'I am a member of the team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.' – Mia Hamm
Team Wonderful Walton
Dave Underwood
David K. Underwood brings over 50 years of leadership experience shaped by a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, where he retired as a Colonel after 31 years of military duty. He has held senior roles in program management, logistics, weapons and software development, corporate mergers and acquisition, public procurement, and human resources. He completed his service to our country as Military Deputy Director of the Air Armament Enterprise Program at Eglin AFB. Following his military service, he was a Program Manager with Madison Research Corporation, Operations Manager with Spectrum Sciences and Software Corporation, and finally Vice President of Corporate Services at Okaloosa Gas District. A committed community leader, Dave is the founding Chair of the Rotary Club of Freeport and has long been active in supporting local service, education, and workforce initiatives.
As Grants and Compliance Coordinator for the Wonderful County Economic Development Alliance (WWEDA), Dave plays a key role in securing and managing critical funding for county initiatives. His three military tours at Eglin AFB provides significant insight to working with the military and the defense industry. Leveraging his background in operations, project management and compliance, he ensures Wonderful Walton’s projects meet high standards while delivering real impact for the community.
Grants and Compliance Coordinator
Jordan Johnson
Jordan Johnson brings a strong background in organizational leadership to the Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance. With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Northwest Florida State College and a Master’s in the same field from Florida International University, Jordan pairs academic expertise with practical experience.
Before joining Wonderful Walton, Jordan spent six years in the service industry, focusing on restaurant management—a path that eventually led, as we like to say, from making pizzas to helping build the foundation of our community.
Associate Economic Developer
JJ Harris
Jamie-Joe “JJ” Harris brings decades of executive leadership and economic development experience to the Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, JJ combines a strong academic foundation with a career defined by results-driven leadership and community impact.
Before joining Wonderful Walton, JJ served in executive roles across the country, including President/CEO of the Danville Boyle County Development Corporation, President of the Clay County Economic Development Corporation in Florida, and President & CEO of the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance and Economic Development Corporation in Wyoming. Throughout his career, he has led regional initiatives, guided strategic planning efforts, and supported major industrial site and infrastructure development—helping generate significant investment and create high-quality jobs.
In addition to his economic development leadership, JJ is a licensed real estate broker and auctioneer with extensive experience in land development, site readiness, and business recruitment. He is also a retired Major in the United States Army National Guard, where he served in leadership and international partnership roles.
As Executive Director of the Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance, JJ leads efforts to strengthen and diversify the local economy through business recruitment, expansion, and strategic partnerships, advancing opportunities that support long-term growth and enhance quality of life across Walton County.
Executive Director