Destin Chamber's Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series: Mary Anne Windes, Real Estate Professionals of Destin

In 2021, Ladies Who Launch is continuing its Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in our community. Our April 14 event will feature lifelong Destin/Fort Walton Beach resident Mary Anne Windes.

Mary Anne grew up in Fort Walton Beach riding, training, and showing horses, while she attended school. She earned an AA degree is Business Administration at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College and obtained her BA in Accounting from the University of West Florida with the help of a tennis scholarship.  She has been married for 35 years to Capt. Kelly Windes.  They have two grown children, ages 34 and 33, and three grandchildren with one more on the way.  

Mary Anne's early career in accounting started in auditing and setting up new businesses.  She has put those strengths to work for her family setting up and managing 16 separate businesses including 10 various types of commercial boats, three real estate companies, a marina, and a few retail ventures, plus she's helped with several political campaigns. 

An active community leader, she was a two-time Chairman of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority appointed for two terms by Governor Jeb Bush, President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Chairman of the Destin Chamber, Honorary Commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing to receive the first F35 jets at Eglin AFB, Chairman of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Chairman of the Miss Destin Pageant for 4 years, and Chairman, leader, or member of various other community boards, committees, and special projects.   She has been a weekly usher at her church for over 20 years, co-teaches the Crown Financial Ministry series, and handles the books for the Church of Destin, a non-profit corporation comprised of 17 Destin churches who come together each year to host Destin’s Week of Blessings, which began with the over 65 year tradition Blessing of the Fleet. 

Her primary vocation is real estate where she handles both commercial and residential transactions for friends and referrals.  She is the broker and owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin, an independent boutique real estate company located on the Destin Harbor for 24 years, and Real Estate Professionals of NW FLA, Inc.   She holds various distinguished designations in real estate that signify excellence, education, and experience.  She was acknowledged for her achievements twice by receiving the coveted Realtor of the Year award conveyed by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors in 1997 and 2010, as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Women's Council of Realtors.  

She loves spending time with family and friends, a challenge, any type of furry pets, exercising, and Russell Stover's chocolate. 

Ladies Who Launch, a committee of the Destin Chamber, offers the Chamber's female membership a platform for strategic networking and relationship building, while training, motivating and inspiring those members. 

There is no cost to attend this event for Destin Chamber members, but space is limited, and registration is required. Please bring your lunch.