Julia Wyman has seen a lot.
The Plant City-native and current Director of Marketing and Sponsorship for the International Plaza has managed to travel the world while staying connected to her hometown roots.
During her six seasons as the Marketing Manager for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wyman visited the U.K. twice for the NFL’s yearly London games. Her years with the Tampa Bay Lightning presented her the opportunity to witness three impressive playoff runs.
Wyman, who got her start in marketing with State Farm before moving to the Bucs organization, has also worked in media with NBC. After her time with the Lightning, she also worked briefly for Tampa’s former XFL team, the Vipers.
“Getting to grow up and then work for the teams in your hometown is so special. Most people work for different teams than the ones they rooted for,” Wyman said.
Perhaps her most impressive journey has been with ProTour Productions, which works with Armed Forces Entertainment to bring comedians, musicians and pro athletes to U.S. troops around the globe.
“The military tours are very important to me,” Wyman said. “It really helps build the morale of the troops overseas.”
Some of her international stops have included bases in Italy and Turkey. She has traveled to Hawaii with pro football players for a Super Bowl watch party with servicemembers. A sometimes hectic job, Wyman recalled a stretch of 17 flights over 12 days.
“My most memorable moments from my career were during traveling,” she said.
Another of her prized memories were the times spent with Hall of Fame Buccaneers defensive end Lee Roy Selmon. A Tampa-area legend, Selmon passed away in 2011.
“He was the most special person to be around,” Wyman said. “It’s my favorite memory.”
Through all the travel and adventure, family has always been what she is most passionate about. Wyman, a mother of two and new grandmother of one, recalled the challenges of balancing an impressive career while raising kids as a single parent.
“Being a woman in sports – to move up the ladder is super special,” she said. “It’s a male-driven industry, so breaking through and becoming a director-level is an amazing accomplishment.”
Her current job with the International Plaza gives her the best of both worlds. With the 70-hour work weeks behind her, she now spends much of her free time in the gym and out on the water.
“The work-life balance is better now than in the sports world,” Wyman said.
Keeping an eye toward the future, Wyman is excited for what lies ahead for both her and the International Plaza.
“It’s a beautiful center and it’s celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,” she said. “It has something for everyone. Everybody can shop here.”
Julia Wyman has seen a lot. But with more family, free time and experience than ever before, she has a great view of her future adventures.
By Ryan Walsh.
