One of Us: Toni Boudreaux

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Toni Boudreaux is the director of the Ponte Vedra Beach Division of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and a resident of Ponte Vedra Beach.

Can you please briefly tell us about your background?

Born in Austin, Texas, I grew up a military brat. I graduated from high school and moved to Montana to work at Glacier National Park and ended up living in Bozeman. Always a southern girl, I moved back to Florida and attended University of North Florida. I graduated with honors, earning my undergraduate degree in communications/public relations. I loved it so much I went back and got my master’s degree in public administration.

What are your primary roles and responsibilities as director of the Ponte Vedra Beach Division?

As the director, it is my responsibility to implement membership growth strategy in the Ponte Vedra area and to promote  the branding of the Ponte Vedra Beach Division of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, I work with the director of public policy regarding business issues coming from Ponte Vedra business members by supporting efforts to advocate for members’ concerns. Our office is also the official Visitor Information Center certified by VISIT FLORIDA.

The Ponte Vedra Auto Show is coming up Sunday, Sept. 9. What should residents be looking forward to this year?

We are thrilled for Nocatee to host us again this year in a new event field. They are currently building the new permanent stage where Roscolusa will be held, which will provide another great venue for music in our area. Every year we carefully pick anniversaries that our visitors and car enthusiasts get excited about. This year we will be featuring special awards for Best in Show 70th Anniversary of the Porsche 356, Best in Show 50th Anniversary of the Subaru, Best in Show 40th Anniversary of the Mazda RX-7 and Best in Show 60th Anniversary of the Austin-Healey.

New this year will be racing legend and Brumos Porsche icon Hurley Haywood, who will be on-site to sign his recently released book, “Hurley: From the Beginning,’’ and hero cards, as well take pictures with show attendees. Having Hurley Haywood join us this year is so exciting. He is the iconic representative of American endurance, racing with five victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona; three victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans; and two victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring. It’s truly our honor to have Hurley at the show and for auto enthusiasts to meet him.

What is your favorite part about the Auto Show?

Considering it's the fifth largest auto show in the state, it brings a lot of visitors to the area. I love showing off our beautiful county and all it has to offer. People come for a weekend to attend the show but also to enjoy our laid back, comfortable lifestyle. We are so fortunate to live in paradise and seeing others enjoy it makes me proud of the work I do.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My fiancé and I live close to the ocean so it’s easy to hop on bikes and head to the beach. We also enjoy cooking and spending time with our animals. I sit on various boards, one being my Rotary club, which keeps me pretty busy.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in Ponte Vedra Beach?

We live in paradise; beauty is everywhere. I have to remind myself to take a minute and breathe it all in. To be able to say I love where I live, work and play is pretty special, and being able to share my passion for the area as the director of the division is something I am grateful for every day.