Emerald Bay, Exuma - Grand Isle Resort & Spa this week announced the appointment of Bahamian Shervin Penn as Resort Manager of its $100 million, luxurious 78 condo villa resort at the peak of Emerald Bay on Great Exuma.

?We are pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant Manager Shervin Penn to the post of Resort Manager,? said James Clabaugh, President of EGI Ltd., developers of the luxury property that has consistently ranked #1 of 11 hotels in Exuma on TripAdvisor.com, even during the heyday of the famed Four Seasons which closed earlier this year to clear the way for the sale of land on which it was situated as part of a larger transaction. ?We know that a new era is dawning for Exuma and we believe that Shervin?s appreciation of how important a superior visitor experience is will help Grand Isle retain its standing among repeat discerning guests and the many new visitors that Sandals will be bringing to Exuma.?

Penn, who now holds one of the highest positions in the hospitality industry in The Bahamas, trained with the Hilton brand before being lured to Exuma in 2007. Since then, he has trained under Tracy Stoltz, who earlier this month accepted a job in Hawaii after several years with Grand Isle. It was Stoltz who recommended Penn, a choice the developers supported.

?For any developer, finding a qualified Bahamian to fill a post is the ideal situation and we have been committed to that from the beginning, even during construction,? said Clabaugh. EGI Ltd. had set an example for other projects, searching various Family Islands and New Providence for the best carpenters, electricians, tile layers and other skilled labourers and artisans. A plaque naming all the Bahamian sub-contractors who contributed to the project that has consistently been considered the finest resort construction in The Bahamas hangs in the reception area.

Nestled atop the highest ridge of Emerald Bay, the sprawling 12-acre, lushly landscaped exclusive resort with newly constructed full service spa has been an enchanting respite, earning accolades from visitors, lifestyle publications and travel writers. For Penn, who grew up in Nassau, the experience has been a dream come true.

?I am excited to be given the opportunity to showcase my expertise at the helm of a magnificent resort such as Grand Isle,? beamed Penn. ?The staff is always willing to make the effort to continually raise the level of service we offer our guests and it has been a pleasure being a part of such a dynamic team. Knowing that the principals of the resort realized my potential is indeed humbling and of that, I am appreciative for the opportunity.? Prior to his time at Grand Isle, Penn spent seven years at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau and preceding that, he pursued a Marketing degree working briefly in that field.