Michele Burns is a Fort Walton Beach native who has spent much of her career serving the local community.

• After briefly moving away following college, she returned home and built a career centered on workforce development and helping others find opportunity.

Today, as Executive Director of CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, her role spans board meetings, state requirements, and community partnerships across two counties. Her days are rarely predictable, but her focus remains the same — supporting her team, strengthening the workforce, and helping individuals move toward self-sufficiency.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

Yes I am a native of Fort Walton Beach. I did move away for a few years after college but found my way back home.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

Executive Director – CareerSource Okaloosa Walton

What’s your morning routine?

This is an interesting question for me because it has changed since my husband retired and he has taken over the morning chores. I am lucky that I just get to get up and head to work.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

I am not sure that I ever have a typical day which is what makes this position so unique. I belong to several boards and the Board of County Commissioners approve most of what we do here, so you can find me attending a lot of their meetings in either Okaloosa or Walton Counties. We have a lot of State deadlines to meet, so those activities can consume a good bit of time also.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

Well, unfortunately I am back on my diet coke kick, so that is the first thing that I usually do, but that aside, I like to check emails and attend to anything that is pressing, double check my calendar not only for that day but for the week and make any adjustments that I need to make. I also usually call over to our One-Stop to check in and see if they need anything.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

I guess I am like most and would be lost without a phone. At home, one of my favorite gadgets is my picture frame and love when pictures of my grandchildren show up.

Apple or Android?

Android

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Neither – just a diet coke.

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

Most days just eat at my desk unless I have a lunch meeting. I keep a drawer full of snacks just in case.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

I love our downtown area and had fun doing the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl. We tend to eat at home most of the time and I shop out of necessity. I guess if I had to pick a place we do go to Ali’s and The Twisted Grape. My husband and I are both members of the Elks and the Moose Lodge and although they are probably not considered local businesses, they both do a lot for our Community and we try to participate when we can.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

I am not sure that it was ever one piece of advice, but I have worked for many different managers and tried to learn from all of them. I think for the most part this strengthened the way that I manage and the ways that I do not want to manage a team.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Honestly – I stayed at a job for 28 1/2 years, so I probably would have told myself to join the military and see the world.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I have a back porch that I just love. If it is cold, we will turn on the heaters, but it is just a nice place to sit and relax. I also talk to my daughter 2 to 3 days a week while she drives home to Baker from Fort Walton Beach, and this keeps me up to date with the grandkids.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Well I am pretty much an open book, but some may not know that we have 2 classic cars and that we love showing them. We have a 34 Ford Coupe and a 36 Chevy Truck. A Camaro is in the garage and still a long way from the driving stage.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

I like the local car shows of course and I like anything Mardi Gras. I have been in the ladies Mardi Gras Club for years.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

The work that we do at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton can be very inspiring. When someone gets to ring the job bell – it brings together all the work that is done here. When I hear the success stories that this team shares, it makes it all worth it.

Early bird or night owl?

Early Bird

Most used emoji?

Smiley Faces

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

No not while working – going to see Shinedown in October so have been listening to their music.

Favorite motivational quote?

Said to have been by Confucius: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Sitting – only because that is what I have

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

You have to love the mission and wanting everyone to be self-sufficient. Our counselors do a great job helping our clients get the training them need, the right resume to get the next job, or even helping them transition from the military to the civilian world. A lot of good things happen under our roofs in both Okaloosa and Walton County.

Are you a member of the FWB Chamber of Commerce?

Yes – I started with the Chamber many years ago and worked on the HC White Golf Tournament (I might still hold the record for selling the most door prize and mulligan tickets). I also worked on the Business After Hours Committee for many years. I have just now been appointed to the Chamber Board. The Chamber has allowed us to tell our story and get our word out into the Community. I feel it would be hard to be successful in our area without belonging to this Chamber because of the members and networking opportunities.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

Just personally – I have two grandsons and one is the Head Baseball Coach at Choctaw – David Weber and his brother Dustin Berrong is one of his assistant coaches. So I am back every now and then in the concession stand where they both played ball. They have also made me a Great Grandmother – the kids call me Shell and we have 2 right now and one due in a few weeks.