What is your hometown and how did you end up on the Emerald Coast; and how long have you been here?
What is your hometown and how did you end up on the Emerald Coast; and how long have you been here:I was born in Dallas, Texas, but I claim Beaumont as my hometown since that’s where I truly grew up. Six and a half years ago, I was given the opportunityto transfer from Beaumont to help open the Hilton Garden Inn Destin/Miramar Beachas the Director of Sales and Marketing.
What is your profession and what led you to choose it?
My profession chose me. I’ve been in the hospitality industry since I was 25, starting out as a catering coordinatorat a John Q Hammonds property in Beaumont, Texas. My career in hospitality has taken me on a few adventures, including five wonderful years working in La Jolla, California. After 29 years as Director of Catering Sales, and my girls, Ericka, Randi, and Taylor, starting their lives, I expanded my role to Multi-Director of Sales for three Marriott properties in the Beaumont/Lake Charles, Louisiana area.
At 59, a new door opened, and here I am on the Emerald Coast —still loving what I do, still grateful for the journey, and still amazed at how this profession continues to choose me.
What are some of your favorite things about Destin? What makes it unique?
One of my favorite things about Destin is that it’s more than beautiful — it has heart. Yes, the emerald water and sugar-white sand will stop you in your tracks, but what makes this place truly special is the people and the sense of community. I love that faith is woven into the fabric of this area. It’s not loud or showy — it’s just present.
My husband, Thomas Gray, and I have a simple nightly ritual. You’ll usually find us at the Destin Marina, at the beach, or at the new park on Norriego Point. We’ve had front-row seats to some of the most incredible sunsets you’ve ever seen — and more dolphin “shows” than we can count.
Three words that best describe you.
Faithful. Honest. Joyful.
Favorite place for dining and/or to go for entertainment an/or go for outdoor activities?
For dining, it’s hard to beat Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant — any location. It’s authentic, rooted in the history of this fishing village, and consistently delicious. And those dadgum hushpuppies and fried shrimp? They make me flat-out happy.
What is one thing that you do not go a day without?
I don’t go a day without getting on my knees in prayer. It centers me, keeps me humble, and reminds me who’s truly in charge. And I also don’t go a day without holding hands with Thomas. After all these years, that steady partnership still means everything — and thankfully, he’s still willing to claim me in public.
Finish this statement, I AM DESTIN because…
Because God says so, and those dadgum hushpuppies aren’t going to eat themselves.
