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Taylor Williams, Regional VP of Business Development, Setco Services
How long have you lived in Bay County? I am a 3rd generation Bay Countian! 5+ generation Floridian.
If you could acquire one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? I would love to acquire the ability to speak multiple languages fluently, allowing me to spread positivity, connect deeply with diverse communities, and share uplifting messages around the world!
What is your current career &/or what brought you to this profession? I am currently working as the Regional VP of Business Development for Setco Title, overseeing operations in Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Port St. Joe. This role perfectly blends my passion for helping others with my enthusiasm for real estate, allowing me to become a dedicated and impactful professional in marketing and business development! My position enables me to foster meaningful relationships, support my community, and contribute to significant milestones in people’s lives through exceptional service.
What’s something everyone should know about our community? Bay County is incredibly resilient, filled with people who support one another through every challenge. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, rebuild, and uplift each other with genuine kindness, compassion, and community pride. We are so much more than our beautiful beaches or vibrant culture—it’s our collective heart and determination that truly define who we are!
What’s one project you’ve been a part of that people might not know about? One project I’m incredibly proud of, which many people might not know about, is the Positivity Symposium that I organized on November 13th, 2023! This event was created to raise awareness around mental health and foster community connection, attracting over 200 attendees and selling out completely. Due to its overwhelming success and impact, I am excited to bring it back this year as the Positivity Summit on November 20th, 2025! This event promises to continue our mission of promoting mental wellness, kindness, and positivity, featuring inspiring speakers, interactive activities, and opportunities to build genuine community connections.
What’s a wild idea you have for a future community project? A wild idea I have is creating an annual ‘Mental Health and Positivity Art Fair’ in the heart of downtown Panama City. Imagine our streets filled with inspiring local art displays, live murals, interactive workshops, and mental wellness activities—all designed to promote awareness, compassion, and positivity. This event would not only celebrate creativity but also foster deeper conversations about mental health, uniting our community in a powerful, uplifting and unique experience.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve ever received is, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’ It taught me the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental wellness. By taking care of ourselves first, we become stronger, more compassionate, and better equipped to serve and uplift others in our community!
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? The best place I’ve ever traveled was Italy, specifically Rome and Florence, in August 2023! Exploring these cities with my mom was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wandering the historic streets of Rome, witnessing breathtaking landmarks like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, and soaking in the rich culture and artistic beauty of Florence created memories we’ll cherish forever. The trip reminded me that life’s greatest adventures are even more meaningful when shared with the ones you love.
What’s something about you that might surprise people? Something about me that might surprise people is that, despite my outward positivity and energy, I’ve personally experienced deep struggles with mental health. I’ve learned firsthand that mental health challenges can affect anyone, often without visible signs. This realization inspired me to become open about my own journey, sharing publicly how I’ve navigated and improved my mental wellness. Today, I actively speak at events and within our community to help others understand that they’re never alone, and that kindness, awareness, and genuine support can truly transform lives.
What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? When I need inspiration, I turn to the incredible community around me—friends, family, and followers who constantly share their own stories of strength and kindness. Their resilience and authenticity never fail to reignite my passion and remind me why spreading positivity matters so much.
If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? Resilient, Compassionate, United.
What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? One thing I’ve always dreamed of doing but haven’t yet is publishing a book focused on my story. A story of positivity, resilience, and mental wellness—something that could serve as both a personal milestone and a meaningful resource to inspire and uplift others.
What is your favorite music? Choosing my favorite music feels nearly impossible—I genuinely love it all! Music is a huge passion of mine, and my taste is incredibly diverse. My playlists include everything from soothing classical compositions and hits from the ’70s and ’80s to today’s latest songs. Music has always been my way to recharge, find inspiration, and create meaningful connections with others.
Anything else you’d like to share? I’d love to remind everyone that kindness truly matters. You never fully know what someone else is going through, so always choose compassion. If we each commit to uplifting others, we can create a ripple effect that positively transforms our entire community. If you happen to see me around town, please don’t hesitate to say hello! I absolutely love this city and have no plans of ever leaving. In fact, I’m deeply committed to getting involved as much as possible in creating the best community imaginable. So, say hello, and you’ll instantly have yourself a new friend!
Gina Littleton, President & Chief Executive Officer, United Way Northwest Florida
How long have you lived in Bay County? I was born and raised in Bay County. I moved away for college (Go Gators) and then lived in Chicago for a few years post college but came back to Bay County around 2005.
If you could acquire one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? I would have the ability to draw! I love to craft and paint and create art but I have no actual artistic skill to draw anything. I end up using mixed media or creating very abstract paintings because otherwise my canvas would be filled with stick figures. I’d love to be able to draw/sculpt people and animals and trees and flowers with light and shadow like a true artist!
What is your current career &/or what brought you to this profession? I am currently the President & CEO at United Way of Northwest Florida. I got into the field through a research organization, not a nonprofit per se, but it opened my eyes to the world of NPO’s. Working in a field that focuses on bettering our community and the amazing people who live in it gives me a great sense of purpose and commitment.
What’s something everyone should know about our community? I think the people who live here genuinely care about one another. It’s easy to believe that the world is divided but from where I sit, there is an authentic and common desire to build this community up. We really all do benefit from each others success and our community recognizes that and works together pretty well for the greater good.
What’s one project you’ve been a part of that people might not know about? I am on the iHeart Media Local Advisory Board and have been a part of the PSA campaign to help reduce student absences and tardies. It’s been so rewarding to be a part of something so important and incredibly fulfilling to see the positive affect the campaign is having on attendance. It is truly inspiring to see the impact we can have when we all come together to work on something. Every single one of us really can a make a difference.
