Business

Destin Chamber graduates 18th ‘Destin Forward’ class, honors Kyle Davis with leadership award

The Destin Chamber celebrated 16 graduates from its 18th Destin Forward class on May 7, with Kyle Davis earning the leadership award.

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

The Destin Chamber marked the graduation of 16 business professionals from the 18th Destin Forward class on May 7, capping an eight-month program designed to develop future city and business leaders.

Kyle Davis of Integrity Financial Group received the Destin Forward Leadership Award, which is chosen by a vote of the class.

Destin Forward is a community education and leadership program created to find and educate future leaders in the city. Following a retreat in August, the class spent the program touring and learning about Destin’s waterways, tourism industry, arts and culture, nonprofits, environment, city programs and services, economic development and the military.

Class requirements include attendance at several Chamber and civic functions, as well as a group project that creates a lasting impact on the city. This year’s class is restoring the tank in front of American Legion Post 296 in Destin.

With this class, the program’s alumni total has reached 283.

Graduates of the Destin Forward Class of 2026 are:

Graduates of the Destin Forward Class of 2026 are:
Chris Wade, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Wendy Baggett, First National Bank
Lesley Brown, First Security Bank
Kyle Davis, Integrity Financial Group
Shannon Davis, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Amber Feliz, Greystar Property Management
Dan Feliz, Raymond James and Associates
Megan Gehlbach, Gypsea Pool and Spa
Ed Hart, BluePoint Financial LLC
Jessica Jullian, Destin Water Users
Jolie Kremser, Community Bank
Evangeline Mercado, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin
Beatriz Miller, City of Destin
Davis Parrish, Renasant Financial Services
Andrew Rowe, NexTech Business Solutions, LLC
Brand Thaggard, Warren Averett

Four class members, also chosen by class vote, will join the Destin Forward Advisory Board for three-year terms to help guide the program for future classes. Those selected are Wendy Baggett, Megan Gehlbach, Jessica Jullian and Beatriz Miller.

Applications are now available for the Destin Forward Class of 2027. For more information, call 850-837-6241 or email mail@DestinChamber.com.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Business

Destin Chamber honors four community leaders at annual awards ceremony

Business, Giving Back

Harvest House’s Lori Joyner named Destin Chamber’s ‘Business Person of the Quarter’

Business

Destin Chamber cancels Paddle at the Park after 12 years

Business

Destin Chamber welcomes new leadership, sets goals for 2025

Roger L Schaeffer commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“I will keep an open mind for now. Data Centers are complex and must be evaluated thoroughly before approving any applications. Our county officials must keep all the facts accurate...”

Respond

kathleen porter commented on Fort Walton Beach firefighters seek 343 volunteers to ring bell on 25th anniversary of 9/11

“How do you sign up for bell ringing or do we just show up day of?”

Violet commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“If there is a data center built anywhere near my home, my home goes up for sale. We are currently living part-time in Fredericksburg, Virginia. You do not want these...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: September 3, 2026

“2:34, 5 attempts”

Victoria Sellers commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“How fun!!”

Jim McSwain commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“This is the fly in the ointment. “It would not affect school district taxes, independent special districts, fire districts, non-ad valorem assessments, MSTUs or MSBUs.” Special Districts, fire districts, etc...”

James Keir Baughman Sr. commented on Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to remove license plate reader cameras after statewide FDOT order

“It is shockingly past time to end these invasive citizen surveillance cameras. So many of us are stunned that our hired and elected officials were willing to abuse, even criminalize,...”

Teri Whittaker commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“What a great idea and such a wonderful way to honor Dolly! Love this!”

Sandee Paradisi commented on ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Niceville volleyball’s Kate Jannazo plays every rotation and is only getting more comfortable

“I what an outstanding young lady this Kate Jannazo is!!! Congratulations on all your accomplishments!”

Brooke Warrick commented on Fort Walton Beach Council votes to use cemetery funds to buy out $3.87 million deed restriction on City Hall property

“They should not be allowed to sell off the property. We do not need another hotel or apartment buildings. Behind city hall we have a neighborhood and city athletic fields....”