About Us
Miss Florida USA Team
Produced by Hayat Amyra Productions LLC, which holds the State License for the MISS USA® & MISS TEEN USA® State Pageants in Florida.
Jaclyn N. Stapp
State Director & Executive Producer
For the true meaning of “grace under fire,” look no further than Jaclyn Nesheiwat Stapp. She is a graduate of Stetson University, CEO/Founder of CHARM Foundation and exemplifies versatility through her roles as a children’s book author, philanthropist, fashion model, TV host, and a celebrity contributor for People magazine. She brings her wealth of experience to lead these prestigious events.
Jaclyn has conducted interviews with notable figures such as Dolly Parton, Clint Black, and Pattie Labelle. Additionally, she serves on the board of Directors for the Wall Street financial firm, Holborn Inc. Jaclyn’s path began as a contestant in the Miss Florida Teen USA pageant, ultimately securing the position of 1st runner-up in the Miss Florida USA 2002 pageant. Throughout her journey, she has accumulated various pageant titles, including Miss New York USA 2004, Mrs. Florida America 2008, and 1st runner-up in the Mrs. World pageant.
Beyond the glamour, Jaclyn remains dedicated to humanitarian projects. During her reign as Miss New York USA, she visited the U.S. troops in Iraq at the invitation of the White House Provisional Coalition. Jaclyn traveled to Baghdad spending time with our soldiers, visiting an Iraqi orphanage and meeting with brave female members of Iraq’s Governing Council to discuss human rights. She has described her journey as “a humbling and profound experience that I will never forget.”
This Jordanian American Beauty Queen transcends the superficial allure of glamour. Eagerly anticipating the opportunity to lead the Miss Florida USA Organization and its future titleholders, Jaclyn Nesheiwat Stapp is poised to bring her unique blend of experiences and passion to the forefront.
“Participating in Miss FL Teen USA holds a special place in my heart, and being able to elevate this amazing organization is very exciting. Competing in Miss USA gave me the access, visibility, and experience to launch a career in entertainment and reach my business and philanthropic goals. I’m excited to bring that expertise back to my home state of Florida, to produce a modern, upscale event, and to forever change the lives of the lucky ladies who walk away with the crown.”
OFFICE STAFF
Bethany Sharp
PAGEANT COORDINATOR
Bethany possesses a wide range of talents and skills that have garnered success both on the stage and in the Board Room.
She is a former NFL Super Bowl cheerleader. As Mrs. Tennessee, she was a top six finalist in Mrs. America. Bethany’s impressive entertainment resume includes work in film, television, and commercial print. These projects have put her acting alongside such stars as Carrie Underwood, Clifton Powell, and Brandon Jackson. As a red-carpet correspondent for multiple award shows and charity events, she has interviewed celebrities from Joe Montana to Faith Hill to Charles Esten. Her print modeling credits include the national brands Frontgate Magazine and Lifeway.
Bethany pursued her education from Florida State University and Middle Tennessee State University. With a heart for helping others, she received a degree in Science and Social Work, which took her into a business development career within the health care system. Aided by her strong people skills and a natural mind for business, Bethany applies her expertise to strategize growth and financial initiatives in corporate America. She is the Chief Strategy Officer for Prime Health Services, a national health care technology company, and serves as Vice President of its Board of Directors. Bethany also serves on the Board of the Florida based national radiology PPO, Core Choice, Inc. Dedicated to philanthropic causes, she and her husband support our United States Veterans through their commitment to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Additionally, they serve disadvantaged and at-risk youth through their sponsorship and dedication to Justice and Mercy International, an organization serving the needs of orphans in Moldova.
CARRIE MANTHA
ADVISORY BOARD
Carrie is the managing director of Aporia Capital, a life science investment fund based in Oslo, Norway. She is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Florida; she earned a medical degree from the University of Miami and an MBA from Auburn University. Dr. Mantha previously managed healthcare investments for the Galleon Group, a $14 billion global asset manager. Over the course of her career, she has directed billions of dollars of investment capital into cutting-edge biotechnology and medical device companies. A former Miss Florida USA, she lives in Norway where she is an avid skier and triathlete.
Nikki Peal
Pageant Coordinator | Recruiter
Nikki is an extremely talented, energized, and organized individual with decades of event planning experience. She has worked planning charitable events for the Nashville Opera, Nashville Ballet, Cheekwood Horticutural Committee, and Nashville Bar Association Foundation. She also has marketing experience with a local retail boutique, an event coordinating firm, and emerging country music artists in her hometown of Nashville.
