Commissioner Kenneth Ayers Commissioner, City of Callaway

Commissioner Kenneth Ayers has served on the SASJBEP Policy Board representing the City of Callaway since 2022, and brings a lifelong commitment to public service, leadership, and environmental stewardship. A retired U.S. Air Force Major, Ayers has served more than 21 years in the military before building careers in engineering, telecommunications, education, and local government. He has been an active supporter of education, community service, and environmental protection throughout Northwest Florida.

Ayers is an avid diver with more than 2,000 logged dives and a former PADI Master Dive Instructor. Ayers is perhaps best known for his efforts to protect Gulf ecosystems through lionfish removal. A two-time Florida Lionfish King (2017 and 2019), Ayers has removed thousands of invasive lionfish from Gulf waters, helping safeguard native fisheries and reef habitats. His passion for the underwater environment has given him a firsthand appreciation for the importance of healthy watersheds, estuaries, and marine ecosystems.

Looking ahead, Ayers remains passionate about conserving the bays and coastal waters that support the region’s economy, recreation, and quality of life. Whether he’s diving offshore, removing invasive species, or supporting environmental initiatives, his dedication to protecting Northwest Florida’s waters is evident both above and below the surface.