CAPITAL

LOCAL HONORS

Leon county is winning

Leon County Government has been honored with 12 state and national awards for outstanding public relations from the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO), and the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). The county set a new record for the most statewide awards received from FPRA in the county’s history and nearly twice as many awards as any other single agency or organization, with six Awards of Distinction, one Judges’ Award, and the Leon County Community and Media Relations (CMR) team being awarded with the Government Team of the Year Silver Pinnacle Award. Additionally, the County earned two NACIO Awards of Excellence, with both awards receiving the Best of Category designation. The Florida Public Relations Association is the oldest public relations organization in the United States, dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. Honoring top communications teams in the region, FPRA’s Annual Golden Image Awards exemplify public relations excellence in the state of Florida. Leon County was the most-awarded organization—public or private—at the 2025 FPRA Golden Image Awards.

From over 100 entries submitted by public relations agencies and teams across the state, Leon County was recognized for the following award-winning projects: Leon County 2024 Annual Report Video, Award of Distinction in the category of Video – Institutional under Digital Tools of Public Relations; Leon County Bicentennial Community Cookbook, Award of Distinction in the category of Specialty Item under Collateral of Public Relations; Leon County Bicentennial Library Card, Award of Distinction and Judges’ Award in the category of Specialty Item under Collateral of Public Relations; TEAM Leon Promotional Plan, Award of Distinction in the category of Crisis Communications under Public Relations Programs; Leon County Government Library Lecture Series: Bicentennial Beginnings, Award of Distinction in the category of Special Event under Public Relations Programs; Teddy Bear-a-medic Video, Award of Distinction in the category of Digital Communications under Student Projects in Public Relations; and Leon County Community and Media Relations, Government Team of the Year Silver Pinnacle Award.

Stifel (NYSE: SF) announced that financial advisor Tom Stitely has joined the Huggins Wealth Management Group of the firm’s broker-dealer subsidiary, Stifel, Nicolaus& Company, Incorporated. Stitely began his financial services career in 2008 with SunTrust Bank and, over the past 17 years, has worked for Ameris Bank, Bank of America, and South Georgia Banking Company. Most recently, he served as business development manager at Bayshore Mortgage Funding. Stitely specializes in investment planning with a focus on analyzing performance and providing highly personalized guidance to clients.

 Tallahassee State College (TSC) has been named the 2025 Entrepreneurial College of the Year by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), North America’s leading advocate for entrepreneurship education. The award was presented during the NACCE 2025 annual conference in Coronado, California. TSC has distinguished itself as an entrepreneurial leader through innovative initiatives, including reef restoration and sustainability, advancing artificial intelligence, and excellence in workplace culture.

Seven Oaks Health, the parent company of Big Bend Hospice, is proud to announce the appointment of Norman Pasley, MBA, MSN, RN, NHA, NE-BC, CRRN as chief nursing officer. Pasley brings more than 30 years of health care leadership and clinical experience to the role, along with a longstanding connection to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH). For more than two decades at TMH, Pasley held a range of leadership roles, including nursing director of outpatient surgery, director of patient flow in hospital nursing operations, administrator of the TMH Rehabilitation Center, and most recently, service line administrator for multiple services at TMH, including Home Health. Under his leadership, the Rehabilitation Center achieved a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). He also guided Home Health services to a 3.5-star CMS rating and oversaw the Outpatient Neurological Clinic, which served an average of 70-90 patients each day. A U.S. veteran, Pasley served seven years as an active-duty combat medic and licensed practical nurse, concluding his service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He is board-certified as both a certified rehabilitation nurse and in nursing executive leadership (ANCC). Pasley holds dual master’s degrees in nursing and business administration and is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice in executive health care leadership at Florida State University.

NEW & NOTABLE

THF (Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs), a leading Florida-based professional accounting and advisory services firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hamic Previte & Sturwold, PA (HPS), a respected CPA firm with offices in Lakeland and Dade City. With over 150 team members, THF provides clients with a full range of traditional accounting, auditing and tax services, complemented by comprehensive consulting and advisory services. The firm currently serves clients across key industries such as insurance, government, nonprofit, and health care. With offices in Tallahassee, Tampa, and Panama City, this merger represents a strategic step in THF’s continuedgrowth and solidifies its presence in the central region of the state.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Reflections from survivors

The Holocaust Education Resource Council (HERC) welcomed more than 400 guests to its 14th annual Remembrance Dinner, held at the Dunlap Champion’s Club. The evening featured keynote speaker Dara Horn, award-winning author of People Love Dead Jews, and honored Bill Graham and Shelley Hill with the Steve Uhlfelder Humanitarian Award. Guests heard powerful reflections from Horn, who spoke about the rise of antisemitism and the status of Holocaust education. The program also highlighted HERC’s ongoing mission to advance Holocaust education across North Florida. The event raised almost $150,000, which will directly support HERC’s programs, including teacher training workshops, classroom resources, and community education initiatives. Since its founding in 2005 by Barbara Goldstein and Rita Miller Blank, both daughters of Holocaust survivors, HERC has provided educators and the public with resources and training to teach the Holocaust with accuracy and empathy. The Remembrance Dinner has become a signature annual event, honoring survivors and community leaders while reinforcing the organization’s mission to build hope.

EMERALDCOAST

LOCAL HONORS

Frances Roy Agency is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Malley to manager of digital strategy. Having previously served as a digital media specialist, Malley will transition into a leadership role where she will manage digital operations, oversee campaign execution, and mentor team members. In her new position, Malley will manage day-to-day digital strategy operations, including campaign planning, execution, and performance measurement, while supporting and mentoring the agency’s digital team.

Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received a “4-star rating” from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) in their 2025 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. The CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings are derived from 46 publicly reported quality measures, categorized into Mortality, Patient Experience, Readmission, Safety of Care, and Timely & Effective Care. The hospital was recently recognized with a “5-star” rating for patient recommendation by CMS.

Regions Bank announced John Gormley has joined the company and will serve as market executive and commercial banking leader in Pensacola and the surrounding communities. Gormley has nearly three decades of experience meeting the complex financial needs of municipalities and businesses in the area. Specializing in health care organizations, real estate firms, and automotive clients, Gormley has a proven record of delivering thoughtful financial solutions in collaboration with colleagues from multiple banking specialties. He most recently served as senior vice president and managing director at PNC Bank (previously BBVA Compass), where he led commercial and governmental banking relationships across North Florida and South Alabama. Gormley began his banking career in 2001 with SunTrust Bank in Pensacola. Gormley succeeds Scott Barrow, who retired earlier this year after more than 40 years of faithful service to clients of Regions Bank and its predecessor, AmSouth.

