County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel has joined a select group of local leaders as a two-time recipient of the Mike Mitchell Award from the Okaloosa County Republican Club.

“I am deeply humbled to have received this honor again,” said Ketchel, who serves as the county vice chairman. “Mike Mitchell did so much for Okaloosa County in the years he served this community, and I am thankful to the Okaloosa County Republican Club for this incredible recognition.”

The award, named after the county’s first Republican commissioner who served from 1976 to 1992, recognizes Ketchel’s contributions to the community. Mitchell, known as “Mr. Republican,” was remembered for his ability to work across party lines and making public service enjoyable. He died in 2020 at age 91.

Ketchel’s achievements include spearheading the bridge-to-bridge multi-use path on Okaloosa Island, overseeing construction of a new agriculture extension services building, creating the Women Veterans Monuments, and establishing the ecumenical Lazarus Ceremony for unclaimed individuals at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

She first received the award in 2018, accepting it personally from Mitchell. Ketchel joins current Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux and School Board Chairman Lamar White as the only two-time recipients. Other honorees include State Representative T. Patt Maney, Tax Collector Ben Anderson, and Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten.