OUR TEAM
Scott Linde
President
Scott Linde is a former President of the Gulfport Merchants Association and the owner of Lizard Licks. He previously owned Mangia Gourmet and Small Ship Cruises, and also served as an executive with Levi Strauss & Co. Active in Gulfport’s business and arts community for 14 years, Scott is originally from Chicago. He is also an artist and craftsman, dedicated to both creativity and community.
Stacey Purcell
Vice President
Stacey, a licensed Realtor and longtime Gulfport resident, combines her deep community roots, extensive home renovation and inspection experience, and passion for preserving Gulfport’s unique charm to offer buyers and sellers expert guidance with genuine care & insight.
John Haugen
Secretary
My corporate career was in sales management. My wife and I then bought a business auditing the coupon process for large corporations. We also launched businesses dealing with real estate and investments. I have served as a board member and secretary with the Gulfport Merchants Chamber for the 11 years.
Jennifer Webb
Treasurer
Jennifer Webb, former Florida State Legislator and CEO of JW Consultants, specializes in bringing people together to solve complex problems to improve our communities. Whether reducing the number of opioid overdoses, preparing for sea level rise in our coastal cities, or reducing partisan animosity through dialogue and increased trust in our democratic intuitions, Jennifer works with clients to shift culture, funding streams, and policy to create lasting change and communities that are more peaceful, healthier, and sustainable. Jennifer lives in Gulfport with her spouse, Cynthia Wurner, and their rescued pets – Bailey and Poppy.
Debbie Amis
Board Member
Hi..I’m member Debbie Amis and have been with the GMC for 5 years. I was co-owner of The Tiki Bar & Grill of Gulfport, that we lost in Hurricane Helene. I’m currently working at The Northend Taphouse in Gulfport and staying involved in our city’s growth and needs.
Leslie Gilchrist
Board Member
My relationship with Gulfport merchants began in 2006. I've owned a store, held the office of GMA President, worked on Art Walks, Tuesday Market, and all of Gulfport's festivals. Prior to hurricane Helene I had a booth at the Beach Bazaar. As an artist I created a character called Suncoast Sunbutt and I paint. I donated two pieces for auctions benefitting the Senior Center Foundation.
Eddie McClure
Board Member
Eddie moved to Gulfport from Nashville, TN. and has resided in the Marina District for the past 3.5 years. Eddie's background was in healthcare working specifically in mental health and substance abuse. He is now the proprietor of Gulfport Corner Store located at 29th Ave. and Beach Blvd. He is also a licensed real estate agent working at Gulfport Realty. He joined the GMC Board of Directors in January, 2025.
Chris Sussman
Board Member
I’ve been a full-time Gulfport resident since 2021. After 25 years as a corporate IT executive, I launched a BBQ business in 2019 and published two cookbooks. Now, I’m focused on supporting local businesses and serving our community as a board member of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber.
Christopher Holzwart
Board Member
Christopher Holzwart, a St. Petersburg, Florida native, serves as Vice President and Branch Manager IV at Regions Bank. With an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix, he leads retail banking operations in Gulfport, emphasizing customer service and financial solutions.
Mike Fagan
Board Member
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Dave Caputo
Board Member
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Dee Mortellaro
Board Member
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