NEW & NOTABLE

Developing escambia county

Catalyst Healthspan, in partnership with Jim Wilson & Associates, has officially announced plans for Outlying Fields —
a transformational, multi-generational, mixed-use development on the 540-acre site. At Outlying Fields, commerce meets community. Delivering an innovative approach to high-demand job creation, outdoor recreation, shopping and dining, and residential options, Outlying Fields will serve as the vibrant hub of community life and workforce development–making it easier than ever to build, grow, work and live right here in Northwest Florida.

Ascension Sacred Heart is grateful to have Thomas Johnson, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist, back
at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center in Santa Rosa Beach. Dr. Johnson started back full-time on October 1. Dr. Johnson has been with Ascension for more than 14 years. He joins the team with Mark Deleon, MD and Heather Hilty, DO, increasing access to cancer care for patients in Walton County and surrounding areas. After starting the Sacred Heart Emerald Coast practice in 2008,
Dr. Johnson spent 10 years developing his Santa Rosa Beach hematology/oncology practice. After three years in private practice in Northwest Alabama, he returned to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in 2021 to help open the new clinic there. He is glad to be back in Walton County permanently.

PenAir Credit Union (PenAir) has agreed to purchase certain assets related to Service 1 Federal Credit Union’s (Service 1 FCU) branch in Mobile, Alabama. The transaction between the Michigan-based Service 1 FCU and Florida-based PenAir is expected to be completed by Jan. 1, 2026, and includes assets related to the operation of the Service 1 FCU facility in Mobile, Alabama. Branch employees also will become part of the PenAir organization.

Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) has named seasoned banking executive Kelly Peace as its new middle market banking leader for Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, which are important markets for the bank. Peace will be based in Birmingham and lead a team focused on deepening and expanding Truist’s relationships with clients in the region and elevating the company’s profile as a trusted financial partner. She brings more than 25 years of financial services experience to her new role, having held key positions in commercial and middle market banking, credit, and risk management. Her proven track record of driving business growth, fostering client relationships, and navigating complex financial landscapes makes her ideally suited to lead Truist’s middle market business in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

Grizzly MEP (“Grizzly” or the “Company”), a commercial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing platform focused on partnering with best-in-class founders and management teams, announced the hiring of John K. Adams as chief executive officer. In addition to Adam’s appointment, Grizzly also announced the expansion of its platform through a new partnership with Air Design Systems (“ADS”), a full-service mechanical and plumbing contractor headquartered in Pensacola, Florida. Adams brings more than three decades of leadership expertise and a proven track record of driving transformational growth, including building go-to-market strategies for platform build-ups. In his new role, Adams will further diversify Grizzly’s platform by establishing new and synergistic partnerships across key markets, while helping existing partners expand their service offerings.

Nemours Children’s Health and Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola have officially launched their new collaboration, ushering in a new era of pediatric health care in the region. As a result, children and families in Pensacola and the surrounding community now have access to an enhanced level of subspecialty care services. This collaboration brings together the expertise of both organizations to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to children and families in the region. Nearly two dozen pediatric subspecialty services are being provided by Nemours Children’s and are now available to patients’ families. With the transition, more than 100 additional clinicians and staff are now employed by Nemours Children’s and will practice at Studer Family Children’s Hospital as well as in the outpatient setting as part of this new strategic collaboration.

Tails are wagging in Pensacola as Hounds Town USA, where everything they do is for the dogs, opened its newest location on October 4. Situated at 9245 North Palafox in Pensacola, the facility offers doggy daycare, boarding, and spa services to pet owners throughout Pensacola, Ensley, Cantonment, Nine Mile Road, and surrounding communities. The Pensacola location is owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Renee and Derrick Drinnon. Derrick brings over 37 years of experience in animal health, holding leadership roles in both manufacturing and distribution. Renee has 25 years of experience in human resources, specializing in building strong team relationships, employee engagement, and effective communication.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Cox Communications gives back to the community

Cox Communications employees have awarded a total of $50,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits through Cox Charities Community Investment Grants. The program provides employee funded grants of up to $5,000 to support a special program benefiting residents in the area. Earlier this year, organizations were invited to submit applications for funding. This year’s recipients of the Cox Charities Community Investment Grants are: Autism Pensacola; Emerald Coast Autism Center; Emerald Coast Science Center, Inc.; Gulf Coast Council, Scouting America; Gulf Coast Kid’s House; Gulfarium CARE Foundation; Institute for Human & Machine Cognition; Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center; S4P Synergy, Inc.; and The Seaside School. Cox Charities is a charitable giving initiative of Cox Communications fully funded by Cox employees and business partners. The funds raised are then invested annually as Cox Charities Community Investment Grants to organizations that align with our focus areas of youth innovation programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM); conservation and sustainability initiatives; and equal opportunity. A total of $315,000 is being awarded to 63 grant recipients throughout Cox’s East Region.

 The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition hosted its annual Bow Ties and Tiaras fundraiser on Oct. 2 in Downtown Pensacola. Bow Ties and Tiaras directly supports some of the most vulnerable members of our community—pregnant women, new moms, and infants—by funding programs that provide essential items like portable cribs, car seats, strollers, diapers, wipes, and baby formula, all at no cost to families in need. Guests enjoyed a catered dinner, presentations, and entertainment while supporting a powerful mission: giving every baby in Escambia County the healthiest possible start in life. Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, 100% of the event’s proceeds went toward purchasing life-saving and life-changing supplies for families who lack access to the basics.

I-10

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

  DHM Melvin Engineering is honored to partner with the City of Bonifay on the Downtown Resilient Stormwater Project, a forward-thinking initiative funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through the Resilient Florida program. With an estimated construction cost of $2.1 million, the project is designed to improve water quality, enhance stormwater capacity, and reduce flooding risks in the area. Led by Project Manager Brent Melvin, P.E. – DHM, the stormwater facility was carefully designed with consideration of the surrounding residential neighborhoods and adjacent Middlebrooks Park. The project ensures that critical stormwater resilience is achieved in a way that fits within the context of the community.

