Joni Wallace, President
Joni Wallace is a Colorado native and graduate of University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She moved to Niceville, Florida in 2013 for what was her husband’s last Air Force assignment.
As a military spouse moving around the country, Joni had the opportunity to lead multiple volunteer organizations and activities supporting military families, local schools and booster clubs. Once her husband retired from the Air Force, Joni wanted to stay involved in the local community but in a different way from what she’d known as a military spouse. She served as the first Board President of a local non-profit that is a past recipient of an Impact100 NWF grant and is still involved in the organization in various ways.
It has always been important to Joni to do what she could with the time she was given in each place she called home, and she was excited to join Impact100 NWF in 2020 and be part of the difference it’s making in the community. Since becoming a member, she has served on various Focus Area Committees, as Grant Committee Co-Chair and as Vice President. She considers it an honor to serve as the Impact100 NWF President.
Tara Pierce, Vice President
Tara Pierce is a seasoned Vice President of Operations driving operational performance, organizational development, and continuous financial improvement for the organization. Over her 25-year career, Tara has been able to leverage her broad corporate acumen and strategic and business management expertise to ensure growth and sustainability. In 2021, she pursued her dream of entrepreneurism and started two LLCs focusing on helping small, local businesses with financial, operational, and HR efficiencies.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University in Financial Management and a Master of Science in Finance degree from Walsh College, with a concentration in Corporate Finance.
Tara got involved with Impact100 NWF after moving to Destin in 2021 and served on the Financial Review Committee.
Robin Donlon, Treasurer
Robin Donlon is the Market President at SmartBank, covering the Florida Panhandle. Her father was in the Air Force when they relocated to Eglin Air Force Base when she was 3-years old. She currently lives in Fort Walton Beach with her husband, Nathan Kelley and their three kids, Carsen, Keanan and Kaylin. Robin has been in the banking and lending industry for 14 years.
She is currently serving on the board for Community Solutions of the Emerald Coast (One Hopeful Place) and is a Take Stock in Children mentor. She has previously served on the board for the Fort Walton Beach Chamber and as Treasurer for the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. In her spare time, she enjoys being out on the water with her family.
Schala Duckett, Secretary
Schala was born to an Air Force family, traveling continuously and eventually landing in Shalimar, graduating from Choctawhatchee Senior High School in 1982. Attending Florida State University on an Air Force Scholarship, she graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. While active duty, she met her husband Kelley (also from the FWB area) in Germany and they married in 1995. Schala retired from the Air Force in 2006, and in 2007, she and her husband along with three little children, moved home to the FWB area to be near their parents.
Triggered by an illness with her mother, Schala returned to clinical nursing for two years, then
transitioned to be the Cardiology RN at White Wilson Medical Center for six years, and now continues to serve as a Case Manager/Discharge Planner at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.
In addition to her professional career, Schala has been a busy mother of three stair step children, now in their early 20s, who are still in school and branching off into their own careers. Also, she is an active member of Shalimar United Methodist Church, Republican Women of Florida, the Krewe of Bowlegs and supporter of Opportunity Place.
Schala joined Impact 100 several years ago with the intent of becoming more involved in the local community. From day one, she has been active in several areas such as Grant Review Committees, Annual Membership Meeting Committee, Mentorship program, Membership/Events Committee and as liaison to the 2021 PAWS Grant Recipient. Additionally, she has been an Evergreen member since its inception.
Carly Barnes, Past President
Carly Barnes is the Executive Director of Caring & Sharing of South Walton. She moved to the area fifteen years ago after graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences.
She currently lives in Santa Rosa Beach with her husband Geoff, daughter Millie, and their Labradoodle Sunny Cha Cha.
Carly is very involved in the nonprofit community along the Emerald Coast serving and volunteering with multiple organizations. She currently works with The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and is a Sustainer in the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. Carly joined Impact100 NWF as a NextGen member in 2017.
Della Goodson, Founding Board Member
Della Goodson is a native of Okaloosa County and has lived most of her life in the Florida Panhandle. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Elementary Education from Graceland University and a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Troy University. She spent several years teaching 6th grade before working as a Guidance Counselor. She currently works as a 5th grade math and science teacher at Destin Middle School. Della has also worked as a case manager for homeless prevention and as a regional coordinator for youth ministries. This work informed her desire to make a positive impact on our community through philanthropic endeavors.
Della is an active member of the Community of Christ. She holds the office of Elder and serves as part of the pastoral team and praise band. She volunteers at youth camps working in many roles such as pastor, counselor, camp and retreat director, and campfire leader. Della also serves as a Board of Management member for Bluff Springs Campgrounds. She was a founding member and board member of Okaloosa Chamber Singers. She currently sings with the Crestview Community Chorus.
Melanie Adams
Melanie Adams is an entrepreneur and President of SAMM Electric, a successful electrical contracting company founded in 2002. SAMM Electric services government, commercial, and residential electrical installation needs in the Florida Panhandle.
In addition to being on the Board of Directors for Impact100 NWF, Melanie has served as President of the Paxton Ruritan Club (2011-2013), friend of the Thomas A. McQueen Masonic Lodge, and an active community leader in the Paxton Area.
Melanie’s philanthropy can only be lauded. Future Farmers of America (FFA), Nursing Home Hero Christmas project, Paxton Area Youth Sports (PAYS), Paxton High School Basketball - summer camp sponsorships, and Impact100 are some the organizations she supports.
With the heart to serve, Melanie looks forward to working with Impact100 NWF and contributing to help make a difference in the lives of others.
