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Staff

Nathan Sparks

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Nathan is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the EDC. He has held prior economic development leadership positions with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the St. Joe Company and the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority (Georgia). Nathan was awarded a B.A. from Oglethorpe University and graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. He received the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council and was awarded the prestigious Business Ambassador Award from Governor Rick Scott in 2016. Nathan serves on the United Way of Okaloosa & Walton County Board. In his free time, Nathan enjoys travel, golf, and college football.

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Kay Rasmussen

Associate Director

Serving as the Associate Director, Kay oversees the business and financial operations for the council and manages the tri-county Defense Support Initiatives Committee. She has held prior positions within the organization to include Director of Defense, Vice President and Interim President. Kay advocates for the military and military-community partnerships at the local, state and Federal levels. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council. Kay is a member of the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution National Society. In her free time, Kay enjoys antique furniture restoration, working out and the great outdoors.

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Kevin Lovelace

Director of Business Expansion

As the Director of Business Expansion, Kevin is responsible for assisting businesses in Okaloosa County with their plans for growth. He has been a recruiter for skilled labor positions, as well as having state-wide economic development and business recruitment responsibilities with Georgia Power. These roles included training and workforce development, leadership development, project management, marketing, and sales. Kevin has had leadership roles with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the Technology Association of Georgia, the British-American Business Group, the Israel-American Chamber of Commerce, and several years as the Chairman of the Board of Directors with the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce. Kevin has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University and loves to jam on his Alvarez acoustic guitar. Kevin and his wife Carol have two adult sons and reside in Okaloosa County.

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