Nikki pursued her education from the University of Tennessee as a member of the UT Dance Team on full scholarship.
As the wife of a Marine Corps veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nikki enjoys volunteering for a number of veteran causes. Nikki is also the mother of four children, with her oldest son serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy.
John Best
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, JM BEST ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
John M. Best is a nine-time Emmy Award winner and multiple nominee with an extensive career in entertainment production. His journey began with the Walt Disney World College Program, where he gained valuable experience coordinating special events and public relations projects for Disney. He went on to work with Magic Kingdom Entertainment, participating as both a performer and coordinator for events like the Main Street Electrical Parade, ABC’s “Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade,” and Super Bowl XVIII’s halftime show.
During his time at Adelphi University, John won the prestigious Frank O’Connor Memorial Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for producing and directing a regional magazine show. This success led him to New York, where he joined NBC and worked on iconic events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rose Parade, and NBC News programs. He later moved to ABC, helping coordinate the Liberty Weekend opening and closing ceremonies.
Relocating to California, John assisted in producing television movies at NBC, including projects like The Abduction of Kari Swenson and The Little Match Girl. He also contributed to Olympic and children’s programming. His freelance work covered a wide range of specials and award shows, including the Emmy, Grammy, and MTV Video Music Awards, as well as major televised events such as the Super Bowl halftime shows, the Centennial Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and the Kennedy Center Honors.
John has produced and directed numerous corporate events, live stage productions, and industrial shows for high-profile clients like Mercedes-Benz, Samsung, and Mohawk. He has also overseen large-scale international projects, including the Glorioso! Christmas Spectacular in Brazil and the 2002 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Salt Lake City. For seven years, he produced the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, featuring performers like Tim McGraw, Bon Jovi, and Kelly Clarkson.
In addition to his work in television and corporate events, John has produced numerous benefit galas, including the U.S. Dream Academy Gala in Washington, D.C., and The Headdress Ball in Orlando, raising millions for charitable causes. His involvement in pageantry includes producing and directing the Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competitions.
John’s company, JM Best Entertainment, has won multiple Emmy Awards for its work on events such as the Nashville Christmas Parade and the Chicago Auto Show. His team has earned recognition for their contributions to charitable events, raising significant funds for organizations like the Hope and Help Center in Central Florida.
As a member of the Director’s Guild of America and President of JM Best Entertainment, John continues to develop special projects for television, corporate clients, and live events, always maintaining a commitment to excellence in entertainment production.
Chally Rowjohn
CREATIVE PRODUCER, JM BEST ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Chally Rowjohn is a four-time Emmy-nominated, and Telly Award-winning creative producer, television producer, entertainment consultant, staging director, and LED content creator specializing in large-scale live events, custom shows, and multi-platform television and streaming specials. Focused on all aspects of the creative process, Rowjohn is not only the dreamer behind the ideas but also ensures their successful execution.
His career began at Walt Disney World, where he performed in many of the resort’s iconic shows. After many years as a performer, Chally transitioned into production, expanding his reach in the entertainment industry.
Career highlights include events such as The Rose Parade presented by Honda, The Invictus Games, Glorioso! Brazil’s Christmas Spectacular, and the groundbreaking and grand opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum, which recently received 11 Telly Awards. Chally has also produced entertainment and creative for corporate clients including The Home Depot Foundation, Liberty Mutual, Gopuff, Bridgestone, Mohawk, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the NFL Players Association.
With JM Best Entertainment, Chally has contributed to the Emmy Award-winning Nashville Christmas Parade, Nashville Holiday Music Special, 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, National Memorial Day Parade, American Valor, Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, SeaWorld’s 60th Anniversary Parade, and Welcome Home, a national celebration honoring Vietnam Veterans. He has worked with talents including Chaka Khan, Kristin Chenoweth, Dionne Warwick, Taylor Dayne, Debbie Gibson, Jimmie Allen, Andy Grammer, CeCe Winans, Jordan Fisher, Linda Eder, Rascal Flatts, Rachel Platten, Prince Harry, Morgan Freeman, Jake Tapper, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and President George W. Bush.
For more than a decade, Chally has taken on a variety of roles with JM Best Entertainment, including dancer, production choreographer, staging director, post-production producer, LED content creator, video editor, and motion graphic designer. He remains at the cutting edge of entertainment production, leveraging the latest show technologies.