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Eric Billot, Cadence Bank
How long have you lived in Bay County? 42
If you could acquire one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? Fishing
What is your current career &/or what brought you to this profession? Banking
What’s something everyone should know about our community? We have plenty of outdoor activities.
What’s one project you’ve been a part of that people might not know about? The red flag initiative for Leadership Bay
What’s a wild idea you have for a future community project? Helping communities find a healthier way to eat without the cost being unaffordable.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You have to spend to make money
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? Spain. I loved the fresh food and local markets. Also, the view in southern Spain reminded me of Panama City.
What’s something about you that might surprise people? I was in drama in high school and acted in several plays.
What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? People. I talk with others and find out their stories. Each person inspires me differently.
If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? World’s most beautiful beaches.
What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Snow skiing
What is your favorite music? 90’s alternative music
Brittany Bosler, Bayview Wellness & Aesthetics
How long have you lived in Bay County? I have lived in Bay County for nearly 2 years.
If you could acquire one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? I would love to learn a musical instrument, either the guitar or piano. I’m not musically inclined at all, and I am definitely NOT a singer, but I think learning an instrument would be something I’d really enjoy.
What is your current career &/or what brought you to this profession? I am a nurse practitioner with over 13 years of nursing experience. Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I quickly realized animals can’t talk, so I shifted my focus to helping people. My passion for caring for others and seeing the direct impact on people’s lives.
What’s something everyone should know about our community? It’s a small Southern town with lots of love for the community, the people, and our beautiful beaches. There’s a strong sense of connection here, and people truly care about supporting one another.
What’s one project you’ve been a part of that people might not know about? I had the privilege of participating in a mission trip to Guatemala, where I worked on both the construction and medical sides of the project. The experience gave me a worldly perspective and deepened my appreciation for serving others in different communities.
What’s a wild idea you have for a future community project? I’d love to see a YMCA built in the area, specifically focused on children’s activities. There aren’t enough local activities for our kids, and having a dedicated space for them to stay active, learn, and connect with others would be a huge benefit to the community.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to “live with memories, not regrets.” It’s a reminder to live in the moment and make choices that lead to meaningful experiences.
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? Italy, without a doubt! The people are so warm and welcoming, the culture is rich and full of history, and THE FOOD—absolutely incredible. Every meal was an experience, and I still dream about the pasta and fresh pastries.
What’s something about you that might surprise people? People might be surprised to know that I’ve been skydiving several times. It’s an experience I highly recommend to anyone looking to push themselves out of their comfort zone!
What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? My future motivates me—my goals, my aspirations, and the vision I have for my life. Thinking about where I want to be and what I want to achieve keeps me pushing forward. My mom was a teen mom, and fortunately, I saw her struggles firsthand. She instilled in me the value of hard work, education, and persistence—and the importance of never depending on anyone else for your needs. I still carry that with me to this day.
If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? “Small town, big heart.” Our community may be small, but the people here are filled with so much love and support, which makes it such a wonderful place to live and work.
What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I’ve always wanted to take a road trip across the U.S., exploring all the small towns, local food spots, and hidden gems along the way. It’s something I hope to check off my bucket list soon
What is your favorite music? Country music is my favorite. I was raised on country and feel a deep connection to the storytelling, rhythm, and vibe of the music.
Anything else you’d like to share? I’m passionate about making a difference in my community, whether it’s through my work in healthcare or by being involved in local projects. I believe in the power of connection and support, and I’m excited about the future and the impact we can all make together.
Derrick Malnar, United Community Bank
How long have you lived in Bay County? I have been a Bay County resident for 12+ years as a transplant from East Texas. It’s hard to shake that Texas Pride but this community has welcomed me and I am proud to be a Local now.
If you could acquire one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? My favorite Hobby is Golf, however I am absolutely terrible at Golf. Seeing that my favorite pastime brings me the most internal struggle, I would like to be better at Golf.
What is your current career &/or what brought you to this profession? I am currently a Relationship Manager for United Community Bank, I came to Bay County Working in the Restaurant Industry but had a good friend in Banking that convinced me to give it a try. I started as a Part Time Teller here in Bay County and now have been in Treasury Management, Commercial Lending, SBA Lending and now as a Relationship Manager I do a lot of it all.
What’s something everyone should know about our community? The incredible thing about the Bay County Community and the Chamber in the same way is that you will get exactly what you choose to give into it. I have been blessed to have my Family, my Friends and my Career thanks to this community but I truly believe it’s because of the love and time I spent within the Community. Whether that be through serving on boards, volunteering with different organizations or just supporting those here through different avenues. I can say again that you always get what you give into this community.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Leave it better than you found it.” Can be used from cleaning up the street as you walk, the relationships you have whether personal or professional or just your own growth. Always push for things that will leave the situation better than it was.
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? Best Place I have traveled was the Grand Canyon. Out of the 5 Million annual visitors to the Grand Canyon, less than 1% see it from below the rim and we had the amazing opportunity to spend 8 days white water rafting over 200 miles through the Grand Canyon. We Slept on the ground underneath the stars and had zero contact with the outside world. Truly a grounding experience that my family and I always talk about.
What’s something about you that might surprise people? I did Stand-Up Comedy as part of a Comedy group called the Students of Comedy in College. I will not Elaborate.
What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I have always wanted to swim with Whale Sharks off the North West Cape of Australia. I don’t know if it’s the size or just the innocence of these creatures but I have always wanted to experience them in the wild.