Cody Hinson (Legal Studies) has been recognized as Sales Executive of the Year in 2020 by NewsBank Inc. He joined the company's sales team in 2017 and has been an award-winning top performer each year since then. Hinson previously worked in real estate in Naples.

Caroline Vives-Vietri (Communication) has found herself back at The Nest as an assistant director of Alumni Relations. After five years in the government sector, she decided it was time to return back to FGCU and give back to the university that helped jump-start her career in nonprofit management and public administration. She resides in Cape Coral with her family and her poodle, LuLu.

Iman Zerki (Political Science) was recognized with the 2020 Florida Bar Journal Excellence in Writing Award. Members of the journal’s editorial board nominate outstanding submissions based on substance, style and quality of writing and research. Her article, “Respectfully Dissenting: How Dissenting Opinions Shape the Law and Impact Collegiality Among Judges,” originally appeared in the September/October 2020 edition of the Florida Bar Journal. As a lawyer at Henderson Franklin, Zerki enjoys expressing her passion for research and writing.

Jennifer Hayes (Communication) and Thor Parrish (Professional Golf Management), who met at FGCU, were married Dec. 20, 2020. He was the Lutgert College of Business student of the year, and she was FGCU's 2019 Homecoming Queen. She is a multimedia specialist with B-Squared Advertising in Naples.

Kali Kaye (Communication), a member of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently achieved Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).  She joins an elite group of skilled professionals committed to practicing with high ethical standards. As the internal communications supervisor at Lee Health, Kaye manages the strategic communication efforts for medical staff and volunteers.

Kayla Reiter (Psychology) is a business development representative primarily focusing on young adults for Aware Recovery Care Inc., a comprehensive, multi-state drug and alcohol addiction rehab program. She joined the company in September 2020.

Jaimie Miller (Communications/Public Relations) recently earned the designation of Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC). Miller is senior vice president of marketing with CONRIC PR + Marketing in Fort Myers, where she has worked for four years helping clients in nonprofit and for-profit sectors to develop creative marketing and public relations strategies.

Iman Zekri (Political Science) has joined Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., as an associate in the Divorce, Marital and Family Law Department. She served as a summer associate with the firm in 2019. While in law school, Zekri was an editor of the Florida Journal of International Law and a member of the Florida Moot Court Team. She competed in the Philadelphia Regional 2020 ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, where Zekri was presented with a Best Advocate Award. She was inducted into the Order of Barristers in 2020 for her exceptional skill in oral advocacy and brief writing. Zekri also received book awards for being the top of her class in Appellate Advocacy, Legal Drafting, and Legal Research from UF Law. In addition, The Florida Bar Journal featured Zekri’s article on the cover of the September/October 2020 edition, “Respectfully Dissenting: How Dissenting Opinions Shape the Law and Impact Collegiality Among Judges.” Zekri is a native of Southwest Florida. She graduated from Riverdale High School’s International Baccalaureate program, Florida SouthWestern State College (A.A., summa cum laude), Florida Gulf Coast University (B.A., summa cum laude) and the University of Florida Levin College of Law (J.D., cum laude).

Sadie Fox (Communication) has joined Florida Skin Center as a marketing coordinator responsible for developing and coordinating efforts across various platforms. Before joining the practice, Fox worked at the Parr Moto marketing and communications firm as a project coordinator for two years. She helped develop digital and print marketing assets for Harley-Davidson dealerships nationwide and helped create seasonal marketing plans. In addition to her digital marketing experience, Fox has experience working with the local nonprofit, Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida, as a brand advancement intern. “In a short time, Sadie has hit the ground running and proved herself to be a valuable part of our team,” said Kimberly Royal, director of marketing and communications for Florida Skin Center, which provides a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological care. “In particular, she has elevated our digital marketing strategy and reach. Our team is equipped and energized more than ever for advancing the company’s mission and vision.” Established in 2001, Florida Skin Center has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Punta Gorda.

Iman Zekri (Political Science) has been appointed to The Florida Bar’s Student Education & Admissions to the Bar Committee. The committee is tasked with determining whether Florida schools are adequately preparing their students to practice law. If the committee concludes that a school is insufficiently training its students, it makes recommendations to The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors and Florida law school deans. The committee also monitors and reviews proposed legislation affecting legal education. Zekir is a divorce, marital and family law attorney with Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.

Josh Ballin (Integrated Studies) recently began a new role as a premier sales associate in North Carolina for Prudential Financial. He will be participating in Prudential's inaugural Sales Training Excellence Program, which covers group insurance and financial wellness products and services, licensing exam support, consultative selling skills and financial underwriting concepts through hands-on coaching and 1-on-1 job shadowing with territory management.