Nathan serves on the FEDC Board of Directors as the Northwest Regional Director. As Executive Director of One Okaloosa, Nathan is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the organization. He has held prior economic development leadership positions with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the St. Joe Company and the Golden Isles Development Authority. Nathan earned a B.A. from Oglethorpe University, a Certificate from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and a Certificate in Leadership from Northwestern University. Nathan is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and was awarded the prestigious Business Ambassador Award from Governor Rick Scott in 2016. Nathan serves on the Florida Small Business Development Center’s Statewide Advisory Board. In his free time, Nathan enjoys spending time with family and friends - especially when travel, good food, live music and college football are involved.

At Agracel, Inc., my tenure as Vice President of Development has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering industrial growth and community prosperity in the Southeast Region. My role is characterized by a dynamic blend of development and acquisition solutions, tailored to meet the evolving demands of both companies and communities within the industrial real estate sector.

With a proven track record in economic development, my work centers on collaborative strategies and a fiduciary dedication to client and partner interests. Leveraging skills in community relations, marketing communications, and new business development, our team's efforts have contributed to the delivery of over 150 properties, enhancing the economic landscape across 22 states.

Melissa Horton serves as Vice President of Business Development for JESCO, Inc. Construction. JESCO, as part of the Yates Companies, was recognized by Engineering News-Record as the #1 Manufacturing focused Contractor in the Southeast United States. JESCO has been in business for more than 80 years and includes the following divisions: Construction and Engineering, Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing, Industrial Services, Millwright-Maintenance, and Steel Fabrication. JESCO has offices in Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama and Tupelo and Fulton, Mississippi.

Currently, Melissa is responsible for business development, marketing, and is a part of the Leadership Team. In this role she works with companies and communities to help foster economic development and construction related activities in both manufacturing and resort-hospitality markets. Internally, she leads project recruitment efforts, and seeks to develop a cohesive team spirit both internally and with partners. Melissa has been with JESCO for 17 years. In those 17 years, she has held 7 positions ranging from Project Administrator to Project Manager. During her time as Project Manager, Melissa managed a wide variety of projects, such as the successful renovation of the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL, building the Relieving Platform for Austal USA, and constructing the Battle House Parking Deck located in downtown Mobile.

Melissa was born and raised on Dauphin Island, AL where she attended the Little Red School House, until moving to Mobile with her family. Melissa has excelled in her career through hard knocks knowledge, hard work, and dedication to becoming a success. Outside of her business life, Melissa enjoys deep sea fishing and being at the beach with her family. As a single mother she aspires to make sure her daughter is the best version of herself.

BRPH is a full service integrated Architecture/Engineering and Planning firm that was started in 1964 to provide a wide range of services to Aerospace & Defense and Aviation companies. As Vice President, Director of Manufacturing, I oversee our extensive aviation and industrial clients and projects across the globe. Working with a team of industry subject matter experts and highly skilled program and project managers, we meet the needs of our clients through facility assessment and planning, in-depth knowledge of facility design, program management and construction services.