CAPITAL

LOCAL HONORS

  The Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) has unanimously elected Sandra Veszi Einhorn as chair of its board of directors. With over two decades of leadership in the housing and nonprofit sectors, Veszi Einhorn has become one of Florida’s foremost advocates for promoting bipartisan solutions to address housing affordability issues. Her wealth of experience and commitment to economic mobility through housing stability will continue to support legislative efforts and bring together stakeholders in a collaborative way. Veszi Einhorn has served on the board since being appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2019 and most recently served as the corporation’s vice chair and chair of its audit committee. As the executive director of the Coordinating Council of Broward since 2016, Veszi Einhorn has been at the forefront of housing advocacy in Broward County and across Florida. She was instrumental in the 2018 referendum that created the Broward County Affordable Housing Trust Fund, providing a critical revenue stream to support development and preservation. Under her leadership, the Coordinating Council also published Housing Broward: An Inclusive Plan, the county’s first comprehensive housing strategy. Additionally, she has led successful efforts to raise awareness and combat the stigmas surrounding housing affordability. She played a key role in developing marketing strategies that fostered broader community support for affordable housing initiatives, helping reduce resistance to new projects and
foster partnerships across sectors.

A renowned Florida State University particle physicist has earned a major award from one of the country’s preeminent physics organizations, recognizing her career achievements that have helped drive the field of physics forward for decades. Laura Reina, FSU Distinguished Research Professor and Joseph F. Owens Endowed Professor in the Department of Physics, is the recipient of the 2024 Jesse W. Beams Award from the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society (SESAPS), a scientific organization committed to advancing physics and creating a professional community for physicists. Reina, who earned her doctoral degree in elementary particle physics from the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy in 1992, joined FSU’s faculty in 1998. Since coming to FSU, Reina has earned awards including the FSU First Year Assistant Professor Award, the FSU Dirac-Hellmann Award, the FSU Developing Scholar Award, a Graduate Teaching Award, and the FSU PAI Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research. She was elected as an APS fellow in 2005, and in 2013, she earned the Fellowship of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2024, Reina was elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida. 

Florida State University Associate Professor of Special Education Jenny Root has been selected as one of about 400 scientists and engineers to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), announced in January by the White House. The PECASE award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Root is one of 10 U.S. Department of Education recipients selected by President Joe Biden and only the third faculty member from FSU to ever receive the award. Root, a faculty member in the School of Teacher Education at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, focuses her research on instructional methods to promote academic learning for students with autism and intellectual disability. She began as an assistant professor at FSU in 2016 and has received several honors, including the FSU Graduate Teaching Award in 2023. She has taught nearly 30 courses and helped write more than 60 journal articles and books. 

NEW & NOTABLE 

 Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, Leon County Government, and the City of Tallahassee celebrated the groundbreaking of the Northeast Park project located adjacent to Roberts Elementary and Montford Middle School on Centerville Road. Construction of the park is slated to be completed by late 2026 and will introduce a new array of recreational opportunities to Northeast Tallahassee-Leon County and include a diverse mix of active and passive recreational facilities designed to meet the community’s needs. Planned amenities include two full-sized, lighted baseball/softball fields, one lighted multi-use field, four pickleball courts, a basketball court, three sand volleyball courts, walking trails, a playground, open green space, a restroom and community center, concession stand, and paved parking with electric vehicle charging stations. 

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and Leon County Government introduced a newly activated Forestry Patrol Deputy, further strengthening public safety and expanding law enforcement coverage in western Leon County including the Apalachicola National Forest. This newly activated Forestry Patrol Deputy will provide dedicated law enforcement coverage across the region, including the expansive Apalachicola National Forest.

EMERALD COAST

LOCAL HONORS

HHM CPAs is excited to announce the relocation of Chelsea O’Shields, CPA, to the firm’s Pensacola office. O’Shields, who has been with HHM for nine years, will help lead the firm’s efforts as it continues to grow and expand in the Pensacola area. With almost a decade of experience at HHM CPAs, O’Shields has built a strong reputation for her expertise in tax strategy and client service. She specializes in creating tax solutions and planning that help business owners save on taxes through a variety of strategies. O’Shields’ focus includes identifying and consulting on state and federal tax credits, leveraging accelerated depreciation opportunities, structuring mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions to maximize tax savings, and more. O’Shields’ journey at HHM began in 2015 when she was hired as a tax season intern. Her passion for learning and dedication to client success led her to transition into a full-time role with the firm’s accounting and tax teams, where she quickly became a key player. Over the years, she has honed her skills under the guidance of HHM’s leadership, earning the trust of clients through her strategic approach and attention to detail. As a leader in the Pensacola office, O’Shields will continue to lead tax and assurance engagements.

 Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has been recognized as a Maternal Levels of Care verified hospital by The Joint Commission through its collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and support from the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative. U.S. News & World Report has also named Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast as a 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care. This prestigious designation is the highest recognition a hospital can earn in the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual ratings. Additionally, U.S. News recognized Sacred Heart Emerald Coast as a Maternity Care Access Hospital, for its essential role in serving underserved communities at risk of becoming maternity care deserts. Only 118 hospitals—representing just 14 percent of all evaluated hospitals—earned this distinction for their critical contributions to maternity care access. 

Ascension Sacred Heart announced that two of the system’s hospitals, Sacred Heart Pensacola and Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, have been named to Newsweek’s prestigious 2025 list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals, placing the Sacred Heart facilities alongside just 25 other hospitals in Florida. The Sacred Heart hospitals were the only two in the Panhandle to be featured on the list. Newsweek and Statista highlighted 700 hospitals across the United States to help consumers find trusted medical facilities. This year, the rankings were compiled using quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey of Hospitals Database, a nationwide online survey among medical professionals, results from Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers Systems patient experience surveys and a voluntary Patient-Reported Outcome Measures implementation survey. 

Quest Hospitality is pleased to announce Tory McPhail as its new director of culinary for the hospitality group and as executive chef for The Citizen and Fonville Press, leading the kitchens at both restaurant concepts. Originally from Ferndale, Washington, McPhail followed his passion for cooking and attended culinary school at South Seattle College, where he graduated top of his class. McPhail brings to Quest Hospitality team extensive experience from working at multiple renowned establishments, including Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana; The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida; L’Escargo and The Picasso room in London, England, and The Mongoose in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, he played a key role in opening two additional locations of Commander’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Destin, Florida. In 2013, McPhail received the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: South. Shortly after, the U.S. State Department selected him as a Culinary Ambassador, traveling the world to explore the impact of various cultures and cuisines. Most recently, he worked at the Crazy Mountain Ranch in Montana as the executive chef and director of food and beverage. McPhail will focus on continuing to build upon the positive and collaborative team environment at both of the Alys Beach restaurants while also elevating beloved dishes and bringing new creativity to the menus, prioritizing locally sourced ingredients and refined techniques. 

 ATOR Labs and RSAE Labs, two tenant companies at the TechFarms business incubator in Panama City Beach, finished first and second in a pitch competition held at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition in Pensacola in December. Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, sponsored The Takeoff: Northwest Florida Pitch Day, along with event partners TechFarms Capital and Saltmarsh accounting services. ATOR Labs, a leader in the development of respiratory protective device testing devices, earned this inaugural event’s top prize of $20,000. RSAE Labs, a provider of systems used to track assets across the global intermodal transportation network, earned $7,500 with its presentation. The competition served to connect startups with investors and to accelerate the scaling up of business models.

