Photo Caption (left to right) - Brenda Gray, Jessica Holzapple, David Butler, and Jennifer Gutai Comella
On Jan. 29, Destin Chamber members celebrated the Chamber’s most outstanding individuals and businesses during the annual Awards Party & Wine Pairing Dinner Presented by Trustmark. Hosted by Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer on the beautiful Destin Harbor, the event featured a cocktail reception and awards ceremony before guests were treated to a curated dinner paired with Orin Swift wines.
The 2025 Destin Chamber Chairman Jenni Brunson of Okaloosa Gas served as master of ceremonies. She first presented the Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year Award to Brenda Gray of Hilton Garden Inn - Destin/Miramar Beach.
“As you know, the Ambassadors play a vital role in the success of our functions and events. This year’s winner certainly earned the honor. Always smiling or laughing, and just plain having fun, she makes it easy for everyone,” said Brunson. She credited Gray’s role as a major cause of the effectiveness of the entire Ambassador organization.
The next award presented was the Ann Gibson Community Service Award Sponsored by Okaloosa Gas. Okaloosa Gas stresses the importance of community involvement and service, so it is a natural fit to sponsor this award.
“Since moving to the area in 2011, she has been a driving force behind meaningful change both locally and globally. She has coordinated disaster relief efforts, established community-wide serve days to meet the needs of local organizations, and worked with mission partners around the world, including building a school in Uganda, Africa,” said Brunson, before announcing Jessica Holzapple of Shoreline Church as the award winner. “As a mom of four, including a child with special needs, her passion for connection and inclusion drives her leadership of initiatives like Night to Shine, a prom night celebrating individuals with special needs, and the reason she was nominated and chosen as the winner.”
John Sumrall, President of Trustmark’s Emerald Coast Operation, came to the stage to present the Business Person of the Year Award. He explained Trustmark's sponsorship of the Business Person of the Year Award, which perfectly aligns with its core values of integrity, service, accountability, relationships, and solutions.
He announced Jennifer Gutai Comella of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale as the 2025 Business Person of the Year Sponsored by Trustmark.
"She is a 2018 graduate of Destin Forward. She has led numerous state and local organizations as a board member and chair of the board of those organizations. She’s done a great job of becoming known as a top-notch attorney and plays a vital role in the success of her firm. Her involvement locally includes the Destin History and Fishing Museum, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, and Destin Water Users boards. She recently served the Destin Chamber Board of Directors and was chairman in 2022,” said Sumrall.
The James D. Neilson Sr. Chairman's Award for Volunteer Service Award was presented next. This award is determined by the Chairman of the Board and President & CEO, after input from Chamber staff.
“This year’s winner has gone so far and above that it’s impossible to describe his value to the Destin Chamber and the business community. He attends almost everything the chamber does. He is truly an extension of the staff,” said Brunson. She called David Butler of Faith Assembly Christian Church to the stage, after listing his many contributions, including being a graduate of the very first Destin Forward class, emceeing HarborWalk Village's Thursday night All American Concert Series every year, serving on the Chamber Board for the fifth year, and being a multi-year Honorary Commander on Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.
Brunson then recognized Trustee members celebrating milestones. Trustee membership is the highest level of commitment to the Destin Chamber and the business community. She thanked and congratulated Trustmark, Warren Averett, and Destin – Fort Walton Beach for their 20-year commitment and Eglin Federal Credit Union for its five-year commitment.
Before closing the event, Brunson recognized the Chamber’s outgoing board members, including Jason Belcher of FNBT Bank, Dr. Cristie Kedroski of Northwest Florida State College, and Tanya Rauch. She then called all past Chairmen and Board members to the front and led them in a toast to the Chamber and the year ahead.
Thank you to all event sponsors who contributed greatly to the event’s success, including presenting sponsor Trustmark; awards sponsors Okaloosa Gas and Trustmark; bar sponsors Five Channels and Warren Averett, LLC; and centerpiece and napkin sponsor Five Channels.
