about us
Founding story
Built on the Vision of Three Men Who Wouldn’t Let Eglin Stand Alone
In 2007, Fort Walton Beach businessman Cliff Long saw a community and a military installation that needed a stronger bond between them. Alongside General Bill Kirk, USAF (Ret.), former commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and Colonel Doug Hardin, USAF (Ret.), former commander of the 96th Air Base Wing at Eglin, he founded the Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council — a private, nonpartisan nonprofit built to make every Airman, soldier, sailor, and Marine serving in the Emerald Coast feel welcome, appreciated, and fully part of the community across Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. General Kirk passed in 2017, Mr. Long in 2019, and Colonel Hardin in 2022 — but the council they built continues to stand on their shoulders, carrying their vision forward nearly two decades later.
Mission: what ECMAC does today
One Community, One Voice
Today, ECMAC coordinates with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the community of the Emerald Coast speaks with one voice on the issues that matter most to the families who serve here. That work takes many forms: sponsoring the Cliff Long Scholarship each year with the Eglin Air Force Association Education Foundation for a deserving Okaloosa or Walton County student, partnering with the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association to provide holiday support for military families, and recognizing outstanding service through annual awards programs at every local base. Whether it’s advocating on issues like the Military Mission Line or hosting the Military Partner Celebration Dinner honoring senior base leadership, ECMAC’s goal remains the one Cliff Long, General Kirk, and Colonel Hardin set out to achieve: building Florida’s premier military affairs council.
Governance / board overview
Led by an Elected Board, Rooted in Service
ECMAC is governed by an eight-member elected board — a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past Chairman, and three at-large members — supported by an Executive Director who oversees day-to-day operations. The Chairman also appoints a Senior Officer Advisor, a Senior Enlisted Advisor, a Defense Support Initiatives representative, and a Public Affairs Officer, all voting board members. Together, they set the strategic direction for an organization built by military leaders and community members alike — carrying forward a mission that now spans nearly two decades of service to the men and women serving in the Emerald Coast.
membership
Providing Leadership and Service
Membership is reserved for individuals whose distinguished careers and commitment to leadership reflect the values and mission of the organization. Membership is by invitation and election by the current membership. Candidates are expected to have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service in the military, public, corporate, or civic sectors. Military applicants should have retired at the rank of Colonel/Captain (O-6) or higher, or Chief Master Sergeant/Command Master Chief Petty Officer/Command Sergeant Major (E-9). Civilian applicants should be current or former elected officials or C-suite executives (or equivalent senior leaders) who have made significant contributions to the community. All prospective members are reviewed and voted upon by the membership to ensure they uphold the organization’s standards of leadership, integrity, and service.