Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award
Nominations will be accepted between Monday, Aug. 18 and Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.
Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award
Nominations Accepted Aug. 18-Sept. 5
Walton County Tourism announces the opening of nominations for the 2026 Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award. Submissions will be accepted from Monday, Aug. 18, through Friday, Sept. 5, either by using the online form below or emailing the application to Lisa@WCFLTourism.com. The application and rules are available in Word and PDF.
This annual hospitality award was established in 2003 by the Walton County Tourism Department (WCTD) to encourage and recognize excellence in hospitality service, travel/tourism marketing, advertising, promotion, and contributions to the local community.
The award honors the legacy of service embodied by the Van Ness Butler family who acquired the land now known as Grayton Beach in 1922. The Butler family built the Grayton Beach Hotel and through their family's passion, determination, and energy set the stage for the developing tourism industry.
Following his grandfather's legacy, Van Ness Butler, Jr. served as the first chairman of the Walton County TDC, as interim executive director for two years and on the Tourist Development Council for more than 13 years. This award also honors the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductees and pioneers of Walton County's hospitality and tourism industries.
“Our tourism success is built on the dedication and innovation of individuals who go above and beyond to elevate Walton County as a premier travel destination,” said Walton County Tourism Director Matt Algarin. “This is our opportunity to celebrate a leader whose vision and commitment continue to shape the county’s impact on both our visitors and the broader tourism industry.”
Nominees are judged for their lifetime body of work, based on their high-level commitment and service to creating community vitality and quality of place, advocacy for and support of Walton County’s tourism economy, active engagement with WCT’s initiatives and activities to enhance Walton County’s standing as a premier travel destination and as a strong voice to protect and strengthen Walton County’s hospitality and tourism marketplace.
This award is open to any individual living or working in Walton County who has made a significant impact in promoting tourism and hospitality. The winner will be recognized at the WCT annual meeting in October 2025.
Please contact Lisa Foster, industry relations specialist, at Lisa@WCFLTourism.com or (850) 333-2728 for more information.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2025: Amy Wise-Coble
2024: Stacey Brady
2022: Dave Rauschkolb
2020: Jim Shirley
2019: Tracy Louthain
2017: Lino Maldonado
2016: Jennifer Steele
2015: Mike Ragsdale
2014: Jeanne Dailey
2013: Malcolm Patterson
2012: MC Davis
2011: Michael Adkinson
2010: Keith Howard
2009: Walton County Commissioners (Scott Brannon, Sara Comander, Larry Jones, Cecilia Jones, Kenneth Pridgen)
2008: Johnny Earles
2007: Pat Potter
2006: Robert Davis
2005: Don McQuade
2004: Joann Saucier
2003: Van Ness Butler, Jr.