Vision to Execution, we believe in the
power of the team.

Founder and CEO

Sandra Long is a nationally respected dealmaker whose career spans government, large-scale economic development, and complex operating platforms. With her direction and vision, SLA Worldwide has grown into a leading "local sense of place" operator within U.S. travel centers. Sandra is deeply involved in strategic planning and deal structuring, bringing her particular lens to every partnership and new business venture.

Before founding SLA, Ms. Long was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce. Her appointment marked a historic first, as she was the first woman and African-American to hold the position. 

Director of Operations

Lyle Richardson holds more than three decades of leadership experience spanning food & beverage, retail, and airport concessions across the US. He has built and led complex, multi-unit operations, overseen large and diverse teams, and driven sustained growth through operational discipline, financial rigor, and a commitment to people-first leadership. 

As Director of Operations for SLA Worldwide, he ensures execution, standards, and scalable systems drive performance across complex, high-volume environments. He also leads Airport Hospitality Academy (AHA) and other leadership development programs across the company.

Food & Beverage Manager

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in airport and street-side food and beverage operations, Mariangela serves as Food and Beverage Manager for SLA Worldwide. Exemplifying leadership in every aspect of the role, she is a seasoned expert in navigating the unique challenges of airport concessions with a proven track record of success.

Through strategizing, operational management, and elevating customer service standards across multiple store locations, her hands-on approach ensures each dining experience is not only memorable but also sets a benchmark in the industry.

Marketing Manager, Business Development

Emily is a marketing and operations expert with over a decade of experience forging meaningful brand connections on a global scale. She sharpened her skills at The Walt Disney Company, where she played a key role in franchise management for beloved entertainment icons like Disney Princess, Frozen, and The Simpsons. 

Marketing Manager, Digital, Social and Business Assets

Jere is a digital marketing and social media leader; driving revenue, growth and awareness for over a decade. Through innovative, data-driven campaigns, she’s led paid and organic strategies across major platforms such as Amazon, Meta, Google, and TikTok, delivering measurable results for nationally recognized brands across multiple industries.

Graphic Design Manager

Yi is a graphic designer focused on creating clear, visually engaging designs that support branding, marketing, and digital communications. His work emphasizes thoughtful design, strong visual consistency, and effective storytelling to help the SLA team connect with their various audiences.  

Human Resources

Kelsey Smith is an HR and workforce operations professional with a strong foundation in staffing and talent acquisition. With hands-on experience supporting associates, onsite management, and client partnerships, she brings a people-first approach to employee relations, onboarding, and compliance. Her background in staffing allows her to bridge operational needs with effective HR practices, supporting both employees and leadership across SLA Worldwide.

Executive Assistant

Eniola is an Executive Operations & Administrative Professional with over a decade of experience supporting senior leadership and multi-site organizations. Since joining SLA Worldwide in June 2023, she has provided crucial support to the team by coordinating executive initiatives, office and operations management, compliance, and administrative technology efficiency.

Executive Administrator, Special Projects

Seresta Pillow is a visionary leader, wellness advocate, and operations professional based in Nashville, TN. With a background rooted in discipline and service, she is passionate about helping people and organizations thrive. Grounded in faith and driven by purpose, she leads with integrity, balance, and intention. Whether supporting teams or managing complex day-to-day operations, Seresta pursues excellence in all things.