Katie Robison has deep ties to the Emerald Coast, having been born at Eglin Air Force Base and returning to the area after living and working in several states.

• Today, she serves as Director of Community Sales at LiveOak Fiber, where her work focuses on building relationships with communities, property owners, and organizations across Florida and Georgia.

Her role combines sales, community engagement, travel, and board involvement, often balancing meetings, property visits, and community events throughout the week. With a fast-paced schedule and a relationship-driven career, she stays organized through time-blocking, prioritization, and a strong focus on long-term goals.

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

I’m kind of a lifelong local. Both of my parents served in the United States Air Force, so I was born on Eglin Air Force Base. I attended Edwins Elementary for a year before our family was stationed at other bases, including time overseas. We moved back to the area the year I started high school, and I graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School. After high school, I attended Northwest Florida State College, where I continued dancing, before transferring to the University of North Florida to finish school. I spent several years living in North Carolina, South Florida, and Colorado, but ultimately made my way back home. I’ve been back in the area since 2023 and am happy to be here again.

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

Director of Community Sales at LiveOak Fiber

What’s your morning routine?

When I’m home, I usually start the day with a workout, spend time with my dogs, and then get ready for the day ahead.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

On a typical workday, whether I’m in our Florida or Georgia market, I spend much of my time in internal meetings or onsite visiting properties such as condos, apartments, multifamily communities, and HOAs, that are considering our services.

In Florida, our coverage spans four counties from Santa Rosa to Bay County, while in Georgia we support communities in Glynn and Chatham counties. My team works closely with multifamily, vacation rental, and HOA communities to evaluate fiber internet solutions that meet their needs, which often includes presenting to boards, answering questions, and collaborating throughout the decision-making process.

In addition to my day-to-day responsibilities, I serve on the boards of the Walton County Economic Development Alliance and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, both of which meet monthly, and I regularly attend events and breakfasts with the Crestview Chamber, Fort Walton Beach Chamber, Community Associations Institute, and the Coastal Georgia Apartment Association, and serve at the Honorary Commander for the 513th on Eglin AFB.

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

I start each day by checking Teams, then reviewing my email to make sure nothing urgent came in overnight. I’ve been doing email prioritization time blocks for a few years now so I can stay on top of emails without letting it take over my day. It’s been a game changer for those that receive a lot of email communication every day.

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

Anything and everything in Microsoft, HubSpot, Peloton, my Oura ring & my phone.

Apple or Android?

Apple

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

Iced Chai with extra ice and cold foam on top (even when we have our couple weeks of below freezing temperatures)

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

It really depends on where I’m at and whether I’m hosting someone for lunch. I try to support local restaurants wherever I am and enjoy checking out new spots as they open. That said, I’ll almost always choose Mexican if it’s an option.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Max Strength Fitness in Bluewater Bay is a local business I really enjoy supporting. With my on-the-go schedule, fitness was something I often pushed to the back burner. Since joining over a year ago, I’ve been able to consistently work it into my routine whether that’s before work, during lunch, after work, or even remotely when I’m traveling. It’s made staying active manageable, and they’ve played a big role in helping me stay strong and healthy.

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

Take ownership of the outcome, not just your part in it. It’s easy to execute your piece and move on. Real impact comes from caring about how it all comes together. Where things break down, where alignment is missing, and what needs to happen to actually get it across the finish line.

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

Whew, I’d tell her a lot if she’d listen, but mostly I would tell her, don’t measure your life against someone else’s milestones. You’re going to build a life that doesn’t follow a traditional script and at times, that will feel uncomfortable. But you’ll gain independence, perspective, and confidence that you can’t get by staying where it’s safe. Trust yourself more. You’re capable of starting over and turning it into something better every single time.

How do you unwind after a long day?

A walk outside is usually my reset button after a long day. Then it’s a good book, maybe a skinny margarita, and live music whenever I can. But my dogs are the real MVPs, they’re the quickest way to unwind no matter what kind of day it’s been.

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

Most people don’t know that I think a lot about building something of my own one day. I’ve taken a pretty nontraditional path moving, trying new industries, figuring things out as I go, and that’s shaped how I see business and leadership. Owning my own business is something I’d love to do when the time is right.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

It’s coming up soon, the Gate to Gate Memorial Run/Walk. It’s one of my earliest memories growing up in this community, and it’s something that still feels deeply sentimental every year. Seeing people from all walks of life come together to honor America’s heroes is something that never loses its meaning.

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

There’s an episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast called “7 Things You Need to Hear Right Now” that was released earlier this January. I’ve listened to it more times than I can count, and it’s continued to inspire me throughout the year. No matter what’s happening in the world, it’s been something I keep coming back to. It grounds me every time.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl, but I balance both. My best ideas come in the afternoon/evening.

Most used emoji?

🤠

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

Yes, always. I’m a big Kelsea Ballerini fan, so that’s often playing, but I listen to country, pop and rap.

Favorite motivational quote?

I’m not sure who originally said this or if it’s an iteration of something said before, but it’s a perspective that’s stayed with me: We’re all dealt different hands. How we choose to play them is up to us.

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Mix, I do both and a walking pad under me when I’m standing.

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

Don’t wait until you feel ready, you’ll learn faster by doing. And don’t just do your job, pay attention to how things actually work. The biggest opportunities are usually in the gaps no one owns.

Are you a member of the FWB Chamber of Commerce?

Yes, I’ve been a member of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce since returning to the area in 2023, and it’s been an incredibly valuable part of my experience both personally and professionally. The connections I’ve made through the Chamber whether meeting new people or reconnecting with familiar faces have been meaningful and impactful. It’s created opportunities to build relationships in a way that feels genuine and rooted in the community.

From a business perspective, the impact has been just as significant. We launched in 2022 as a new company, and in less than four years, we’ve grown to serve over 40,000 customers. The visibility, relationships, and support through the Chamber have played a role in that growth. It’s been a powerful resource, not just for expanding business, but for staying connected to the community we’re proud to serve.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

I have a bit of a split personality when it comes to sports, college and professional. Auburn, Tennessee, and Florida State football are all college teams I cheer for unless they’re playing each other then we’ll see how I feel that day. Duke basketball is non-negotiable, my mom went there, and I respect a dynasty. If I’m traveling, in the country or internationally, I’m finding a game or live music to go to.