Documents: Ponder to be Offered Top Job at Northwest Florida State College

According to documents obtained by Mid Bay News, The District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College has selected Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder as its new president.

The document says that Ponder got the nod after a finalist interview process that took place on November fourth and fifth.

Ponder, currently serves as the Association Executive for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and Okaloosa County Commissioner, was chosen from a pool of four finalists after an extensive campus interview process. The Board will meet to discuss and finalize his employment agreement at their next regular meeting on November 19, 2024.

Lori Kelley, Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to all finalists, acknowledging the unique strengths each brought to the table. “I look forward to discussing an employment agreement with Commissioner Ponder, who brings deep experience and passion for our community to this critical role. I am confident in his ability to lead our College into the next stage of its growth,” Kelley said in the draft of a press release obtained by Mid Bay News.

Commissioner Ponder is a familiar figure within the Northwest Florida State College community. Alongside his extensive civic service, which includes roles as the Mayor of Destin, a Destin City Councilman, and as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Ponder has a notable history with local and state-level governance. He was also recognized by the Florida College System Council of Presidents as Legislator of the Year. In addition, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors in 2022, reappointing him in 2023.

Originally from Ocala, Florida, Ponder has lived in the community for many years, and he and his wife Mona have been married for 33 years, raising three children: Preston, Casey, and Grace. Ponder is also the founder and president of Business Empowered (BE), reflecting his dedication to both civic and business leadership.

In the Document, The Board extended its thanks to all members of the college community, including students, faculty, and staff, for their involvement in the selection process and those who attended public forums and participated in surveys. For further information on the presidential search, readers can visit the college’s official site, www.nwfsc.edu/presidential-search.