extensive international background — including executive chef and director-level positions in Qatar, Kenya, Rwanda, China, the UAE, and the United States — has shaped his reputation for operational precision, innovative menu design, and culturally inspired cuisine.

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He is known for creating dining concepts that blend authentic regional flavors with global techniques, focusing on sustainability, local sourcing, and team mentorship. Blaine’s approach balances creativity and consistency, building culinary experiences that reflect both artistry and place.

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A graduate of the Florida Culinary Institute, Blaine combines classical training with global perspective, guiding Wood Development’s culinary programs with integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Will oversee preventive maintenance programs, safety compliance, and coordination of engineering support for all managed hotels.

Will oversee preventive maintenance programs, safety compliance, and coordination of engineering support for all managed hotels.