Carrie Brewer
Christopher Reeve said you’ve got to give more than you take. Carrie has strived to live an exemplary life. Growing up, Carrie and her family benefited from many nonprofits and charitable organizations. This left a deep urge in her to give back and push for inclusivity within organizations. Luckily, her husband’s military service has afforded her opportunities to do just that in many geographical locations.
Carrie has lived on the Emerald Coast for 15 years total with her Husband, two college-aged daughters, and their dogs. After a big career change, she works in real estate and development. Carrie also has working experience in the nonprofit, child welfare, and education sectors. In the past, she has given her time to Toys for Tots, Take Stock in Children, The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, and several military-based organizations.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family when they can all be together, reading, biking, and taking way too many photos. Carrie has wanted to become a member of Impact100 for many years and looks forward to being part of the impact on our local communities.
Deborah Busby
Deborah Busby has lived in the Fort Walton Beach area for the past 47 years with a few exceptions. She moved here with family when her father was assigned to Hurlburt AFB, and proudly graduated from Choctawhatchee High School. While in college, she met and married the love of her life. They enjoyed the local area as they raised a family, while Deborah completed a master’s degree and continued her career. She retired in 2020 as an Air Force Civilian working at Eglin AFB as an Operations Research Analyst.
Deborah stays busy with her husband & family, playing with grandkids, and volunteering at the Salvation Army. Her hobbies include lace making, sewing, crafts, gardening, cooking, Pilates, and yoga. She joined Impact100 in 2022 and enjoyed working on the Family Grant Review Committee, served as 2023 co-chair for Family, and is looking forward to supporting the organization as a board member.
LeAnn Caravello
A native Californian, LeAnn received her Bachelor of Arts degree in speech pathology at California State University and Master of Arts in communications disorders and special education teaching credential from the University of the Pacific. She has held positions as a clinical director in the private clinic setting and department manager. As a speech-language pathologists, her passion has been working with adults with communication deficits due to stroke, traumatic brain injury and communication disorders associated with other neurological disorders.
She has served as as a facilitator and lecturer with support groups serving these individuals. LeAnn is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association.
She is a volunteer at the Shalimar Library, a nonprofit library. Her additional responsibilities there have included publicity and special events. Through Shalimar United Methodist Church, she has served multiple ministries including the Children's Ministry - which provided for children in need. She also chaired committees that supported local charities. LeAnn volunteers in the respite ministry, Joyful Place, serving individuals with memory loss and related conditions.
LeAnn has been an Impact100 NWF member since 2015. She served on the grants committee for multiple focus areas and chaired the "Family" grant review committee. In addition, she served on the Annual Meeting Committee for three years.
Denise Greene
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Denise Greene turned to the University of Minnesota to pursue her undergraduate education. She spent more than 25 years in the financial services industry before parlaying that expertise and her love of homes and real estate into a successful career as a Realtor with Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. After vacationing in northwest Florida for years, she and her husband, Kevin, and their two children relocated to our Emerald Coast from Boston in 2006.
In her free time, Denise helps build community through charitable organizations. In addition to being on the Board of Directors for Impact100 of Northwest Florida, she has served on the Northwest Florida Ballet board and as board president, Seaside Neighborhood School board and she has contributed time to Green Thumb Garden Club, Dog Harmony, Butler Elementary, NWF Ballet Académie, Food for Thought and various ministries within her church.
Denise enjoys time off with family, hanging out at the beach and partaking in the area's outdoor activities. She is SCUBA certified and likes to read, boat, travel, play Mah-Jongg and attend cooking and yoga classes. She and her family have a dog, Teddy, who they adopted from Alaqua Animal Refuge in 2011.
Georgia Henderson
Born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Georgia is a true Emerald Coast Native. After graduating from Choctawhatchee High School, Georgia attended Auburn University and received her bachelor’s degree in Education. She was very involved in student government activities and her sorority, serving as President. She then moved back to Fort Walton Beach and taught for several years at Bruner Middle School – primarily math, science, and technology classes.
Georgia first begin her career in Real Estate in 2016, and is now the Broker/ Owner of a local Real Estate brokerage, Gulfside Haven. She truly enjoys serving others and helping them with all of their real estate needs, ranging from first time homebuyers, military relocations, to investment purchases. Georgia treasures her family and spending time with her husband Nathaniel and their three elementary aged kids – whether on the water, the baseball field, the tennis court, or in the dance studio.
Joining Impact100 in 2020, Georgia has served on the Education Grant Review Committee, Events Committee, and has been the Annual Meeting Co Chair. Georgia also serves the area through many service projects through nonprofit organizations and is involved at her church and as well as at Liza Jackson Preparatory School – where she was thee parent organization President. Georgia is excited to serve on Board for Impact100 and help our membership grow and flourish as we partner together to make a difference in our community!
Mary Tinsley
Mary is originally from Pensacola, FL, graduating from the University of West Florida in 2003. After marrying her husband, Kent Tinsley in 2007, she moved to Fort Walton Beach, and they have spent the last 18 years growing their family here in our community.
Mary’s career as a Financial Advisor has blessed her with flexibility in her workday that not only supports her clients but also her non-profit passions. She feels that she has been afforded a great privilege of partnering with some truly amazing clients as they work together toward achieving financial goals.
Mary and Kent are the very proud parents of two sons, William and Brooks. William is a junior at Fort Walton Beach High School, while his little brother Brooks is in 6th grade at Liza Jackson Preparatory.
Mary joined Impact100 NWF in 2018 and has served on Grants Committees each year. In 2020, she worked with the Finance Committee wanting to take her "Impact Experience" to the next level. Next, she joined the Board of Directors in 2021. In 2024, she will serve Impact100 NWF as the Chair of the Grants Committee.