NEW & NOTABLE

 Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the premier destination resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast, is thrilled to announce the comprehensive renovation of its acclaimed Burnt Pine Country Club, an exclusive social club within Sandestin’s private golf community of luxury residences. This investment highlights the resort’s commitment to world-class golf and dining for guests and members. The 10,000-square-foot country club’s updates include new amenities and design, and it now hosts group events and weddings for up to 120 guests. In partnership with Sara Becnel of Sandestin Investments LLC, Design Continuum enhanced the country club’s aesthetics and functionality, enriching members’ experiences. The new design merges modern luxury with coastal charm, creating an inviting space for lunches, events, gatherings,
and weddings.

 The Agency has opened its newest office at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach. Known as The Agency Sandestin, this marks the global real estate brokerage’s sixth location in Florida, joining its offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Orlando, and Palm Beach. This expansion solidifies Sandestin’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury living and real estate. The Agency Sandestin offers clients unmatched access to cutting-edge marketing, public relations, and technology resources. For buyers and sellers seeking world-class real estate services, The Agency Sandestin is the premier choice for those looking to invest in the Emerald Coast’s unparalleled lifestyle. Leading The Agency Sandestin is managing partner Sara Becnel, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the real estate industry. Becnel’s deep understanding of the local market and passion for excellence will guide the office as it serves the greater Miramar Beach area, including Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Additionally, The Agency announced Glen Stegemann as the new broker and executive director. Stegemann brings over 30 years of experience in sales management and operations to his new role. Having led high-performing teams and established successful real estate ventures across Florida, Stegemann’s track record speaks for itself. Before joining The Agency, he served as managing broker for Royal Shell Real Estate in South Florida and co-founded Summit Real Estate Group and Barclays Real Estate Group. Stegemann’s career also includes serving as vice president of sales for stock development, where he honed his expertise in luxury residential real estate.

I-10

LOCAL HONORS

  Sea Tow Big Bend, servicing Dekle Beach to Carrabelle, Florida, including the St. George Island State Park, is proud to announce it was recognized as the 2024 Franchise of the Year. During Sea Tow International’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, franchise owners and their team members are celebrated for their outstanding service, sales, marketing achievements, community support, and more. The Franchise of the Year award exemplifies Sea Tow’s high standards of service and operation. Sea Tow Big Bend franchise owners Joel and Tracie Singletary were honored with this achievement as they have shown excellence by embracing and participating in all aspects of the Sea Tow system. They remain focused on both current and future membership opportunities while providing outstanding on-water assistance and seeking additional revenue opportunities. Sea Tow Big Bend is committed to its local community and is seen as a valuable resource to others while always striving for exemplary customer experience.   

Emerald Coast // Local Honors

New director creates a venue for all seasons

»  The Pensacola Beach Resort has appointed Misty Pacheco to director of sales. Pacheco is managing sales for the property and soliciting new business opportunities for the 161-room resort. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pacheco is a seasoned professional. Her most recent role as the director of catering and convention services at The Hilton Pensacola Beach & Holiday Inn Resort provided her with extensive knowledge of the market, and she has successfully coordinated events for up to 2,000 attendees. Before joining the team in Florida, Pacheco worked in hotels in New York City, where she oversaw group events such as meetings and social functions. Pacheco will work in her new role with the hotel team to secure and host social bookings at the property’s recently renovated 1,200 square feet of event space.

»  Florida Blue welcomes Leslie Moland, MHA, senior director of regional business development, and Ashley Saba, market development manager, to the northwest Florida Blue Team. Providing a local commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the communities that Florida Blue serves is critical to the success of the company. Moland and Saba’s geography scope will include 19 counties across the Panhandle and North Florida. In her new role, Moland will be responsible for strategic business growth and community engagement. Prior to joining the Florida Blue team, she served as a senior leader at one of the area’s largest multi-specialty physician groups with responsibility for business development, corporate development, strategic marketing and public relations. Currently, she serves as chair of the Niceville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Because of her commitment to the community, Moland has been recognized as a United Way Emerald Coast 40 Under 40 and a Niceville Making a Difference recipient. Saba will be responsible for the planning and execution of local go-to-market efforts and community engagement. Before joining the Florida Blue team, she was the business development specialist for a large regional food and drink distribution company and had responsibility for business relations, sales and marketing. Through her career, she has been able to build trusting relationships with key businesses and community leaders throughout Northwest Florida. Saba is an alum of the University of West Florida and has graduated from Leadership Pensacola, class of 2023. In February, Saba was recognized as a 2024 InWeekly Rising Star.

Hotel Effie joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection

»  Hotel Effie, the 250-room boutique hotel located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, announced that it has become a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. As a newly minted member of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Effie enters the brand’s unique portfolio of diverse and dynamic properties, with more than 295 hotels globally. Carefully selected for hotels’ thoughtful vision and passion, each Autograph Collection property creates a singular and special guest experience through its inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality.

»  Beau Box Commercial Real Estate (BBCRE), one of the Gulf South’s leading commercial real estate firms, announced today it has hired John Porter to join its Pensacola office. Launched in 2005, BBCRE is one of Louisiana’s highest-grossing commercial real estate and property management firms. Beau Box Commercial Real Estate (BBCRE) opened its first out-of-state location in Pensacola, Florida, in January 2021. BBCRE’s professional services include sales and leasing of commercial, industrial, retail, land and investment properties, through buyer, owner or tenant representation. Porter received his A.D. in nursing from Columbia State Community College, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State, and a Master’s in Hospital and Health Administration from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He joins BBCRE after spending the past 33 years with Baptist Health Care.

»  Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast announced that Trey Abshier, MHA, FACHE, will serve as president and CEO. Abshier succeeds Bryan Walrath who is now president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County, located in the Jacksonville area. Abshier has held numerous leadership positions before joining Ascension. Most recently, he served as CEO for HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, Florida. He also served as CEO of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center and Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Abshier is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned his Master of Health Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. BJ Fontaine, RN MSN, IHI IA, CPPS, has returned to the hospital serving as chief nursing officer and chief operating officer of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. Fontaine, who was CNO/COO of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay for the past two years, brings a wealth of knowledge and more than 19 years of experience as a strategic nurse leader. Fontaine spent more than 18 years at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast where she served as CNO for almost four years. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from American Sentinel University and her Bachelor of Nursing from the University
of Alabama. 

