Connie Turlington

August 2026 Issue

by Tamela Maxim
Photography by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC

The most significant thing about Connie Turlington, who is the General Manager of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, is that she leads with heart—the steady, servant-minded type that comes from growing up in smalltown Hardeeville, South Carolina, where community was a way of life. Today, that same spirit shapes the culture of one of the most beloved Disney Vacation Club properties in the world.

Connie’s path into hospitality wasn’t linear; it began with cosmetology. “As a licensed cosmetologist, I always had a genuine love for people,” she shared. After moving to Florida, she dreamed of a career with Disney but never imagined it would become reality. Then the recession hit, and her husband lost his job. Connie stepped up, working two full-time jobs—admin work during the day and cosmetology at Walt Disney World at night. She worked with performers, characters, and nightly show talent, discovering her passion for people translated beautifully into hospitality.

Her potential was quickly recognized. After just six months, she was selected for Disney’s Emerging Leaders Program, which launched her into costuming leadership across all four theme parks. “Over the next three years, I progressed from Guest Experience Manager to a Leader of Leaders role,” she explained.

But everything shifted when her mother became terminally ill back home in South Carolina. Connie made the difficult decision to leave Florida to care for her, trusting that the company she loved would eventually open another door.

They did.

At Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, she rose from Front Desk Manager to Duty Manager, then Room Operations Manager, and in 2024 was promoted to Resort Manager, where she oversees full resort operations, guest experiences, cast development, community partnerships, recreation programs, Disney Vacation Club member relations, and the oceanfront Disney Beach House on Singleton Beach. And her leadership style is unmistakably Connie: servant leadership, operational excellence, and relationship building. “I believe in leading by example, maintaining a visible presence, and creating an environment where people feel supported, empowered, and accountable… with heart!” she said. That heart is woven into every corner of the resort, from campfires and nature programs to the way cast members greet returning families by name.

“Growing up in the Lowcountry taught me that hospitality isn’t something you turn on; it’s simply how you treat people.” Her mother modeled service daily—cooking meals for grieving families, organizing youth sports, and teaching Connie that when you see a need, you fill it. “Those moments taught me to take pride in my work, leave things better than I found them, and never underestimate the impact one person can have.”

Families return year after year, forming genuine friendships with cast members. “We see kids grow up and parents become grandparents,” she said. The Lowcountry has also shaped her belief in genuine connection. “Around here, you wave at strangers, know your neighbors, ask people how they’re doing, and actually listen,” she said. She encourages cast members to share local stories and favorite spots with guests. “People may not remember every detail of their vacation, but they’ll remember how someone made them feel.”

Not surprisingly, Connie’s favorite character is Snow White, Disney’s first princess. “Snow White finds joy in the simple things, sees the good in people, creates community wherever she goes, and reminds us that kindness is a strength, not a weakness. That’s something I try to bring into my leadership every day.”

Her commitment to community is strong. She has completed the Hilton Head/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and now serves on its Board of Regents. She also partners with local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Neighborhood Outreach, and Parris Island Marine Corps—relationships she hopes to strengthen in the coming years.

Despite all of her many professional accomplishments, Connie says her favorite title will always be “Mom.” Her daughter Brooke recently launched a business in Savannah, and her son Trey served in the United States Marine Corps before returning to Florida. “The pay isn’t great, but the benefits are absolutely priceless,” she laughed.

Connie channels her creativity into The Polished Petal, her passion project where she preserves flowers from weddings, celebrations, and memorials. She also creates epoxy resin pieces and oyster shell art inspired by the Lowcountry’s natural beauty.

Ask Connie what brings her the most joy at work, and she doesn’t hesitate: “Simple – it’s the people.”

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Up Close:

• As a kid, before every softball game, Connie would drive a riding lawn mower down the highway to mow the ball field, then drive home covered in dirt to clean up and change into her uniform before heading back to play in the game.

• She is a former school director, having served as Director of Ridge Christian Academy in
Davenport, Florida.

• With a deep love for the Tennessee mountains, Connie calls it her second favorite place to recharge when she’s not enjoying the Lowcountry.

• Connie is naturally introspective and surprisingly humble, often questioning whether she’s doing enough, despite her cast viewing her as one of the most supportive leaders they’ve ever had.