Meet the Team
Nathan Sparks
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Nathan is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of One Okaloosa EDC. He has held prior economic development leadership positions with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the St. Joe Company and the Golden Isles Development Authority. Nathan earned a B.A. from Oglethorpe University, a Certificate from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and a Certificate in Leadership from Northwestern University. Nathan is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and was awarded the prestigious Business Ambassador Award from Governor Rick Scott in 2016. Nathan serves on the Florida Small Business Development Center’s Statewide Advisory Board. In his free time, Nathan enjoys spending time with family and friends - especially when travel, good food, live music and college football are involved.
Kay Rasmussen
Associate Director
Serving as the Associate Director, Kay oversees the business and financial operations for the council and manages the tri-county Defense Support Initiatives Committee. Prior positions within the organization included Director of Defense, Vice President and Interim President. Kay advocates for the military and military-community partnerships at the local, state and Federal levels. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council. Kay is a member of the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution National Society and the Florida Defense Support Task Force. In her free time, Kay enjoys antique furniture restoration and working out.
Cole Randall
Project Manager
As Project Manager, Cole assists existing businesses with growth/expansion, supports the recruitment of new, targeted industries to Okaloosa County and cultivates positive relationships with One Okaloosa EDC’s many partners, stakeholders and investors. Cole is a Veteran of the United States Air Force (USAF) where he served as Weapons Team Chief for the 33rd Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB. He earned his "Six Sigma Green Belt Leadership Certification", 13 USAF leadership certifications, and was awarded the Air Force’s "Superior Leader Amongst Leaders Trophy'. He is a Maxwell Leadership® Certified Trainer, Coach, Speaker, and Teacher. In his free time, Cole enjoys ministry, family activities, and dirt biking. Cole is a person of growth; who loves, values, and empowers others.
Natalia Germany
Administrative Assistant
As an Administrative Assistant, Natalia plays a pivotal role in supporting our team by overseeing office operations and providing comprehensive support for meetings and events. She holds an associate's degree from Daytona State College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in General Business at the University of West Florida. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she is proud of her husband’s service in the United States Air Force (USAF) at Eglin AFB. In her leisure time, Natalia enjoys traveling, maintaining an active lifestyle, exploring the magic of Disney, and fostering her faith and connections with others.