Walton County Tourism Announces Hospitality, Tourism Award Winners

Walton County Tourism announced Artist Mindy Moore as the 2025 Artist of the Year and Scott Russell as the 2026 Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award Winner at its annual meeting on Oct. 30 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.

"We are excited to welcome Mindy Moore to the Artist of the Year family," said Matt Algarin, tourism director for Walton County. "She's an incredibly talented artist. We look forward to sharing her story and highlighting her work as the 2025 Walton County Artist of the Year."

Moore has been a resident of Santa Rosa Beach since 2005 and has been heavily involved in the arts community since 2019, primarily through the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Her work has been on display in various galleries, including the Foster Gallery, the Bayou Arts Center, the Stalls on 30A and the Point Washington Medical Center. Most recently, Moore’s work has been on display at the Ria Leigh Gallery in Grayton Beach.

“As an artist, I create because I need the self-expression,” said Moore. “To be acknowledged by my community for something so personal, to have my work represent Walton County, it scares me a little, but it’s also brought me many moments of bliss.”

Now in its 23rd year, the Artist of the Year Award honors a local artist of Walton County whose unique artistic expression captures the essence of the region's renowned creativity and beauty. The tourism initiative highlights local artists, spotlighting their work through diverse publicity channels and events throughout the year.

“This award is a significant milestone for me,” said Moore. “I’m thrilled to pieces and excited for what’s ahead.”

The Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award was established in 2003 by the Walton County Tourism Department to encourage and recognize excellence in hospitality service, travel/tourism marketing, advertising, promotion and contributions to the local community.

"It's a tremendous honor to present the Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award to Scott Russell," said Algarin. "Scott is a tremendous advocate for our community and his impacts reach far and wide. He embodies the legacy of this award."

Scott Russell, the award recipient for 2026, moved to Walton County in 2009 and brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 18 years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. After relocating to the area, he served as vice president of sales and marketing at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Following his time at Sandestin, Russell co-founded a national hotel consulting company called Russell and Russell Consulting. Today, he continues his work as a consultant and operates a sales training company that provides leadership and hospitality training.

“When people ask what I do, I tell them my job is to make people successful,” Russell said. “It’s been an honor to help train and mentor the people who represent this destination and share the spirit of hospitality that makes Walton County so special.”

In addition to his professional work, Russell has served twice on the Walton County Tourist Development Council. He actively serves as chairman on the board of directors for Alaqua Animal Refuge, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing animals in need — another reflection of his deep commitment to community.

“I feel very honored,” Russell said of receiving the award. “The people who have received this before me are ones I’ve admired since I arrived here. To be recognized among them and by the people of Walton County means a great deal to me.”

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For more information on Moore and the Artist of the Year program, visit waltoncountyfltourism.com/artist-year.

For more information on Russell and the Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Awards, visit waltoncountyfltourism.com/van-ness-butler-jr-award.