Destin High School Names Jill McNamara Principal, Announces Leadership Team to Guide School's Next Chapter of Excellence

DESTIN,  FL- July 28, 2026  - Destin High School (DHS) announced a strategic leadership transition that positions the school for its next chapter of excellence while honoring one of Northwest Florida's most respected educational leaders.

The DHS Governing Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Ms. Jill McNamara as Principal of Destin High School and Mr. Matt Means as Assistant Principal. Ms. McNamara had both the recommendation of Executive Director, Dr. Willy Williams and the endorsement of retiring Principal Dr. Diane Kelley. As part of this carefully planned transition, Dr. Kelley will retire as Principal after a distinguished 45-year career in public education and assume the newly created role of Advisor to the Governing Board of Directors and Legislative Lobbyist, where she will continue advancing the school's mission through strategic counsel, legislative advocacy, and governmental relations.

Dr. Kelley concludes an extraordinary career that includes service as a teacher and administrator in the Okaloosa County School District, an elected member of the Okaloosa County School Board, and, most recently, Principal of Destin High School. During her tenure, she strengthened the school's culture, advanced academic excellence, and helped position Destin High School for sustained growth and success.

"This announcement represents the very best of thoughtful leadership and succession planning," said Dr. Williams, Executive Director of Destin High School. "One of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring that Destin High School is always led by exceptional people. I strongly recommend Jill McNamara because I believe she is exactly the right person to take the reins as Principal. She has consistently demonstrated integrity, vision, exceptional instructional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to our students, faculty, and mission. 

Dr. Williams continued, "We are equally excited to appoint Matt Means as Assistant Principal. Mr. Means brings proven administrative experience, a counselor's heart, and a deep understanding of our students and school community. Promoting leaders from within provides continuity for our students and faculty while preserving the culture of excellence that defines Destin High School."

Ms. Heidi LoCicero, President of the Destin High School Governing Board, said the transition reflects the Board's unwavering commitment to long-term excellence. "The Governing Board's responsibility is to ensure that Destin High School remains positioned for success not only today, but for generations to come. In our continuous quest for excellence, this leadership structure is exactly what will continue moving our school forward. Dr. Kelley's continued service preserves invaluable experience, relationships, and institutional knowledge, while Ms. McNamara and Mr. Means bring the vision, energy, and proven academic leadership necessary to build upon that foundation."

Reflecting on her career and new role, Dr. Diane Kelley expressed both gratitude and optimism. "Serving students has been the greatest privilege of my life. For forty-five years, I have been blessed to work alongside extraordinary educators, families, and community leaders who believe in the transformative power of education. From my years in the Okaloosa County School District to my service on the Okaloosa County School Board and now at Destin High School, I have been honored to dedicate my career to children and young adults. While I am retiring as Principal, I am excited to continue serving Destin High School as Advisor to the Governing Board and Legislative Lobbyist, advocating for our students and our future while also enjoying more time with my grandson, Gabe."

Incoming Principal Jill McNamara said she is honored to lead the school she proudly calls home. "I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Principal of Destin High School. Because I live in this community, this appointment is especially meaningful to me. I sincerely thank our Governing Board for its confidence and Dr. Kelley for her mentorship, encouragement, and leadership. My vision is clear, to lead Destin High School to an A-rating while creating a school where exceptional teachers choose to stay, grow, and build their careers. Together with our faculty, staff, students, families, board, and community, we will continue building a school where every Shark has the opportunity to succeed. Go Sharks!"

McNamara also praised the appointment of Assistant Principal Matt Means. "Mr. Means brings exceptional leadership experience, a deep understanding of our students and families, and an unwavering commitment to the success of our school. I am excited to partner with him as we continue strengthening our culture of excellence and pursuing our shared vision for Destin High School."

As an advisor to the Governing Board and Legislative Lobbyist, Dr. Kelley will continue working closely with school leadership, state policymakers, and community partners to advocate for educational excellence and strengthen the long-term vision of Destin High School.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kelley expressed complete confidence in the future of the school she helped lead. "Serving students has been the greatest privilege of my life, and I leave this role with a heart full of gratitude. I have every confidence that our school's leadership team and our Governing Board to continue leading Destin High School with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The future of Destin High School has never been brighter!"

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Leadership Transition Announcement & Celebration Honoring Dr. Diane Kelley

Release Date: July 28, 2026

Contact for Media: info@destinhighschool.org