Michele M. Paige ~ President

Michele M. Paige’s career in the cruise industry spans more than three decades. She spent 17 years in various positions at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

In February of 1992, Ms. Paige came on board with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) as its director of operations and communications, steering the association on issues such as: destination port development, product development, research and training, as well as serving as a liaison with environmental entities.

She was appointed to head the association in January of 1994 as its executive director and named president in March 1997. Ms. Paige continues to chart a course in the development and implementation of the association’s numerous pro-active innovative programs, reporting directly to the association’s Executive Committee.

Ms. Paige has initiated such impactful programs and forums as the annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show, the FCCA Foundation, the FCCA outreach programs, the FCCA associate membership programs, as well as training programs geared to taxi drivers and service providers, to name a few. More importantly, great strides have been made in the realization of the FCCA’s mandate: strengthening the ties between the cruise industry, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Under her presidency, the association enjoys membership in the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) (of which Ms. Paige is an Executive Committee Board Member), the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), the Puerto Rico Shipping Association and the Special Olympics-Caribbean (of which Ms. Paige is a Board Member), as well as being a signator to the Cruise Industry’s “Memorandum of Understanding” with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Michele enjoys dual lifestyles in Southwest Ranches and Brooksville, Florida, doting on her two children, granddaughter, horses and dogs.

Omari Breakenridge ~ Manager of Communications and Design

Born in Jamaica and raised in South Florida, Mr. Breakenridge joined the FCCA in February 2005. As the Manager of Communications and Design, he is responsible for the creative direction and design of the FCCA's printed materials, including trade publications, conference collateral and
presentation graphics. Omari also handles the ongoing development of the FCCA’s database, website and video projects.

Omari holds a bachelor’s degree in visual communications.

Terri Cannici ~ Director, Special Events

Terri Cannici is responsible for the overall organization, coordination and marketing of the Annual Cruise Conference & Tradeshow, conducting site inspections for future conferences and organization and marketing of the Annual FCCA Gala Dinner. She also organizes and coordinates the Holiday Gift Project along with FCCA Member Lines to provide holiday gifts for the under-privileged children in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Prior to joining the FCCA in 1999, Terri worked for Royal Caribbean International for 10 years in the Shore Excursion Department, organizing and designing specialty programs for groups, as well as overseeing Royal Caribbean’s signature Golf Ahoy! Program.

A native Floridian, Terri lives in the Ft. Lauderdale area with her husband and is actively involved with the Humane Society’s Animal Assisted Therapy program.

Adam Ceserano ~ Sr. Vice President

Adam Ceserano joined the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association in 2001 as the Manager of Marketing to increase the sales and rebrand the FCCA’s feature publication, “Caribbean Cruising,” as well as other various projects, which included the development of new sponsorship opportunities, training programs, and improved advertising opportunities. In 2006, he was later promoted to Director of Marketing and Sales, and later that year to the Vice President.

Now as the Senior Vice President of the FCCA, Adam Ceserano currently oversees all day-to-day FCCA operations, marketing, advertising, sponsorships, and events. He coordinates and conducts the customer service training workshops, as well as the FCCA Outreach Program. He plays a vital role in implementation, site inspections and organization of all the FCCA’s conferences and tradeshows, including the FCCA’s Annual Golf Tournament.

Adam Ceserano is also responsible for overseeing the FCCA’s exclusive Platinum Membership Program. Since Mr. Ceserano took the lead of the FCCA membership program, and through the guidance of the Operations Committee, the FCCA has developed more innovative program, with more benefits for its valued Platinum Members. Also, Mr. Ceserano works with Aon Risk Services to continually enhance and develop the FCCA’s Global Tour Operator Insurance Program.

Mr. Ceserano continually works with Tropical Shipping, promoting the Cruise Conversion Program, which has 10 partner destinations at this time. He also participates on the FCCA's Security/Operations Committee and attends the FCCA Executive Committee meetings.

Prior to joining the FCCA, Mr. Ceserano worked for Maxim Consulting in Ft. Lauderdale, servicing such clients as IBM, AT&T, South Florida Water Management, and Motorola.

Adam worked for the Miami Dolphins in the Special Promotions and Marketing Department before going back to college for his Master’s Degree, in which he helped organize the children's program and special events.

He attended Florida State University, receiving a Master’s Degree in Administration and also received a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management and Marketing.

James Kazakoff ~ Sr. Director, Membership & Events

James Kazakoff currently holds the position of Sr. Director, Membership and Events at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. He is responsible for overseeing the implementation and logistical aspects of all FCCA events, including the organization of the FCCA Conference and Tradeshow. This entails daily management of sales and quotas, press and media coverage and the organization of all Platinum events throughout the calendar year. His main objective is to develop and implement new strategies and business for the FCCA and to manage the marketing, sales and operations aspects of all events. James works closely with FCCA Associate and Platinum Members to help support and meet their cruise industry goals.

Prior to accepting his position at the FCCA, Mr. Kazakoff founded and operated Private Group NYC. What began as a marketing and promotional company involved in the production of high-end entertainment and fashion events at various venues throughout New York City later extended to the cruise shipping industry. Eventually Mr. Kazakoff began handling operations for a diverse portfolio of events at United Business Media, notably, the worlds largest cruise shipping event Cruise Shipping Miami-that eventually led him to his current position with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. James has 7+ years experience in the media/event industry.

James currently resides in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami, FL.

Jessica Lalama ~ Executive Assistant

Born in California and raised in Ecuador, Mrs. Lalama worked in the hotel industry with Marriott Hotels before joining the FCCA in 2007. She is the executive assistant to the President, Michele M. Paige, and therefore responsible for the day-to-day liaison with all private and public sector partners for the FCCA.

She also assists in the coordination and promotion of the FCCA Foundation Essay Competition and the FCCA Foundation Donation Program for the Caribbean and Latin America, along with organizing the vessel deployment for FCCA’s Member Lines.

Jessica lives in Plantation with her husband Raphael and son Martin.

Justin Paige ~ Communications, Research & Marketing Administrator

Justin Paige assists in day-to-day operations and FCCA publications, such as Cruising Magazine, Highlights Issue and the membership directory, along with overseeing the development of press releases and other distributed material. He also heads such projects as the online auction; constantly serves to foster communication between the FCCA and its members; and has undertaken the research department, in which he keeps contact with the Member Lines and port authorities to derive and provide up-to-date data about cruise ship calls, port fees and other imperative information.

Before joining the FCCA, Justin produced freelance articles for various publications over a five-year span and earned his bachelor of arts in English from Florida State University.

He resides in the Ft. Lauderdale area.