United Way Emerald Coast has announced the 2025 honorees for its signature 40 Under 40 Awards, recognizing outstanding young professionals across Okaloosa and Walton counties.
- The awards program, hosted by United Way Emerald Coast NextGen United and presented by Florida Power & Light, honors individuals ages 21-40 who excel in leadership, community involvement and professional achievement.
The 40 honorees represent diverse career fields and are recognized for their passion in making a positive impact in the community while upholding NextGen United’s mission of engaging, educating and empowering the next generation of leaders.
The 2025 honorees are:
- Alexa Lambert, 25, Tap the Coast
- Alyssa Riley, 29, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
- Amanda Sanders, 38, Gordon Martial Arts
- Andrew B Kindle, 39, Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services
- Austin Bentley, 31, United Community Bank
- Brooklyn Peters, 23, Okaloosa County School District & Choctawhatchee High School
- Chesley Polk, 35, Polkadot Entertainment
- Crystal Weatherington, 35, LJA
- Dani Bartley, 31, United States Air Force
- Daniel Collins, 34, Community Bank
- Daniel Morrow, 36, Dave Morrow: Allstate Insurance
- Emily Clarrey, 26, Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts
- Emily Criddle, 31, Community Bank
- Emily Dahm, 39, Eglin Air Force Base
- Francis Camosse, 39, 3rd Planet Brewing, Niceville FL
- Gabby Callaway, 34, Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
- Gerard Bhagwatsingh, 34, Fort Walton Beach Police Department
- Hailey Lovejoy, 30, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida
- Jae Baldizzi, 27, RELI Marketing
- Jennifer Gutai Comella, 39, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC – Florida
- Jessica McCormack, 38, McCormack Tax
- Joe Gordon, 39, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
- John Feeney, 34, Alday-Howell Engineering, Inc.
- Joshua Grace, 39, Crestview Police Department
- Justice Jones, 26, Destin West Bayside
- Justin Turner 40, Spine Life Chiropractic – Niceville
- LXS Fregger, 37, Bit-Wizards
- Mariah Reynolds, 40, Homelessness and Housing Alliance
- Michael Tomlin, 37, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
- Nicole Arnett Sanders, 37, FiftySix
- Quennie Pearl Kayser, 26, Odom Hotelz
- Ryan Fingall, 38, Eglin Federal Credit Union
- Samantha Gusoff, 38, Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson & Big Gus Tractor & Equipment
- Sara Greco, 37, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs & Lead Into It, LLC
- Sean Devlin, 28, Sean Devlin Home + Design
- Shae Bonifacio, 29, City of Crestview
- Shannettra Francis, 26, City of Niceville
- Tarra Wixom-Destin, 35, Pink Coyote Dessert Co.
- Tevan Millette, 29, U.S. Army
- Tiffany Edwards, 38, Weatherby Consulting
The selection process began with an open nomination period allowing the public to nominate deserving individuals. United Way Emerald Coast then reached out to nominees and invited them to submit applications. A dedicated selection committee reviewed applications to identify the top 40 honorees.
- To be eligible, nominees had to be between ages 21 and 40 and either reside or work in Okaloosa or Walton County. Previous honorees are not eligible for consideration.
The 40 Under 40 Awards ceremony will take place Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Shoreline Church, 140 Palmetto Street in Destin. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Event sponsors include Eglin Federal Credit Union, Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc., Capital City Bank, The Waters at Crestview, NBI Properties and Publix. Tickets are available at www.united-way.org/40under40.
