Business

Fort Walton Beach Chamber names BitWizards CEO Vince Mayfield as Life Director, installs 2026 leadership

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce installed 2026 leadership and honored community excellence during its annual breakfast, recognizing long-standing business contributions.

Ashley Ward

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce named Vince Mayfield, CEO and co-founder of Bit-Wizards, as Life Director during the Chamber’s Annual Installation and Awards Breakfast on Friday, January 9.

The Life Director designation recognizes an individual whose long-standing commitment, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the Chamber and the Greater Fort Walton Beach business community. Mayfield actively supports the Chamber and has earned recognition as a leader within the region’s technology and business sectors.

The annual event also marked the installation of the Chamber’s 2026 leadership and a formal transition of board leadership. Gordon King, CEO of Okaloosa Gas, who completed a successful year as chairman of the board, ceremonially passed the gavel to Bonnie Barlow, president and CEO of Bridgeway Center, who will serve as chairman for 2026.

King reflected on the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year, highlighting continued progress in member engagement, advocacy and community partnerships.

Source: Frances Roy Agency/Greater FWB Chamber of Commerce

Barlow outlined priorities for the year ahead, emphasizing advocacy, collaboration and continued economic growth throughout Okaloosa County, guided by her theme for the year: Leadership, Service and Success.

The Chamber presented its annual awards to the following recipients:

Annual Awards:

Volunteer of the Year: Barbara Britt, B Britt, LLC
Ambassador of the Year: Paul Singleton
Local Business of the Year: Mills Heating & Air
Corporate Business of the Year: Cox Media

The event also featured the Teddy Awards, which recognized individuals for their dedication and contributions to the community.

Teddy Award winners:

Carolyn Ketchel, Okaloosa County Commissioner
Stephen Perkins, Warren Averett
Debbie Dodge, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Bernard Johnson, Florida Power & Light
Kelly Jasen, United Way Emerald Coast
Shane Weddle, FASTSIGNS
Chief Robert Bage, City of Fort Walton Beach Police Department
Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County school superintendent
Ben Merrell, owner of Soundside Waterfront Bar and Fort Walton Beach City Council member

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as a leading advocate for business, economic development and quality of life throughout the region.

For more information about programs, events and chamber membership, visit www.fwbchamber.org.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Business, Sponsored

Bit-Wizards urges businesses to prepare for hurricane season despite below-normal forecast

Events

Winners announced for 70th annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade in Fort Walton Beach

How I Work

HOW I WORK: An inside look at how HCA’s Emma Wegher balances healthcare leadership, growth, and community connection

Business

Bit-Wizards honors veterans on its team during Military Appreciation Month

Hannah Harris commented on City of Crestview to build ‘tiny town’ playground at the library

“Please cease and desist from using the trademarked name "Tiny Town" in your article. Thank you! Tiny Town is a federally trademarked name.”

Respond

Cathie Buckman commented on Okaloosa raises awareness to end human trafficking in our local area

“Who do I contact to learn more about helping raise awareness and rescue efforts?”

keoms commented on WordroW: June 12, 2026

“57 seconds”

JD Cameron commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“What a milestone! The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso will always honor you for starting our club over 50 years ago. Your help over the years with AKtion Club is also...”

Cindy Frakes commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Congratulations Paul, on this milestone event! Your dedication to and support of the Chamber and new businesses are unparalleled.”

Vern McGraw commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Paul Between the Chamber and the FWB Kiwanis club, your impact our community is beyond measure. I want to thank you for your dedicated support for the Kiwanis sponsored Aktion...”

filftwalton commented on Trespassing on Eglin’s Santa Rosa Island test area climbs in 2026, officials warn of fines and charges

“Well put Gary”

Robert Noel Pinard commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Congratulations Paul for a well deserved recognition! You deserve it! Bob Pinard”

Debbie Dodge commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Thank you, Paul, for ALL that you do for our Chamber members and our community! Your dedication to helping others has made a huge impact on so many of us....”

Alice Cramden commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council declines county’s broader speed camera refund request

“Got a feeling it's a lot of money they don't want to give up.”