Meet Your FY 25 Visit Pensacola Board Chair Sid Williams-Heath
Dear Visit Pensacola Partners and Stakeholders,
I am truly honored and thrilled to step into the role of Chair for the Visit Pensacola board and team. I recognize the significant responsibility I have to uphold, and I am keenly aware of the fabulous shoes I have to fill. Rachael Gillette, your leadership and grace as Board Chair have set a high standard, and I am deeply grateful for your friendship and dedication to Visit Pensacola. On behalf of the board and staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment.
Allow me to introduce myself: I am Sid Williams-Heath, CEO of The Clark Family Cultural Center and overseer of the Pensacola Little Theatre. Having served as Treasurer for Visit Pensacola over the past two years has been a rewarding experience.
As we embark on an exciting year of growth, change, creativity, and strategy, I am ready and eager to serve as your Chairman. Running a theatre means this upcoming year will inevitably have its dramatic moments, but while Pensacola is The Way to Beach, I’m declaring this fiscal year at Visit Pensacola “The Way to Play.”
I promise not to sing—but I may act up! Together, we’ll navigate the complexities that make Pensacola a sought-after destination, and I’m confident we can all play our part.
Here’s what to expect in the coming year:
• Playing It Back: Thank you, Rachael and Darien, for recapping the past year’s achievements. Understanding the impact Visit Pensacola has made is crucial for us all. These accomplishments translate into financial benefits for our partners, local relief, and a vibrant showcase of what it means to enjoy life in Pensacola.
• Playing House: Our Visit Pensacola team is growing, and I invite you to join me in applauding our outstanding staff! Your hard work is the foundation of our success, and we’re excited to create even more connections within our community.
• Playing It Cool: We will continue collaborating with Showcase Pensacola, a local team that exemplifies effective partnership and creativity. Together, we’ll maximize our resources and make a meaningful impact.
• Playing Devil’s Advocate: This year, we’ll evaluate our strategies and expand our collaboration with new partners, including MMGY. Their global expertise will help us build on the strong foundation we’ve established over the past decade.
• Playing in the Big Leagues: Our partnership with Pensacola Sports will enhance our engagement with the Sun Belt Conference this year, further elevating our visibility.
• Playing It Up: As we partner with Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, we’ll showcase the richness of Pensacola, especially with the kickoff of the Foo Foo Festival. Don’t forget about the opening of Pensacola’s first rooftop performance center at The Top of The Center in April!
• Playing to Win: Our mission is clear: to win the trust of the community, strengthen our partnerships, and attract quality visitors to Escambia County.
• Playing for Keeps: Our partners are the backbone of our mission. We are committed to promoting your businesses and ensuring your growth as we host millions of visitors this year.
So, Darien, Nicole, team, and board—let’s celebrate our achievements in year 10 and set our sights on crushing year 11. With the talent in this community, the drive of our staff, and the fresh perspectives of our new partners, we have the opportunity to work hard and play hard together, making Visit Pensacola the ultimate Way to Play.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
Warm regards,
Sid Williams-Heath
Chair, Visit Pensacola
CEO, The Clark Family Cultural Center