The Honorable J.B. Whitten
Mayor, City of Crestview

I grew up in a small New England town and, after leaving college, joined the United States Air Force. During my 30-year military career, I was fortunate to serve around the world, including assignments in Turkey, the Philippines, Japan, Italy, Scotland, and Iceland, as well as stateside tours in Pensacola, Niceville, Panama City, and Tampa, Florida.

Throughout my career, I served as the senior enlisted advisor at four different installations, providing commanders with guidance on all matters affecting the enlisted force. After retiring from the Air Force, my wife, Ann, and I remained in the Tampa Bay area, where I spent 12 years teaching exceptional student education (ESE) in Hillsborough County.

Teaching proved to be one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I advanced from an ESE classroom teacher to the school’s ESE Specialist, where I oversaw student placement, ensured compliance with federal and state regulations, monitored student progress, maintained required documentation, and advised school administrators on disciplinary matters involving students receiving exceptional education services.

In 2010, Ann and I returned to the Florida Panhandle to be closer to our two daughters and grandchildren. In 2015, I was elected to the Crestview City Council. Although the position was part-time, retirement allowed me to devote my full attention to serving our community.

Believing our city’s government structure could better serve our residents, I encouraged the City Council to establish a Citizens’ Charter Review Committee. Working alongside engaged citizens, we successfully transitioned Crestview to a new form of government. I called this vision the “New View,” and it became the catalyst for significant and long-overdue improvements that positioned our city for future growth.

Since becoming Mayor in 2019, I have emphasized collaborative leadership and community engagement. Each year, I have introduced a theme that reflects our city’s direction, beginning with “A Community Coming Together” in 2020. These annual themes ultimately evolved into our permanent city slogan: “Choose the View.”

I am currently serving my second term as Mayor of Crestview, which extends through November 2028. During my tenure, I have remained actively involved in municipal leadership throughout Florida. Since 2020, I have served on at least one Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee each year, as well as the Advocacy Committee, the FAST Team, and the Boards of Directors for both the Florida League of Cities and the Florida League of Mayors.

In addition, I am a Past President of the Northwest Florida League of Cities, currently serve on its Board of Directors, and am the current President of the Okaloosa County League of Cities.

My experiences in military leadership, education, local government, and statewide municipal advocacy have provided me with a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Florida’s cities. I believe this background, combined with my continued commitment to public service, makes me well-qualified to continue serving on the Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors.