Turnbull Award Winner, Heather Ruiz, Niceville

Marketing director, Bit-Wizards

If you manage to catch Heather Ruiz at rest, you’ll likely find her happily perusing magazine ads — studying consumer behavior is one of her favorite pastimes.

In her early career, Ruiz landed a job at the Northwest Florida Daily News. It was there she first envisioned her future in marketing while reporting to the director of marketing Michelle McLeod.

“I always remember, the few years that I worked for her, thinking to myself, ‘One day, I’ll be able to be like this.’”

Later, working in marketing for Destin Commons, Ruiz grew professionally while passionately focusing on the community. Through the efforts of Ruiz and her team, Destin Commons received national honors from the International Council of Shopping Centers in 2017 for their community outreach efforts and in 2019 for Hurricane Michael relief efforts. 

In 2018, Ruiz brought to life the Destin Commons Mac & Cheese Festival to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. In five years, the festival has generated $250,000 for the organization.

Today, Ruiz’s 15-year Emerald Coast marketing career has led her to Bit-Wizards, where she oversees marketing for the national company and its international partner company TalkingParents. Most importantly for Ruiz, she gets to be involved in the company’s philanthropic arm, Be the Magic Foundation, which works with nonprofits to provide monetary and skill-based donations.

“I’ve always made sure, as part of my job as marketing director, I’m able to continue to give back,” Ruiz said.

On the board of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber and previously on the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s board, Ruiz became the youngest female chairman for each. She was also the youngest female member of the Okaloosa County Tourism Development Council before terming out in 2022.

“I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to join those groups of people that are really making such a huge difference in our day to day,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz has had a hand in additions to school buildings and new sidewalks. Tangible improvements such as these are paid for with funds from Okaloosa County’s half-cent sales tax capital improvement program. Ruiz campaigned for the tax, leading up to a 2020 referendum. Ruiz’s efforts landed her a Teddy Award from the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber.

While Ruiz has brought to boardrooms a younger, female perspective, those experiences have afforded her the opportunity to learn from leaders she respects, and she intends to pay their generosity forward.

“I’m very passionate about encouraging young professionals to really step up, to speak their mind and not be afraid to throw their hat in the ring to have a seat at the table,” she said.

“Don’t be afraid to try something new; think outside the box and always continue learning.”

Heather Ruiz was nominated for the 2024 Pinnacle Award by Shantelle P. Dedicke, CMP President & Chief Creative Officer, Frances Roy Agency.

Videography by The Workmans