NEW FACES, PLACES AND ACCOLADES

In Walton County, the landscape is continuously evolving, welcoming fresh faces and exciting new locations, collecting accolades that speak to our world-class travel status. We’re pleased to greet these new and noteworthy additions to the community.

Jeanne Dailey has been appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors by the Florida Department of Commerce. With over 30 years of experience in the vacation rental industry, Dailey is recognized for her leadership and advocacy. She has received the Pioneer Award from VRMIntel for leadership in the vacation rental industry and the Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award from the Walton County Tourism Department for her leadership in tourism. In addition to her role with VISIT FLORIDA, she actively participates in the FPVRC Political Action Coalition and serves as an active member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association.

Amy Wise-Coble was selected by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners to fill an open seat on the Walton County Tourist Development Council. She has previously served on the TDC, and her term for this seat expires in December 2024. Wise-Coble has been in the vacation rental industry in South Walton for the past 30 years, building her hospitality career from the ground up with stops at Cottage Rental Agency in Seaside, Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. She is currently the owner of Vacation Rentals of NWFL, a one-of-a-kind vacation rental company. Homeowner’s Collection is managed by Wise-Coble’s company; she also serves as its general manager. Wise-Coble is an active board member on South Walton High School’s Men’s and Ladies’ Basketball Booster Clubs and president of the board of directors for Northwest Florida Dream, a not-for-profit organization furthering the game of basketball in our area. She also serves on South Walton High School’s Parents with Purpose organization and School Improvement Committee.

James Pyles, a seasoned director of food and beverage with over 15 years of industry experience, now applies his wealth of knowledge to drive success at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s six on-site seasonal dining outlets.

Previously the managing partner at Maple & Ash in Chicago, where he elevated the steakhouse to a top revenue-generating restaurant, Pyles has seamlessly transitioned to overseeing crucial functions at Hilton Sandestin since joining the team in November 2023. In his role, he ensures day-to-day operational excellence, implements a robust training program for staff, and directly manages the efficiency of the resort’s restaurants and bars. Pyles’ strategic impact extends to developing innovative beverage menus in line with current trends, ensuring the highest quality standards for food and beverage service throughout all hotel operations.

Donna Johns, District 4 commissioner and vice chair of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, was voted as chairperson of the Tourist Development Council during the December 2023 TDC meeting. Johns, a longtime resident of District 4 in Walton County, boasts a distinguished military career spanning two decades in the United States Air Force, serving the last decade as a special agent in the Office of Special Investigations. Active in community service, Johns has served on various boards, including the Walton County Design Review Board, and as commissioner for the South Walton Mosquito Control District. A fiscal conservative, Johns prioritizes eliminating wasteful spending, advocating for timely infrastructure improvements and representing all residents of Walton County. She is a devoted mother and grandmother and enjoys family time and hobbies like boating and decorating.

Walton County Tourism Wins Bronze at Adrian Awards 

Walton County Tourism won three bronze awards at the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s Adrian Awards held recently in New York City. HSMAI celebrates the best in hospitality advertising, digital, PR/communications, and integrated campaigns at this annual awards event.

Bronze awards were presented to WCT for these three entries, developed in collaboration with its agency Zehnder: Digital Cooperative Marketing Website in the Technology category; Beach Safely in South Walton, Florida in the Business to Consumer category; and Icons for Iconic Communities in the Print Collateral category.

“The team is very happy with being selected to win these awards, especially for the Icons for Iconic Communities,” said Kelli Carter, director of marketing. “Those neighborhood stickers truly represent a collaboration with the entire team, both at the tourism department and the agency.