NEW & NOTABLE

Celebrate Grand Openings in The Village of Baytowne Wharf

»  5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill in The Village of Baytowne Wharf celebrated grand openings with a ribbon cutting ceremony and concert. At 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, guests will be treated to idyllic ocean views, curated retail offerings, inviting wood burning fireplace, an indoor/outdoor bar and captivating live entertainment that promises an unforgettable experience celebrating the essence of coastal living. LandShark Bar & Grill stands as a vibrant oasis of entertainment and relaxation that proudly boasts two bars, each exuding a lively ambiance that invites conversation and celebration. This includes a convenient outdoor covered grab-and-go bar option for those on the move. As guests are captivated by the panoramic views and enjoy signature dishes, they can stop by the retail shop to find a memento from paradise to take home.

»  Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, The University of Florida College of Medicine, and The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton)/Walton Community Health Center (CHC) are partnering together for a new type of Family Medicine Residency program. This is the first residency program in the state to partner with a health department and federally qualified health center. Residents will work in many areas including inpatient adult medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, women’s health and mental health. During their three-year residency, they will complete clinical hours at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Sacred Heart Gulf and in the offices of area community providers. The program is modeled after the successful residency programs at Sacred Heart in Pensacola. Students enrolled in the program will be eligible for Board Certification in Family Medicine. 

HAPPENINGS

»  Vue on 30a has recently added Executive Chef Christopher Mayhue to its culinary team. Chef Mayhue is a world-class chef with over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at prestigious establishments such as Wilson Hospitality and St. Joe Hospitality, as well as the Watersound Club and The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill. He has also held leadership positions at distinguished establishments like Fish Out of Water at Watercolor Inn, Watercolor Resort and Stars Rooftop & Grill Room in Charleston. His accomplishments in the culinary arts include Employee of the Month and Manager of the Quarter awards. Notably, Chef Mayhue has worked beneath Emeril Lagasse, the “Bam!” chef, at high-profile culinary events. With international influences and a distinct Southern flair, Chef Mayhue will bring class and elegance to the dining experience at Vue on 30a, which is renowned for its award-winning views and experienced staff, making it a unique, must-see restaurant on 30A.

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CAPITAL // LOCAL HONORS

Award-Winning Woman

»  Ashley Guy, owner and founder of Tallulah CBD Mushrooms THC, recently announced two prominent achievements. Tallulah CBD was ranked as one of Inc.’s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for 2024. This annual list acknowledges America’s fastest-growing private companies, ranked by growth rate. Tallulah was also awarded as a 2024 Top 100 Women-Led Business in Florida by The Women’s Edge, an organization that connects, supports and advances women business leaders. The top 100 list is ranked through an algorithm that factors in revenue, diversity, innovation and customer benefits. Since opening in 2019, Guy has established six stores in Tallahassee and one in Thomasville, Georgia, selling premium THC, CBD, mushroom products and more.

»  The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency (IA) was recently recognized by the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and awarded the prestigious 2024 Environmental Project of the Year in the $5 million to $25 million category for the 3D-B Stormwater Facility project. The facility spans 5 acres along the Capital Cascades Trail on FAMU Way, next to the St. Marks Trailhead at the Robert and Trudie Perkins Way roundabout. This cutting-edge stormwater treatment system serves multiple essential purposes, enhancing floodplain capacity for sustainable, infill development, and the innovative technology provides effective water treatment, removing contaminants before flowing into downstream water bodies like Lake Munson and Wakulla Springs. The 3D-B Stormwater Facility project emphasizes Blueprint’s commitment to environmental conservation and community enhancement.

»  Leon County Government launched the Targeted Emergency Assistance Microgrants (TEAM) Leon Business Assistance Program on May 23, 2024, with plans to distribute up to $1 million from the county’s catastrophe fund to assist unincorporated (outside the city limits of Tallahassee) households and businesses most greatly affected by the May 10, 2024, tornadoes. Leon County Government will recognize its first recipient of the microgrant by supporting local Italian restaurant, Bagigio’s, with $5,000 in direct financial assistance. Within the first 24 hours, the TEAM Leon program received more than 1,200 applications from businesses and households in the hardest hit areas of Leon County. Requests for aid are still being processed while the community continues to recover.

»  NABIP Capital Area was recently recognized with Gold Certification on May 2, 2024, as part of NABIP’s Chapter Certification Program, which is an ongoing program recognizing chapters who excel throughout the calendar year. NABIP is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable health care and related benefits.

»  Oak View Group’s Ryan Fink, event manager at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on the campus of Florida State University, has been named to the International Association of Venue Managers Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 class of 2024. The Build an Amazing Future campaign designed this prestigious honor to focus on students, young professionals and mid-level venue management. The 30|UNDER|30 program recognizes the best and brightest young professionals as emerging leaders in the venue management industry for their efforts to accelerate the industry and carry it into the future. Prior to joining Oak View Group, Fink, a Lock Haven University graduate, was the stadium facilities intern with the Kansas City Chiefs and an operation supervisor at Penn State University’s Pegula Ice Arena and Beaver Stadium. After joining Oak View Group in 2019 as the event coordinator at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Fink was quickly promoted to event manager in 2021 and continues to serve in this role.

»  Architects Lewis + Whitlock (ALW) has proudly announced the promotions of three team members to recognize their professional excellence and contributions to the firm’s success. The company has elevated Emily Ely, Matt Persinger and Ryan Sheplak to the positions of vice president. Emily Ely is a licensed interior designer with 17 years of dedicated expertise in commercial architecture and design. Her portfolio highlights high-profile interiors with extensive regional experience in institutional, workplace and educational design. She’s executed many notable projects such as the TCC Center for Innovation Renovation, North Florida Innovation Labs and the new City of Tallahassee Senior Center. As vice president of interior architecture, Ely will lead the interior team in developing research-based solutions that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the client’s vision and programmatic needs. Ely’s human-centered and empathetic design approach fosters long-term relationships and a collective appreciation of the project’s value by all stakeholders. She consistently delivers beautifully crafted spaces founded on creative expression, function and innovation. Matt Persinger is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional with 14 years of architectural experience in Chicago, Illinois, and Jackson, Mississippi, where he led a variety of successful projects in the institutional, community focused, private sector and historic preservation markets. As vice president of operations, Persinger will leverage his project management experience and honed communication skills to ensure each project reaches its greatest potential. His management style skillfully provides detail-oriented guidance to the design team while responding to the unique needs of clients. Ryan Sheplak, a native Tallahassean and creative visionary with over a decade of experience crafting spaces that inspire, harmonize and elevate the human experience, has a unique talent for storytelling through architecture that engages users on multiple levels. He has a proven track record of creating award-winning projects like the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion in Sarasota, Florida, the Florida State University (FSU) Student Union, Envision Credit Union and Tallahassee National Bank. Recently, Ryan led the design team for the new Rosewood Memorial Pavilion, receiving the Honor Award in the Unbuilt category from the AIA Florida 2024 Design Awards. As vice president of architecture and design, Sheplak will continue to set the stage for the creative direction for the firm, mentor design team members and maintain brand consistency.

