Keith Howard is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Howard Group, a development company specializing in award-winning retail, office, marina, mixed-use developments and residential communities on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast

He moved to the Destin, Florida area in 1981 and served as Vice President of commercial real estate for Bos Commercial. During that time, he developed commercial and resort properties throughout Florida, including Hyatt and Bottling Court in Key West, Bayside Hotel Securities offering in Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort and all third party land sales.

In 1984, Mr. Howard developed The Market Shops at Sandestin®, the area’s first upscale “boutique” retail development. In 1987, he founded Howard Group, developing upscale resort residential communities such as Vizcaya at Dune Allen, Stallworth Preserve, as well as Heron Harbor in Destin, Florida and the landmark retail centers of Silver Sands Factory Stores and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®.

Mr. Howard has served as Board member of the Destin Chamber of Commerce and as Chairman of the Building Committee, Co-Chairman of the Destin Harbor and Waterways Board, Board member of the Community Redevelopment Association of the City of Destin, President of the Destin Harbor Partnership Redevelopment Agency, Founding Board member of the Scenic Corridor Association and Board member of Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.

Howard Group’s development projects include upscale residential communities, commercial parks and retail ventures. Currently under development is Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, a $250 million, 52-acre town center development located at the entrance of the 2,400-acre Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort. Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard will incorporate a variety of upscale retail, entertainment, office, dining and lodging components.