Team

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Matt has called our sugar-white sand beaches home since 1995. From magazines and freelance writing to working as a city government reporter and serving as the editor of two local newspapers, Matt has spent more than 12 years in the local media industry, allowing him to build strong relationships within the community. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts/Journalism from the University of West Florida and a Master’s Degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University. When he’s not working, Matt spends most of his time chasing around his young son, cooking with his wife and soaking up plenty of sunshine.

Kelli began her career in education but after having her daughter and being a stay-at-home mom for a while, she was looking for a new challenge. She found her calling in tourism marketing and began her new career at Walton County Tourism – Visit South Walton. Over the last 15 years, Kelli has performed many duties and had other titles but has recently accepted the position of Marketing Director. Being a true native of Walton County, the passion she has for her home is evident in her everyday life. During her time off, you will find her spending time with husband Kevin and daughter Ali, sipping a cool drink under an umbrella at Grayton Beach, enjoying the natural peace and tranquility of her backyard along the Choctawhatchee River or wearing mouse ears while riding “It’s A Small World” at Disney World.

Karen has lived and worked in Walton County for 20 years after relocating from Asheville, North Carolina in 2000. Prior to joining the Walton County Tourism Department, Karen was National Sales Manager at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and held sales manager positions with Salamander and Radisson Hotels. She started her hospitality career at historic Biltmore Estate as Catering Sales Manager after attending the University of North Carolina-Asheville where she majored in Business Management.Karen’s love of Walton County combined with a strong knowledge of the destination and years of sales experience allow her to direct the team’s sales efforts and educate meeting planners and potential travelers from around the country about all the wonderful reasons to choose Walton County. When not working, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, playing trivia games, watching sunsets and cheering on the UNC Tar Heels and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Brian’s professional career includes 20 years as a construction and development manager for general contracting and development firms in Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama. He was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama, graduated from Auburn University and now resides in Freeport with his wife and daughter. Brian enjoys all forms of water sports, motorsports, woodworking and antique vehicle restoration.

Rebekah is the rare type of person who can say she has always called Walton County home. Growing up on a farm gave her a deep understanding of the importance of giving back to her community. Rebekah held multiple officer positions throughout various clubs in Paxton High School and was crowned Miss DeFuniak in 2016. Her passion for community involvement led her to the Walton County Tourism Department. Starting out in the Visitor Center, helping visitors find the perfect restaurant or a great event to attend naturally led her to want to know more about destination marketing. Always ready and up for a challenge, in 2021, she attended her first marketing target city takeover activation in Dallas, TX, and fell in love with the marketing side of tourism. The following year, she jumped at the chance to join the marketing team and has worked every day to promote tourism in the place she calls home. When Rebekah isn’t at work, you can find her learning more about her craft through social media and enjoying all that her hometown in DeFuniak Springs has to offer. 

Cade assists in the Group Sales effort to promote South Walton and is responsible for accounts in the state of Florida. As a lifelong resident of Walton County, Cade brings a North of the Bay touch to the Sales team. Previously working in his local community as a coach/teacher, Cade is returning to sales and utilizing his degree in Finance from the University of West Florida. His local expertise on all things Walton County is a beneficial addition to our Walton County Tourism Department team.

Originally from central Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins fan), Tina has called Florida her home for over 20 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a NIGP-CPP certification in purchasing. Tina has worked in finance, accounting, tourism and purchasing for various counties and municipalities around Florida, including one of her favorites, Key West (Monroe County). Prior to working in the government sector, Tina worked in hospitality finance and construction administration within the private sector. When not at work, Tina enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, relaxing at the beach or riding bikes around the neighborhood. She and her husband also love to travel and have visited Antigua, Jamaica and Dominican Republic but still have not found a beach that is as beautiful as the emerald waters and sugar-white sand beaches here at home.

Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Ashlyn has been a visitor of the Walton County area for years. She is currently an online graduate student at the University of Florida, working to receive her master’s degree in Mass Communications and specializing in Public Relations. In her spare time, Ashlyn enjoys going to the beach and being with friends and family.

Darrelesha manages and maintains the tourism department’s databases to ensure we have accurate and accessible information to connect with our partners and visitors. She graduated from Hillsborough Community College with an associate’s degree in business administration. She has been working in customer service for 13 years, which explains her passion for helping others! Originally from Tampa, Fla., she moved to northwest Florida in November 2022. Darrelesha enjoys spending time with her son, reading, traveling, meditating, going to the beach and learning new things.