»  Leon County Government has once again demonstrated its continuous commitment to excellence in public service by earning eight prestigious Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). This year’s awards bring the County’s total to an impressive 111 Achievement Awards received since 2013, including one initiative recognized as the best in its category nationwide. The NACo Achievement Award program honors outstanding county government programs and practices across the nation, highlighting Leon County’s ongoing efforts to set the standard in public service. The awarded programs and projects, ranging from historic preservation to county resiliency, reflect the county’s dedication to enhancing the lives of its residents. For 2024, Leon County earned the following Achievement Awards for exceptional programs and services: Crosswalks to Classrooms – Dempsey Mayo Road Initiative (Designated “Best in Category”) in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Historic Amtrak Building Renovation and Site Reconstruction in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Leon County-Tallahassee Bicentennial Celebration in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Septic Upgrade Incentive Program in the category of County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability; Combatting Food Insecurity in the category of Human Services; EMT to Paramedic Trainee Program in the category of Personnel Management, Employment and Training; North Monroe Revitalization Efforts in the category of Planning; and Risk and Safety Management Enhancements in the category of Risk and Emergency Management.

NEW & NOTABLE

»  SRJ Architects Inc., a distinguished architectural firm composed of architects, project managers, construction specialists and interior designers based in Albany, Georgia, known for its steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainable architecture, proudly announces its expansion into the vibrant Tallahassee market. The decision to expand into Tallahassee was driven by several factors, including the city’s rapid growth and its burgeoning need for innovative architectural solutions. SRJ Architects aims to address the specific needs of clients in the Tallahassee area by offering tailored architectural services that align with the city’s unique characteristics and challenges. This expansion not only allows SRJ Architects to better serve existing clients in the region, but also positions the firm to engage with new clients seeking forward-thinking design solutions tailored to Tallahassee’s evolving landscape.

»  Aegis Biz Tech, formerly Aegis Business Technologies, announced its new name, new logo, new website and new headquarters at 246 E. 6th St. in Midtown Tallahassee as well as new regional offices in Panama City and Gainesville. “We have spent the past three decades fighting and climbing to be more than just another tech company. We needed a work space that matched that constant quest for innovation, and we have found it,” said CEO Blake Dowling. 

Capital // Local Happenings

It’s Official: A Tallahassee College Has A New Middle Name

 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 522 into law, renaming Tallahassee Community College as Tallahassee State College, effective July 1, 2024. A group of TCC leaders were invited to attend the signing, including TCC president Jim Murdaugh, trustees Eugene Lamb, Jr., Frank Messersmith, Karen B. Moore, Monte Stevens, Charlie Ward, Jr., vice president and chief of staff Candice Grause, and student body president Jullion Griffin. They were joined by SB 522 sponsor Sen. Corey Simon and Sue Dick, president and CEO of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

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Local Honors

» Florida State University has named acclaimed researcher and industry leader Kathleen Amm as the new director of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (National MagLab), the largest and highest-powered magnet laboratory in the world and the only facility of its kind in the United States. Amm, who served as director of the Magnet Division at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), began her tenure as lab director on May 6. She earned her doctorate from FSU in 1998 and was advised by the National MagLab’s founding director, Jack Crow, during the early days of the formation of the lab’s headquarters at FSU. As National MagLab director, she will be responsible for operations at FSU and the lab’s satellite locations at the University of Florida and Los Alamos National Laboratory. She will oversee more than 500 scientists/employees and welcome more than 2,000 visitors each year. 

» Leon County Government received three Project of the Year awards from the Big Bend Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Each year, APWA spotlights exceptional projects that meet project goals within budget and exceed public expectations. The North Gadsden Street Sidewalk Improvement project won an award in the category of Best Performance. This project enhanced and added sidewalks and crosswalks along North Gadsden Street, leading to improvements in safety and connectivity. Ben Boulevard Drainage Improvements Phase 2 won in the category of Stormwater. The project improved the drainage system and added roadway conveyance to successfully allow stormwater to flow into a drainage basin. Visitor Information Center–Amtrak Station won in the category of Historical Reservation/Preservation. The project restored and transformed Tallahassee’s historic Amtrak train station, turning the building into a multifunctional space including a visitor information center and gift shop, the Visit Tallahassee office and a community room.

» SmartBank announced the addition of Travis Yelverton, vice president and corporate relationship manager, to its Tallahassee team. Yelverton is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee who earned a finance degree from Florida State University. He brings to SmartBank an extensive background in commercial banking, finance and economic development.

» Capital City Bank recognized 31 of its best and brightest sales and service leaders at its annual Star Summit event. Tallahassee network support tech Tijuana Eberhardt and client experience manager Scott Gerber received additional recognition as the recipients of the distinguished Ripple Effect and Mountain Mover awards. The Ripple Effect and Mountain Mover are two of four top honors conferred at Star Summit.

» In 2022, Electronic Arts launched The John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education, a reflection of Madden’s passion for education and creating opportunities for young people in underrepresented communities. The Commitment includes the EA Madden Scholarship Program, which is open to undergraduate students at historically Black colleges and universities and offers financial support, mentoring and career readiness support. In 2024, of 24 scholarship recipients, three were Florida A&M University students: Jimelle Brewster, Benjamin Lawson and Howard Smith.

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New & Notable

» AtWork, a leading staffing franchise for empowering job seekers and facilitating company growth, has opened its newest location in Tallahassee. AtWork Tallahassee is owned by Elevate Business Solutions, Inc., a local group committed to helping the area’s economy thrive by connecting qualified job seekers with rewarding opportunities. AtWork puts nearly 40,000 individuals to work each year in administrative, light-industrial, accounting and finance, hospitality, IT and management positions. The Tallahassee location will help local schools with staffing and recruitment needs and focus on college students seeking work. 

» Bring Me A Book Forgotten Coast (BMABFC) recently received a generous donation from Rick Kearney and The Beatitude Foundation. The money received will enable the expansion of services in Gulf County, including the distribution of more than 6,000 books at BMABFC’s Book Bonanza, an annual event that encourages summer reading. BMABFC is a literacy initiative in Franklin and Gulf counties that inspires children ages 0-12 to read through a variety of programs such as reading aloud to children enrolled in Head Start, public schools and nursery school classes, as well as the annual Book Bonanza. 

