Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Brett Hinely to the Okaloosa County School Board on Friday, effective August 2, 2024. Hinely fills the vacancy left by Dr. Diane Kelley, who recently became principal of Destin High School.

Hinely, from Niceville, is the President of Cove Marine, Inc. and Bluewater High & Dry. He also directs Marina Cove Realty, LLC and Freedom Distributions, LLC. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Hinely holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Auburn University.

The appointment follows Dr. Kelley’s departure from the school board. Kelley, in her second term after re-election in 2022, was named principal of Destin High School in June. Her board term was set to end in 2026.

• Kelley brings over 36 years of experience in the Okaloosa County school system to her new role at Destin High School, a charter school established in 2021. The school operates independently but was chartered by the Okaloosa County School Board in 2019.

Hinely’s appointment fills the vacancy on the Okaloosa County School Board created by Kelley’s departure.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Superintendent Marcus Chambers congratulated Hinely on his appointment and said he looks forward to working closely with him to “further our mission of providing excellent educational opportunities for all students in our school district.”

“Mr. Hinely and his family have been long-time residents of Niceville. His deep roots in our community and extensive experience as a local businessman position him as an ideal candidate for this role,” said Chambers. “As a graduate of Okaloosa schools and as a parent of two students who have graduated and another one still attending Okaloosa Schools, he appreciates the importance of a strong school system and the value of a quality education for all students.”