Scott Russell Named 2026 Van Ness Butler, Jr. Award Winner
When Scott Russell talks about hospitality, it’s not a job title — it’s a calling, which makes him the perfect recipient for the 2026 Van Nes Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award.
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.
After nearly two decades with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Russell’s path eventually led him to Walton County. What began as a professional move in 2009 soon became something more: a personal reconnection to family, community and purpose.
“I’d done a lot of traveling,” Russell recalls. “I was really looking to find Scott again — to reconnect with special people and family.”
As vice president of global sales for Ritz-Carlton, Russell was responsible for all company-wide sales training initiatives, and he also held multiple senior leadership roles at the New Orleans and Atlanta locations. When a former colleague, then-president of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, reached out about a new opportunity, Russell packed his bags and moved from Louisiana to Walton County sight unseen.
What he found in Walton County was a community that felt instantly like home.
“I loved the pride people have in saying where they live,” Russell says. “They love talking about it — sharing their stories and memories — and through that, inspiring others to visit.”
During his tenure as vice president of sales and marketing at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Russell led the team through both triumphs and trials — including the economic uncertainty surrounding the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“We came out of it stronger,” he says. “And while the circumstances weren’t what anyone wanted, it brought national attention to just how beautiful our beaches truly are.”
After leaving the resort, he co-founded Russell and Russell Consulting — a consulting firm that worked with major hospitality brands nationwide, as well as locally with Howard Hospitality and the opening of Grand Boulevard’s Hyatt Place.
“When people ask what I do,” he says, “I tell them my job is to make people successful.”
That belief led him to create Dynamic Sales Solutions, a sales training company, where he’s helped professionals from international brands and TDC boards around the nation to strengthen their skills and confidence in representing their destination.
Russell was recently recognized with Walton County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership in Excellence Award. His work with Walton County, as a former member of the TDC and as a consultant, has been especially meaningful.
“It’s so rewarding to see the people who represent our destination grow and thrive,” Russell says. “They’re the heart of what makes visitors fall in love with this area.”
Beyond hospitality, Russell’s dedication to community extends to his role as the board of directors chairman for Alaqua Animal Refuge — a position he’s held for the past two years after eight years of service.
“It’s another passion of mine,” he says. “When I’m not helping people succeed, I’m helping beautiful souls find the families that complete them.”
The Van Ness Butler, Jr. Award recognizes individuals who embody excellence in hospitality, leadership and community service — values Russell has carried throughout his career.
“I’ve had the fortune of mentoring so many incredible people here,” he reflects. “The greatest joy of any leader is to see those you’ve influenced prosper — not just as professionals, but as representatives of this county and everything it stands for.”
When asked what it means to receive the 2026 award, Russell’s humility shines through.
“I feel very honored,” he says. “The people who’ve received this award before me are ones I’ve admired since I arrived in 2009. To be recognized among them — and by the people of Walton County — means a great deal to me.”
For more information on Russell and the Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award, visit waltoncountyfltourism.com/van-ness-butler-jr-award.