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Happenings

» APTIM, an environmental and resilience firm focused on developing the next generation of environmental and sustainability scientists, professionals and thought leaders, has partnered with Florida A&M University. The FAMU School of the Environment’s Sustainability Institute provides experiences that inspire students to advance sustainable solutions to food security. APTIM has donated money to support the institute’s EnergyWaterFood ClimateNexus. Initiatives include Nexus Scholars-in-Residence, which provides 20 undergraduates with scholarships and mentorship, and the Nexus Global Summit, a space for international thought leaders to solve complex environmental challenges.

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Emerald Coast // Local Honors

Brokerage Wins Honors

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida has been recognized with the Berkshire Elite Circle Award, a designation given to the Top 50 companies in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global network. The company, which ranked No. 26, was honored during a ceremony held at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices annual sales convention in New Orleans. In addition, the brokerage’s 30A headquarters was recognized as the No. 7 office within the global network for gross commission income. Sales executive Anne Winicki was honored as the No. 7 individual agent for gross commission income, earning the prestigious Top 25 Individual Sales Agent Award. In addition, Winicki was honored with a Chairman’s Circle Diamond Award for her excellent sales performance in 2023, placing her in the top ½ of 1 percent among nearly 55,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network agents.

» Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club received multiple honors at the 2024 Perfect in Walton County Awards. The Gulf-front club earned the prestigious Diamond Winner award for Best Golf Course and won double Platinum Winner awards for Best Wedding Venue and Best Fine Dining for its on-site restaurant, Vue on 30a.

» Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund of Pensacola, a recent recipient of ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award for providing superior service to clients, has been included in Accounting Today’s list of Regional Leaders. This is the eighth year the firm has been recognized as a Regional Leader in the Gulf Coast for achieving year-to-year growth. Founded in 1944, the firm offers a full range of professional services, including specialized consulting services for many industries and high-net-worth individuals.

Top Agents Recognized

Newman-Dailey Real Estate announced its top performers for 2023. Its Real Estate Sales Division recognized Shannyn Stevenson with the Top Sales and Top Listing Agent awards. Other 2023 Top Producers include Heather Sprigler, the second highest-performing agent for listings and sales; Diane Green, the third-highest performer for sales; and Colin Kirkwood, the third-highest volume of listings within Newman-Dailey’s real estate division.

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New & Notable

» Beck Partners, one of Northwest Florida’s leading commercial real estate firms, has announced its acquisition by Stirling. Stirling is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, and has additional offices in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Shreveport, Hammond, Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola. Stirling’s acquisition of Beck Partners expands its Pensacola office, adds a Tallahassee office and adds 30 employees. It also brings additional licensure not previously held by Beck Partners in Arkansas, Georgia and Texas. Its diverse service lines will expand Beck Partners’ presence throughout the Gulf South and beyond with its commercial brokerage, asset and property management services, development and redevelopment activity, and acquisitions and investments. 

» Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club announced the appointment of Mark Hodgdon as its new general manager. Hodgdon has held significant roles at other prominent establishments including the Hilton Atlanta Airport, Los Cabos Collection, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Starwood Hotels & Resorts at The Phoenician, and The Ritz-Carlton and Huntington Hotel & Spa. With a career spanning more than four decades, Hodgdon has a track record of fostering positive team dynamics and enhancing guest and member satisfaction.

» Pensacola International Airport (PNS) has welcomed Breeze Airways, offering nonstop flights to Tampa and one-stop/no-change plane service to Norfolk, Virginia. The two destinations will have twice-weekly service on Mondays and Fridays starting June 28. Breeze Airways is the eighth airline to offer flights at PNS.

» CO:LAB, a business incubator set up by FloridaWest to encourage entrepreneurship in the greater Pensacola area, has welcomed Wellin5 owner William Masih. Launched first in Canada in 2019 and expanded to the U.S. in 2020, Wellin5 is a virtual therapy app that provides post-therapy support and significantly improves therapist-client relationships. Starting with mental wellness, Wellin5 aims to provide a wide range of services to boost the overall sense of health and well-being over the course of the next few years as part of its long-term vision.

» PenAir Credit Union announced the appointment of Andrew Reynolds as chief strategy officer. Prior to joining PenAir, Reynolds served as the chief growth officer at Blue Eagle Credit Union in Virginia where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and fostering growth. He served as chief financial officer at Valley Star Credit Union, also in Virginia. Reynolds will be called upon to play a crucial role in PenAir’s continued success and growth.

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Happenings

HCA Goes High School

Partners HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) announced the opening of the Health Academy of Northwest Florida on the hospital’s campus. The Health Academy of Northwest Florida is the first high school health academy to be housed on an HCA Healthcare hospital campus anywhere in the country. It provides high school students interested in health care careers with the opportunity to earn industry certifications and either directly enter the workforce or continue their studies following high school graduation. As part of the partnership, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital provided a 6,375-square-foot space to OCSD for the academy, including two classrooms and two labs. Students who successfully complete the practical nursing program will have job placement opportunities throughout HCA Florida Healthcare. In addition, if employed by an HCA Florida Healthcare facility, tuition reimbursement will be available for students wishing to continue their education.

Nonprofit Uplifts Women

Habitat for Humanity Walton County has announced that the sixth annual Hard Hats & High Heels luncheon held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa raised more than$16,000. The funds raised will support the Women Build Initiative, which empowers women through education and training and enables them to comfortably use power tools and work at construction sites. The money will also be used to help build homes for deserving families in Walton County. During the luncheon, Habitat for Humanity presented its Power Women Awards, recognizing women in the community who have shared their time and talents to benefit the organization and its work. The 2024 Power Woman of the Year is Karah Young, president of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. DCWAF has provided more than $1.9 million to Walton County Habitat for Humanity over the last 12 years. The 2024 Glamour to the Hammer award went to Kim Crotwell for her dedication and volunteerism over the years.

 

Capital //Happenings

Tri-Eagle Sales’ Donation Supports Fire Departments

Anheuser-Busch and beverage wholesaler Tri-Eagle Sales are providing more than 2,300 cans of emergency drinking water to local fire departments as they continue to protect our communities and prepare for future wildfire relief efforts. The emergency drinking water was sourced from Anheuser-Busch’s brewery in Cartersville, Georgia, which periodically pauses beer production and cans clean and safe drinking water to be delivered to communities in times of need. Tri-Eagle Sales has a long history of giving back to the community, actively providing charitable contributions and volunteering for local causes as a family-owned beverage distributor.

