Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Makos Academics, Arts & Athletics Club has named Dr. Nelson Bauer the 2026 IMPACT Award recipient. The award honors individuals whose dedication has made a lasting difference in the community. Over the past several years, Bauer has served on multiple city and county boards. His contributions span public safety and education, youth sports, and faith-based leadership.

Bauer served in the fire service for 23 years, with his final 2 years as the Orange Beach Deputy Fire Chief, from 2023 to 2025.  He was also an inaugural member and Vice President of the Orange Beach City School Board of Education, serving from 2022 to 2026. He served on the Orange Beach Planning Commission from 2021 to 2025 and returned to that role in 2026. He also served on the Baldwin County Forensics Board from 2024 to 2026 and has been involved in Orange Beach Church leadership and finance committees since 2025.

His connection to local schools runs deep. Bauer became an inaugural member of the Orange Beach Elementary Dad Squad and regularly served during the Friday lunch wave from 2021 to 2024. He assisted with middle school baseball in 2022 and has coached youth baseball, flag football, soccer, and basketball throughout his time in the community.

Those close to Bauer speak highly of his character. His wife, Abby, calls him "the most loyal, thoughtful, and selfless person she knows." The couple has two children, Baylee Grace and Will.

The MAAAC Gala 2026 will honor Bauer on Saturday, August 15, in Orange Beach. All proceeds from the gala will directly support K-12 students in Orange Beach City Schools. Tickets are available at obmaaac.org.