Jessica Richards is an experienced sales, marketing, and event professional with over 20 years of experience within the tourism, hospitality, and live events industry. She is currently an Associate Instructor for the University of Central Florida and teaches a variety of courses within the Event Management program, including Event Promotions, Event Sales, and Hospitality & Tourism Marketing since 2006. Ms. Richards is currently the Chair of the Rosen College Event Advisory Board and serves on many committees within the college and industry.

Previously, Ms. Richards spent 12 years with Universal Orlando working within the Sales, Marketing, and Event Management teams. Her focus was developing and implementing strategic marketing plans and events at Universal Orlando focused on driving the meetings, conventions, and group markets.

Ms. Richards also has a passion for the non-profit sector and works with a variety of Central Florida organizations, including Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. She currently serves on the Board for the Celebration Wish Foundation and helps produce the Celebration Exotic Car Festival. Since its inception, this annual event has donated over $6 million to children’s charities including Make-a-Wish, Special Olympics, Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital, and the Moffitt Cancer Center. Over the years, the festival has grown to become one of the largest exotic car events in the world, attracting more than 300 of world’s rarest exotic cars, race cars, and Hollywood movie cars, and more than 40,000 spectators. Each year Rosen College Students have the opportunity to volunteer for this event and gain hands on experience while helping to make an impact in their community.