In Walton County, the landscape is continuously evolving. Whether we’re welcoming fresh faces and exciting new locations or collecting accolades that speak to our world-class travel status, our growth is a true team effort.
That’s why we’re so pleased to greet these new and noteworthy additions to the community.
Interim County Administrator Stan Sunday has been named the full-time county administrator by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners. He served as deputy county administrator for Walton County from 2013 to 2022 and was responsible for the operations of the county with oversight and leadership responsibility for department heads and directors. Before then, he served as both deputy corrections director and corrections director for the Walton County Department of Corrections. Between 1989 and 2007, Sunday worked in a variety of roles for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, including captain, chief of investigations (second in command of the Sheriff’s Office), and chief of administration, plus other supervisory positions. Sunday has a master’s degree in public administration.
Walton County Board of County Commissioners
Kelly Leavins is the new budget analyst for the Tourism Department and the Office of Management and Budget. She joined the county in December 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in accounting and government finance. With over 20 years in the field, she’s served as chief financial officer for the Holmes County School Board, worked as a consultant with businesses in various industries and worked with the Florida Department of Revenue as a sales tax auditor. With 11 years of experience as a business teacher, Leavins earned a national board certification in business and a master’s degree in business administration. In her role as a budget analyst, Leavins is focused on supporting the county’s tourism mission while ensuring sound financial stewardship.
Main Street DeFuniak Springs
Rachel Conort stepped into the director role at Main Street DeFuniak Springs at the beginning of 2024. With a background she describes as “relationship marketing,” Conort has spent the past decade solving pain points for customers while also holding government public relations and customer engagement roles. With plenty of firsthand experience in both government and in larger corporations, she is excited to be in the panhandle region and part of a community that is continually evolving while still maintaining its beautiful historic charm.