850 Business Magazine is proud to announce the 2026 Pinnacle Awards Luncheon, celebrating 12 exceptional women who exemplify leadership, innovation, and influence in their industries. This exciting event will take place on March 6, 2026, at the Hotel Effie at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, starting at 11 a.m. Join us as we honor these remarkable individuals who are shaping the future of business and community development in Northwest Florida. Tickets can be purchased here.
This event is an opportunity for business leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and community advocates in our area to share ideas and honor grit. With the goal of inspiring future leaders, the luncheon will feature networking opportunities, insightful conversations, and recognition of the region’s most influential women.
We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker is Carrie Zimmerman, USA Olympian and Co-Founder and former CEO of The Zimmerman Agency. Read her full Pinnacle Award Recipient article here from 2024 Winter issue of 850: https://www.850businessmagazine.com/carrie-zimmerman/.
These accomplished women represent diverse industries and have made significant contributions to their communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence and connect with like-minded professionals.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Emerald Coast Florals & Event Design
Accommodations:
Book your hotel at Hotel Effie at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, our official accommodations partner by visiting https://www.marriott.com/.
On the top left it has a drop down “lowest regular rate” click that. Make sure to select Hotel Effie as your desired Marriott hotel and it should be clear from there to finalize your reservation.
For 12 years, 850 Business Magazine’s Pinnacle Awards have recognized the prestigious achievements of women leaders and influencers across the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast. This year’s Pinnacle recipients possess the perfect combination of grit and class. These community leaders are determined to lift others up, serving their communities while running businesses, managing clients, and caring for their customers. The 12 women profiled in this issue are passionate about their communities and motivated to elevate those around them. —David Ekrut, PhD
We are proud to announce the 2025 class of Pinnacle recipients, who will be celebrated during a luncheon on March 6, 2026.
Diane Scholz has spent more than two decades advancing economic development across rural Florida. As the economic development director at the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University, she works closely with the North Florida Economic…
After a 30-year career in politics, including serving as the chief of staff to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and as a White House staffer under President George H.W. Bush, Sally Bradshaw stepped away from political life to pursue a…
Dr. Sherry Hartnett is a leader in workforce development, mentoring, and higher education. After a successful corporate career in marketing and executive leadership, she transitioned into academia at the University of West Florida, where she founded the Women in Leadership…
Sue Dick served as president and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, becoming the first woman to lead the organization. Under her leadership, the chamber expanded programming, strengthened regional economic development efforts, launched workforce and…
Monique Ellsworth serves as chief executive officer of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, leading regional hunger-relief efforts across North Florida with a focus on access, dignity, and long-term community well-being. Under her leadership, the organization navigated the heightened demands…
Dana Brooks is managing partner and a shareholder at Fasig Brooks, where she combines her legal expertise with a deep commitment to advocacy and community service. A graduate of Florida State University (BSW, cum laude) and FSU College of Law…
Shantelle Dedicke is the founder of Frances Roy Agency, established in 2016 after a successful career in hospitality management and destination marketing. Known for her ability to uncover and elevate a brand’s authentic identity, she leads her agency with a…
Katrina Tuggerson is a transformational leader with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, community development, and economic empowerment. As president and CEO of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, she revitalized the organization after a period of…
Tiffany Edwards is a nationally recognized leader in the vacation rental industry. She is the owner of Weatherby Consulting, overseeing operations for a multi-state portfolio of vacation and long-term rental properties, and the founder of Coletta Consulting, where she leads…
Jennifer Vigil, MPA, CDME, TMP, has built her career in public service with experience across municipal, county, and state government. A former gubernatorial appointee, she has worked in governance, finance, utilities, engineering, real estate, and tourism. Today, as president and…
Megan Fry is an attorney and shareholder with Clark Partington in Pensacola, where she has practiced for 17 years. She represents financial institutions, title insurance companies, and small businesses in commercial litigation, achieving outcomes that support both legal and strategic…
Kelly Jasen is the first female president and CEO of United Way Emerald Coast, stepping into the role in 2019. With nearly 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she has guided the organization through significant community challenges and growth, including…
USA Olympian; Co-Founder and former CEO, The Zimmerman Agency
President and CEO, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA)
Executive Director, Point Washington Medical Clinic
Vice President of External Relations (Retired), Baptist Health Care
President, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Dean, Florida State University College of Medicine
Videography by Live in Tallahassee/Silver Media Productions
For the 10th year, Rowland Publishing, Inc. and 850 Business Magazine celebrated contributions made by outstanding Northwest Florida women.
The 2024 Pinnacle Awards luncheon, presented by 850 Business Magazine, was held March 4 at the LakeHouse at the Watercolor Inn & Resort, a St. Joe Company property.
Read the full recap of the event and learn more about the Class of 2023 below!
Each year the Pinnacle Awards spotlight leading women in business who hold themselves to high standards and contribute to the betterment of the community.
A total of 13 outstanding women from an 18-county region of Northwest Florida were selected from nominations and honored at the annual Pinnacle Awards, presented by 850 – The Business Magazine of Northwest Florida.
The Turnbull Award was introduced for the first time at the 2020 ceremony to recognize the lifetime achievements of Marjorie Turnbull, a 2020 Pinnacle recipient. The Turnbull Award recognizes an “up and coming” young woman 40 years of age or younger who is more than on her way to encompassing what it means to be a Pinnacle recipient.
A hard-charging journalist who thrived on independence
CEO and Managing Broker, NAI Pensacola Commercial Real Estate
Marketing director, Bit-Wizards
Executive Director Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
Executive Director, Legal Services of North Florida
Director of Community and Government Relations, Global Connections to Employment
Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, The St. Joe Company
Clinical Coordinator, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Retired, Florida State University
She approaches life with her mind open and her feet moving
She has grown on the strength of her passions
She learned early that persistence gets the better of resistance
Her confidence makes her the successful woman she is
Lifelong learning and resiliency are keys to her success
She learned to be strong, independent and self-sufficient
She says ‘yes’ to opportunities outside her comfort zone
The biggest part of crisis management is showing up
An admirer of those who love and respect others
Your oxygen mask matters in business, too
Iris Pittman Fellows McMillan was described by people who knew her as “irrepressible”
She has been buoyed by a belief in her unstoppability
For future sponsorship opportunities or event details, contact Renee Johnson.
