Steve Panama – A Devoted Father, Loving Husband, Precious Grandfather and Trusted Friend

Steven Maxwell currently works as the evening anchor at WJHG in Panama City Beach, Florida and was previously at KALB in Alexandria, Louisiana.

He oversees STRI’s long-term climate and ocean monitoring programs as well as being an avid wildlife photographer, regularly used by researchers worldwide and appearing in multiple publications.

Early Life and Education

Dean and Lisa DeLuca wanted a change, so after working long and demanding jobs they decided it was time for some semi-retirement and decided Panama was an ideal location. Now building their beach house here within budget.

Steven Paton is an expert on monitoring climate and oceans of the tropics, nature photographer, and science communicator. As director of STRI’s long-term climate and physical oceanographic monitoring programs he has documented Panama’s amazing biodiversity through photographs.

He is a member of Panama City Business Executives Association and has held board positions at several local charities. Additionally, he belongs to Fundacion Smithsonian de Panama as well as volunteering for numerous youth education programs.

Professional Career

He served at both the Defense Department and CIA senior levels for 32 years, garnering numerous US military and intelligence community awards and medals (including three National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medals ). Furthermore, he developed close ties with US cabinet-level, Defense and Congressional counterparts at war zones and foreign posts around the globe.

He established Gain Technology Corporation, an integrated circuit design center which provided semiconductor chips to various companies. One of its many accomplishments included designing the first USB 2.0 chip which can now be found in most PCs and electronic devices.

As an investor and board member for several businesses, he serves on multiple boards and investments committees. Additionally, he sits on Gulf Coast State College’s District Board of Trustees in Panama City.

Achievement and Honors

Steve Panama was an exceptional father, husband, grandfather and friend with an understanding and compassionate disposition. Additionally, he worked diligently as the businessman behind Southerland Family Funeral Homes.

He enjoys spending his free time with his family. Additionally, he has participated in multiple local and international projects focused on health, education, social justice and the arts.

His musical resume includes performances alongside Kenny Barron, Bill Frisell, Terri Lyne Carrington, Charlie Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie and Chubby Checker – to name but a few! Additionally he is recognized by both the United States government and many other organizations for his efforts with the Danilo Perez Foundation in Panama that brings music education to children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds – work which has been recognized through awards given.

Personal Life

After years of working high-stress jobs, Steve and his wife decided to retire in Panama City Beach. Seeing others living a more relaxing lifestyle there had convinced them of its appeal as a place where they could thrive.

Since 2012, he has served on the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute board and as an investor, advisor, or board member for various start-up enterprises. With particular expertise in climate monitoring and oceans of tropical regions – as well as being an experienced wildlife photographer and science communicator.

Jenkins was an incredible creative force. His mind was constantly full of new ideas; Margaret Raymo of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers remembers in a quote, that whether it was infographics, evolution, beetles, dogs, sharks or Mount Everest itself; his goal was always to get children excited about science.

Net Worth

Republican CFO of Panama City Beach reported a net worth of $6,671,139 according to his most recent financial disclosure form covering earnings through December 2020. He owns homes and condos in Tallahassee as well as land, homes and businesses located within Panama City and Panama City Beach.

He advises business owners, executives and complex high net worth family groups on income, estate and gift tax planning matters. In addition to teaching national trainings on these subjects and authoring technical materials on this matter, he also donates millions annually and signed the Giving Pledge as part of an effort to encourage other wealthy Americans to contribute more generously. He funded renovation of Temple Shalom in Medford Massachusetts while making significant donations in 2009 to Jewish Immigrant Aid Society which had assisted his parents’ immigration from Hungary.