Kristen Shell named Okaloosa County’s next Growth Management Director

In Brief:

👩‍💼 Kristen Shell will lead Okaloosa’s Growth Management Department starting July 21, following unanimous confirmation by county commissioners.
📍 Shell brings 25+ years of planning experience across the Florida Panhandle, including leadership roles in Niceville, Leon, and Santa Rosa counties.
🎓 She holds four advanced degrees and is a certified planner, with expertise in land use, infrastructure, and environmental planning.

CRESTVIEW — Kristen Shell was confirmed Tuesday as Okaloosa County’s new Growth Management Director following a unanimous vote by the Board of County Commissioners.

Shell, who has more than 25 years of experience in planning and government administration across Northwest Florida, is set to begin the role on July 21.

“Kristen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners,” said Jason Autrey, Deputy County Administrator of Development Services. “Got over 25 years of experience. A lot of it is in the Panhandle. I think almost all of it is in the Panhandle of Florida, from Leon County over to Santa Rosa County in the planning and development platform.”

Shell currently serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Niceville. Autrey said that her experience, along with her resume, made her stand out among applicants.

“She’s got comp plan revisions, LDC revisions, development review experience throughout the area that I think, if you look at her resume, will stand out,” he said. “Just excited to have her on board and happy to present to this board as for confirmation as our Director of Growth Management.”

Autrey noted he had worked with Shell directly during her time in Niceville and praised her collaborative approach.

“That’s where I’ve had the chance to work with Kristen a little bit on a few projects that we have going on collaboratively. Very excited to have her come on board.”

Shell holds four advanced degrees: a Master of Engineering from the University of Florida, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Florida State University, and an MBA from the University of West Florida.

Her technical expertise spans land use planning, infrastructure systems, transportation, and environmental planning.