After more than a quarter century of service, the City of Destin is preparing to say goodbye to a familiar and respected leader. City Clerk Rey Bailey will retire at the end of May, closing out a 26-year career with the City, along with 22 years of prior service in the United States Air Force. His military career took him to Georgia, Nebraska, Italy, and Hurlburt Field, experiences that helped shape the steady, disciplined leadership style he later brought to Destin. When reflecting on his time with the City, Rey points first to the people. From mayors and councilmembers to coworkers across departments, he has always valued the relationships built along the way. That people-first mindset is a big part of his impact. It’s not just what he accomplished, but how he approached the work and the people around him. Wit, professionalism, strong ethics and care.
A graduate of Troy University with a degree in Human Resources Management, Rey became known for his consistency, mentorship, and calm presence. He brought a level-headed approach to his role and a sense of humor that made even the busiest days a little easier.
Now, as retirement approaches, Rey is looking forward to a different pace. That includes more travel, with Barcelona high on his list, and more time with family. With his son and grandchildren in Tampa, that may be what he’s most excited about. He also joked that his next full-time role may be his most important yet: serving as his wife’s personal Uber driver, manager, bodyguard, and chef.
As he steps away, the City is also moving forward with a thoughtful transition. Lisa Wallace has already stepped into the City Clerk role, bringing more than 28 years of experience in municipal government. That includes 20 years as the Municipal Clerk for Summerville, South Carolina, along with leadership roles as Assistant City Manager in Myrtle Beach and City Manager in York. In 2021, Lisa returned to Summerville to serve as Town Administrator, continuing her commitment to public service until retiring from South Carolina local government in 2024. But her retirement didn’t last long. During that time, she and her husband Dennis, also a retired public servant, traveled to several bucket-list destinations and enjoyed some well-earned downtime. They enjoy fishing, cruising, and spending time with their grandchildren, six of them, all under the age of seven. Now, she’s bringing that experience and energy to Destin.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Destin community,” said Lisa. “From the moment I stepped into City Hall, it has felt like home. I look forward to upholding the high level of commitment and professionalism that defines the City Clerk’s Office.”
That perspective aligns well with what Rey has built over the years. He also expressed strong confidence in her leadership, noting that finding the right person for the team was one of his top priorities before retiring. Rey leaves behind a legacy of steady leadership, strong relationships, and a deep commitment to the City of Destin. His impact will continue to be felt, even as he steps into this next chapter.
With Lisa Wallace now in place, the transition is already underway, and the City is well positioned for what comes next. A big welcome to Lisa, and the biggest hugs and congratulations to our beloved “Rey Bey.”
