Meet Our Team

Katelyn Yanez

The Palms of Destin Rental Manager

Building relationships with the owners, and helping them create space for Guests to make great memories together while vacationing in Destin are the favorite parts of our "Work Mom" Katelyn's role here at Compass Resorts.

Katelyn moved to the Destin area 12 years ago, when her family was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, and has been a local expert since! She loves running and hiking (especially with her Golden Retriever, Moose), and loves to travel with her family, especially to Disney any chance they get!

Favorite Quote: "What we think, we become"

Alternate Dream Job: Psychologist or Lawyer 

Laureen Riggi

Director Of Operations

Laureen is our director of operations and the glue that holds the company together. Her role is ever evolving and she's driven by it! Her motivation, positivity, and go-getting attitude are contagious. Laureen's strength, discernment, and grace make her an essential member of our Compass family. And, it's the people who make up our Compass family that are her favorite part of the job. Anyone who has met her can tell you that she always takes interest in people's lives and is ready to answer any questions.

A local since 2003, Laureen is most passionate about her children and says the proudest moments of her life are when they were born. Her other passions include her faith, good wine, and her schnauzer, Romeo. Her alternate dream job would be being a personal trainer or life coach.

Favorite Quote: “The best predictor of future behavior is relevant past behavior," ~ Dr. Phil

How do you spend your free time? "I love working out, watching Dr. Phil, and baking! Love to entertain and cook for people!"

Liz Ross

General Manager

Liz joined Compass Resorts not long after its inception and is one of the longest-standing staff members the company is proud to call its own. She didn't just watch this company grow, she rolled up her sleeves and tended the garden. As an active part of grooming our program and inventory for the future, she helps recruit and train management talent, oversees owner and guest experiences, and provides direction for the operations department. It's a job that never ends, but she's the kind of girl who never quits. It's no surprise her alternate dream job would have been to be a lawyer. Passionate, dedicated, and caring, she gives her best to the staff and takes pleasure in developing them into leaders. 

Liz was born in California, and her parents moved her family to the Destin area while she was still young. Her proudest moment was becoming a mom, and she most enjoys the quality time she spends with her son and family. 

Favorite Quote: "Keep it moving!" ~ Cassie Nicholson

How do you enjoy your free time? "Any of the many ways there are to spend time on the water here in Destin will do--on the sand or in the surf, on the bay or on a boat." Now that she's a mommy, her and her son happily watch for one fish or two fish and red fish or blue fish. 

Rodney Olsen

President

Founding partner and company president, Rodney Olsen epitomizes the best of who we strive to be at Compass Resorts. He is a courageous leader, wise and witty, and naturally inspiring. Born and raised here, this area will always be his home. After graduating from Fort Walton Beach High School, class of 1985, he served 4 years in the United States Air Force and married his high school sweetheart, Vicki. He graduated with honors from the Fisher School of Accounting at the University of Florida and worked five years with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Tampa. Afterwards, he brought his family back home to Destin. He began working with a local resort developer, which ultimately led to meeting the great team who would venture off to start Compass Resorts. 

Rodney relishes challenges. Considering we serve two clients simultaneously--property owners and rental guests--the vacation rental business is never without an opportunity to succeed. In this rapidly changing industry, Rodney's approach to leadership includes an openness to change, thinking outside the box, and always making sure we operate to the best of our abilities.

Rodney and Vicki, together with their four children, are proud to call Destin, Florida, home. In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Rodney enjoys recreational boating, fishing, hunting, shooting and freediving/spearfishing. Life is his greatest passion. He is proud to be a part of so many victories, small and large, that have afforded the opportunity for growth for Compass Resorts. He's also proud that, through this company, he is a part of so many families and able to provide a place for individual growth and success. 

Alternate Dream Job: Batman.

Favorite Quote: "Do the right thing even when it hurts," ~ Anonymous