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Local Honors

Investment Broker Named To Forbes List

Stifel Financial Corp has announced that the Huggins WindersGroup of its Stifel, Nicolaus & Company incorporated broker-dealer subsidiary has been named to Forbes’ 2024 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list. Based in Stifel’s Tallahassee office, the Huggins Winders Group consists of financial advisors Stephen Huggins, Linda Winders, C. Blair Huggins and J.D. Huggins. They are supported by Lynnette McMullen, client service associate; and Deborah Davis, operations coordinator. The team has more than 65 years of investment industry experience and is dedicated to helping its clients navigate markets and make informed decisions with their financial resources and wealth over multiple generations.

» Sachs Media has earned a spot on PRNews’ prestigious Agency Elite Top 100 list for 2024. This is the third time the firm has earned this accolade, which celebrates the most innovative and impactful firms in the world of communications, marketing and digital content creation. For more than 25 years, Sachs Media has been a go-to strategic communications partner for organizations with high-stakes challenges. The firm focuses on elevating bold organizations, leaders and agendas; supercharging clients’ public policy advocacy efforts; and driving audiences to action with campaigns that educate, inform and persuade.

» Leon County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) celebrated 20 years of providing exceptional, lifesaving care and treatment to the residents and visitors of Leon County as well as serving the community through training and public education programs. Since its launch on December 31, 2003, LCEMS has responded to more than 775,000 calls for service and transported more than 500,000 patients. A leader in response and survival, LCEMS has continued to exceed local, state and national benchmarks by providing clinically superior, cost-effective emergency medical services and transport.

New & Notable

» Monica Ross has been named vice president and chief human resources officer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH). In that role, she is responsible for developing and executing a human resource strategy to support TMH’s organizational goals and strategic vision. Ross will lead the human resources department and all its functions including talent acquisition, total rewards management, training and continuing education, succession planning, colleague health, child care center and employee relations. Ross joined TMH in 2022 as the executive director of colleague relations and human resource administration. She is a human resources strategist and experienced attorney with over 13 years of legal experience, most recently as the chief legal counsel at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

» Capital City Bank announced that Rebeca Sayers has joined its team of trust administrators. Sayers brings more than 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney with an extensive background in trust, estates and family law. Sayers will be teaming up with Capital City Trust Company, Capital City Investments and Capital City Strategic Wealth to provide expertise in investment strategies, retirement planning, estate and tax planning and risk management. Sayers is a licensed member of the Florida Bar.

» The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) announced that Dineta O’Hara has joined the team as business development manager. In this new role, O’Hara will manage activities to support economic and business development opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County. Previously, she served as the community engagement coordinator for Gwinnett County Government. There, she led community engagement initiatives for the county’s 2045 Unified Plan and spearheaded project management efforts in workforce development for the Division of Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization. O’Hara also served as economic development coordinator at the City of Clarkston, where she directed a varied portfolio of economic development projects emphasizing job creation, business expansion and community development in Georgia. 

» Florida-based lobbying giant The Southern Group and one of the country’s leading economic development firms, VisionFirst Advisors, have entered a partnership that pairs state and local lobbying efforts with economic development site selection, incentive work and community planning. Both client bases now benefit from a turnkey solution for expanding business throughout the country, especially the Southeast, where the lobbying firm has a substantial footprint.

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Emerald Coast // Local Honors

Theater Company Founders Recognized By Conference

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) has announced that founders Nathanael and Anna Fisher have been awarded The Florida Theatre Conference 2023 Distinguished Career Award in the professional category. In 1986, the Florida Theatre Conference began recognizing individuals in the state of Florida who have made contributions in the areas of community theater, professional theater, university/college theater, theater for youth and high school theater.

» Newman-Dailey Resort Properties founder and CEO, Jeanne Dailey, has been appointed by the Florida Department of Commerce to the Board of Directors of VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation. Florida’s official source for travel planning for visitors across the globe, VISIT FLORIDA is a not-for-profit corporation created as a public/private partnership by the Florida Legislature in 1996. Dailey brings more than three decades of experience working in the vacation rental and tourism industry. After founding Newman-Dailey Resort Properties in 1985, she became a visionary leader and advocate for vacation rentals and the tourism industry in the Destin area. She has been honored with the Pioneer Award for leadership in the vacation rental industry by VRMIntel as well as the prestigious Van Ness Butler Jr. Award for tourism leadership by the Walton County Tourism Department. In addition to her new role with VISIT FLORIDA, she currently lends her time and talents to the vacation rental industry by serving as a steering committee member for the Florida Professional Vacation Rental Coalition and as an active member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA).

» Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Real Estate Division has announced that Shannyn Stevenson was its top listing and sales agent for the third quarter of 2023. With a dedicated real estate career spanning three decades, Stevenson’s commitment to excellence and her remarkable prowess in real estate have once again earned her this prestigious dual recognition. Stevenson consistently ranks in the top 10% of all active agents in the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.

» The Florida Department of Education has released baseline school grades for 2023, and the Okaloosa County School District has earned an A rating in the first year of a new statewide assessment. Okaloosa is one of three districts in Florida to have earned an A each year since 2014. Ten Okaloosa County schools increased their grade from C to B or B to A. Laurel Hill, Edge Elementary and Florosa Elementary each earned an A this year after having a B in 2022–2023. Superintendent Marcus Chambers expects even better results at the conclusion of the current school year.

New & Notable

» International Paper announced that Hunter Morris has been named manager of International Paper’s Pensacola Containerboard Mill in Cantonment. In his new position, Morris will assume overall responsibility for safety, people engagement, commercial and operational excellence and community stewardship at the Pensacola mill. Most recently, Morris was the operations manager for the company’s Savannah, Georgia, mill. Morris joined International Paper in 2007 at the company’s Riegelwood, North Carolina, mill. He has worked in several manufacturing and technical leadership roles of increasing responsibility throughout his career with the company.  

» Florida Blue has announced the promotion of Hong Potomski to the newly created role of market leader for the Pensacola region. Deepening its local commitment and meeting the diverse needs of the communities Florida Blue serves is critical to the success and mission of the organization. In this new role, Potomski will have responsibility for nine counties to include Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson and Calhoun. She will leverage her extensive background in health care strategy and operations to lead the development and execution of local strategies, develop and nurture key partnerships, and drive results to improve overall health and well-being in the Panhandle. Potomski is passionate about improving health literacy and access to great quality care for members, patients and the community. She was recently recognized as one of seven Rising Executives in Florida Trend and was awarded the 2023 Alumni Community Spirit Award by the University of West Florida.

Compiled by Rebecca Padgett Frett
Photos courtesy of individuals