18 Graduate from Chamber Leadership and Community Education Program



On behalf of the Destin Forward Class of 2009, Rick Scali (left), Easy Street Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals, LLC; Brandon “Brad” Stewart (center-front), Miller & Ansley, P.A.; and Hayward Dykes, Jr. (right), Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP, present the Harbor District sign.

     Destin, FL, May 15 - “I have no doubt that we’ve succeeded with one of our goals: to create a group of very informed business professionals who could help address any issues we may face in Destin,” said Destin Area Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody, CCE, IOM, as he addressed the 18 graduates of Destin Forward during a dinner on May 13.

     Destin Forward, the Chamber’s community education and leadership program, was created by the Board of Directors to help find and educate future city and business leaders. After a retreat in August, the class spent the next eight months touring and learning about Destin’s waterways; tourism industry; development and real estate; arts, culture, and non-profits; environment; city programs and services; and the state legislature. Class requirements also included attendance at several Chamber and civic functions.

     “This has been a tremendous program for the Chamber,” said Chamber Chairman Karen McCarthy, Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union. “More people in the community talk about this program as much as any we do.”

     As its community service project, the class organized a local restaurant tour to raise money towards the purchase of a much needed Harbor District sign that will be placed in the median across from the Lucky Snapper on Highway 98, just east of the Destin Bridge. The goal is to increase awareness of the Destin Harbor to those visiting the Gulf Coast and support future marketing and promotional programs. During the ceremony, the class unveiled and presented the sign. Plans are to have the sign installed this summer.

     During the event, the Destin Forward Leadership Award, which was chosen by a class vote, was presented to class member Brandon “Brad” Stewart, Miller, Ansley & Stewart, P.A. Stewart was chosen for being out in front all year, never failing to step up when asked, or when the need arose. He exemplified what this award should represent: leadership ability, teamwork, and community understanding.

     “It was an honor to serve the City of Destin along side each one of my classmates. I am a better person for having involved myself in Destin Forward and developing the relationships that sprouted from this class; they will no doubt last a lifetime. I am truly humbled to receive the Destin Forward Leadership Award. As public servants, we do not perform duties in the hopes of receiving accolades. Our true reward is seeing the community we serve flourish. I hope Destin Forward’s small contribution will enable the Harbor District to do just that,” said Stewart about his experience in the class.

     Stewart will now sit on the Destin Forward Advisory Committee along with three of his classmates, Wendy Schaefer, Destin Area Chamber of Commerce; Rick Scali, Easy Street Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals, LLC; and Michelle Sperzel, Shelter House, Inc. They will join the board members elected last year, Monica Autrey, Baskerville-Donovan, Inc.; Steve Cann, Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James and Associates; Lisa Hanson, Seascape Resort & Conference Center; and Kelly Sandro, Whitney National Bank. The board assists Chamber staff in planning and administering the Destin Forward Program. Each year, four class members will be chosen by the class to sit on the committee for 3-year terms.

     Graduating members of this Destin Forward class include Ginger Barry, Broad and Cassel; Connie Brown, Newman Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.; Hayward Dykes, Jr., Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP; Robert Gilmore, The Gilmore Law Firm, P.A.; Colleen Holland, Whitney National Bank; Cara McNulty, O'Sullivan Creel, LLP; Joshua Miller, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC; John Ralls, Ralls Law Firm, LLC; Shane Roberson, Simple HR; Rick Scali, Easy Street Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals, LLC; Wendy Schaefer, Destin Area Chamber of Commerce; Michelle Sperzel, Shelter House, Inc.; Brandon “Brad” Stewart, Miller, Ansley & Stewart, P.A.; Leslie Tatum, ADP; Angela Triplett, Howard Group; Bill Ullery, GulfSouth Private Bank; John Weathers, Colonial Bank; and Jeanie Zepponi, The Zepponi Group.

     For more information about the program or how to join the class of 2010, please contact Risa Garner at (850) 837-2711 x2.