What’s a wild idea you have for a future community project? I don’t know if it’s wild but, in my line of work, I am always thinking about how to bring resources and funding to our area. I’d love to create large collaborations amongst all of us- business, government, nonprofit, community leaders, etc- to help the working families of Bay County better afford to live here. We’ve taken a few bites at this apple and I think the more we work together in pursuit of these big goals the more opportunities we will get for success.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Remember who you are and whom you represent.” This is something my mother has been saying to my sisters and I (and every friend who ever came through our doors) since I was old enough to remember. As a child and young adult it, of course, meant that I should always act and make decisions in such a way as to be fundamentally true to myself and my family. As I got older, it resonated even more with me in my home and work life, to always be checking in with myself to be sure I’m thinking of, and making good decisions for, my community, my staff, my organization, and my family. That I am always considering how I can positively impact the world around me and be an effective leader who represents and inspires pride in the people and communities I serve.
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? When I was in the 5th grade my class took a trip to England. We’d had pen pals the entire school year and then went to visit them for a week overseas. We even spent a few nights in the homes of our penpals. As an American, our country is young compared to Europe and I was utterly fascinated by the churches and structures that had been built so many centuries before that my brain couldn’t even fathom it. It was eye opening to feel the history of the bricks I was touching and it was so expansive for me to realize how big the world is and how different, yet the same, we all are. My world had been relatively limited to Bay County at that time with a few exceptions and I remember being awed at this country with the rolling green hills and 500 year old brick fences and people with funny accents who cooked their breakfasts, went to school, did their homework, rode their bikes, and lived their lives pretty much just like I did. It was the first time I’d felt both other and the same simultaneously and it gave me a deep sense of connectedness that I’ve carried ever since.
What’s something about you that might surprise people? I’m very “crafty”. I love to make things. Every year I make my kids Valentine’s and right now I’m learning to sew. I have zero artistic ability but I LOVE to try. I get very excited for holidays when all the social media crafters start posting their Dollar Tree crafts and I attempt to make every single one, every year.
What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? This is going to sound trite but I go to work! My job affords me the opportunity to work with some of the very best people in our area. United Way has an AMAZING Board of Directors, partners with over 50 nonprofit organizations across our 6 counties, and works with hundreds of volunteers and the level of pure goodness that exists within that group is unmatched. It is a network of people who have dedicated their lives to making our community the best place it can be for everyone in it and I am inspired and awed by them on a daily basis. It’s impossible not to want to keep going and work harder and strive further when I am surrounded by people who give so much of themselves to benefit others.
If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Visit Egypt and/or Greece. I am fascinated by the age of the Pharaohs and early Greeks. I’m desperate to see the pyramids and the temples and theaters of both of these early cultures. It is a dream I hope to make reality one day.
What is your favorite music? 90’s Hip-Hop! OutKast’s ATLiens is my all time favorite album.
Haley Mayer, Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker Realty
How long have you lived in Bay County? 22 Years
If you could acquire one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? Master Pickleball
What is your current career &/or what brought you to this profession? Realtor
What’s something everyone should know about our community? Panama City Beach is a vibrant community with so much to offer! Of course, our stunning beaches are a major highlight, perfect for relaxing or enjoying water activities. Additionally, our local restaurants and shops provide a unique and delightful experience, showcasing the best of our local culture and cuisine. Don’t forget to explore downtown Panama City, where you’ll find charming streets, historic sites, and a lively atmosphere. There’s truly something for everyone here!
What’s one project you’ve been a part of that people might not know about? One project I’ve been a part of that people might not know about is my ongoing effort to support agents in my office. I also assist For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) and dedicate a lot of time to marketing for our community. This includes showcasing local spotlights and promoting businesses through my YouTube channel and TikTok. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help others and highlight the best of what our community has to offer!
What’s a wild idea you have for a future community project? One wild idea I have for a future community project is to create a “Panama City Beach Experience” app. This app would feature interactive maps, virtual tours, and augmented reality experiences of our local attractions, restaurants, shops, and historical sites. It could also include a community calendar with events, volunteer opportunities, and local spotlights. The app would be a fantastic way to engage both residents and visitors, showcasing the best of our community in a fun and innovative way!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to always stay curious and never stop learning. This mindset has helped me embrace new challenges, adapt to changes, and continuously grow both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder that there’s always something new to discover and that growth comes from being open to new experiences and knowledge.
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? The best place I’ve ever traveled to is Mackinac Island. I got engaged there, which makes it incredibly special to me. I loved the small community feel of the island, where cars are replaced by horses and bicycles. It was wonderful to bike everywhere and take in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Staying at the Grand Hotel added to the charm, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
What’s something about you that might surprise people? Something that might surprise people about me is my obsession with cats. Despite my husband’s allergy, he promised that if I sell a million-dollar house, he’ll finally let me get a cat. It’s a fun and motivating goal, and I’m really looking forward to making it happen!
What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? My go-to source of inspiration when I need a boost is spending time in nature. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a hike in the woods, or simply sitting in a park, being surrounded by natural beauty helps me clear my mind and recharge. It reminds me of the bigger picture and the simple joys in life, giving me the motivation and perspective I need to tackle any challenge.
If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? If I had to describe our community in three words, they would be: Welcoming, Vibrant, and Resilient. Alternatively, in one quote: “A place where the beauty of nature meets the warmth of its people.”
What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? One thing I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet is travel to a different country. I’ve been on a cruise before, but I still need to conquer my fear of flying. Exploring new cultures and experiencing different parts of the world is something I look forward to, and I’m determined to overcome my fear to make it happen!
What is your favorite music? Country