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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Palm Beach County administrator position: A look at the salary, timeline and four finalists
Palm Beach County will soon have a new county administrator. And for the four finalists, the days ahead of the expected Tuesday, June 17 announcement will be exhausting ones. Individual meetings with each of the seven commissioners will occur Monday, June 16 in their respective offices, the day before the vote to hire an administrator. The interview sessions are expected to take up most of the day. The finalists are Deputy County Administrator Patrick Rutter, Assistant County Administrator Isami Ayala-Collazo, County Clerk Joe Abruzzo, and Keith Clinkscale, the county's director of strategic planning and performance management. The position, is expected to pay around $450,000 a year. The position is open because Verdenia Baker — the first woman and the first Black person to lead Palm Beach County's government — is retiring after 10 years as county administrator. Following the one-on-one closed interviews with the commissioners, the finalists will attend a community event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Residents, who cannot attend, can view the session on Channel 20, the county's television station, where it will also be live-streamed. The candidates will introduce themselves. Then, questions, submitted by the public, online or in person, will be asked of each of them. The moderator will randomly select the questions, and candidates will have up to three minutes to respond. Meanwhile, The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches has invited the finalists to attend a "Meet & Greet" with chamber members from 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 11. Only chamber members can attend the event at the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, 401 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. The two outside applicants — Cornell Wesley, director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for Birmingham, Alabama, and Eric Johnson, the city manager of Norcross, Georgia — withdrew their names from consideration last week. Wesley told The Post that he had important commitments that he could not postpone, preventing him from attending next week's interviews. He noted that the interview dates were adjusted and that he was prepared to be interviewed based on the initial schedule. 'I had asked to come on another date, but the county was unable to accommodate my request,' Wesley said. Efforts to reach Johnson for comment were unsuccessful. Todd Bonlarron, an assistant county administrator, has been appointed interim administrator until a new administrator is hired. He did not apply to become administrator. His salary has been set at $350,000 a year. The candidates will be publicly interviewed by the county commission at the Government Center Chambers in West Palm Beach from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 17. The session will be televised on Channel 20 and live-streamed. The candidates will answer the commissioners' questions in a rotating order. They will have up to three minutes to respond. A commissioner can then ask a follow-up question. Once the interviews are completed, the commissioners will publicly discuss which candidate should be chosen. Each commissioner will indicate their preferred candidate on a ballot. More: Palm Beach County's next administrator has big shoes to fill | Editorial More: Retiring Palm Beach County administrator Verdenia Baker looks back on a career of firsts If a candidate receives four votes, that person will become the next administrator, replacing Verdenia Baker who retired on June 1. A deeply divided county commission voted 4-3 this year to skip on a national search. Instead, it chose to depend on a volunteer task force to narrow the candidates down to six applicants. More than 200 applied. If no one can secure the necessary majority necessary on June 17, the commission will start a true national search for a new administrator by hiring a recruitment firm. Three commissioners — Mayor Maria Marino, Marci Woodward, and Gregg Weiss — initially insisted upon this option. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government. You can reach him at mdiamond@ Help support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County to meet to select new administrator on June 17
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches to announce best businesses and businesspeople
The best businesses and businesspeople in Palm Beach County will be honored on Friday, May 23 as the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches hosts the 2025 Business Awards at the Kravis Center. Awards will be given in categories such as the best overall business, best young professional, best hotel and tourism Organization, best non-profit, best health and human services organization and best small businessperson as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Palm Beach Post, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, will air the show live. To watch the livestream, please go to or the Palm Beach Post's YouTube channel, or on Facebook. Here are the finalists in each category (content provided by the Chamber of Commerce): Florida Power & Light CompanyAs America's largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to more than 6 million accounts, or approximately 12 million people. FPL's core business revolves around generating reliable and efficient electricity through advanced technology and robust infrastructure. FPL is dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining a resilient power grid. Beyond its business operations, FPL is deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves across Florida through various initiatives that support economic development, education, disaster recovery efforts and more. FPL is committed to ensuring the company is not only powering homes and businesses but also making a positive impact on the lives of the people in the communities it serves. McLaughlin & Stern LLP McLaughlin & Stern LLP is one of New York's oldest and most respected law firms. They offer comprehensive legal services in corporate law, litigation, estate planning, real estate, intellectual property, healthcare, and more. Their Florida office represents a unique extension of that legacy, focused on community impact, personal advocacy, and cutting-edge public interest provide individualized legal counsel with the full backing of a national firm. Their attorneys are nationally recognized for their work in personal injury, medical malpractice, civil rights, mental health, and substance abuse law. Whether representing a family facing a tragedy, a nonprofit seeking guidance, or a client navigating recovery, they approach each case with expertise, empathy, and deep commitment to justice. More: A look at the 2025 high school seniors who won Pathfinder scholarship plus 2nd and 3rd place More: Dwyer Awards: Top teachers, counselor lauded for commitment, excellence in education Tanger Outlets Located on Interstate 95 and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Tanger Outlets Palm Beach serves millions of residents and generates more than 8.2 million visitors each year, marking itself as a staple to the tourist impact of the city. Tanger Outlets Palm Beach brings Tanger's best-in-class operating platform to one of South Florida's most popular destinations and to the Palm Beach County community. Palm Beach County's transformation: How wealth migration impacts our area More: Top Palm Beach County professionals, business people on the move for the week of May 11 Travis Conway Travis Conway, Executive Director of the Edna W. Runner Education Center, exemplifies dedication to educational equity through his transformative leadership and personal journey from program participant to leader. With a master's degree in Organizational Leadership and training in Diversity and Inclusion, Conway has expanded the Center's offerings to include trade, music, STEAM, and literacy programs, implemented initiatives like UFLI and mental health services, and secured $1.5M in funding. His data-driven, compassionate approach has improved student outcomes, achieved 100% parent satisfaction, and built county-wide partnerships to support underserved communities. Rooted in equity, integrity, and inclusion, Travis is committed to empowering Palm Beach County's youth and families. Kirby Davis Kirby Davis has been an active member of the Palm Beach County community for nearly a decade, building meaningful connections and growing as a young professional leader. Davis is a graduate of the 2025 Leadership Focus Program and a proud participant in Nonprofits First's Advancing Leaders initiative, where she found inspiration among peers. In 2024, Kirby joined NAMI Palm Beach County as Director of Development, where her dedication and impact earned her a nomination for the 'Rising Star' Award by the Women's Chamber of Commerce. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Kirby is committed to sharing the stories of individuals living with mental health conditions and ensuring continued access to NAMI PBC's free programs and resources. Kirby lives in Boynton Beach with her three huskies—Oliver, Zara, and Sami—and enjoys running with local run clubs in her free time. Natalia Sangio Natalia Sangio is a dynamic and fast-rising leader who, by age 22, became the youngest Operations Manager at one of GL Homes' largest communities, managing millions in revenue and full-scale operations with a focus on quality and efficiency. Promoted five times in just 4.5 years, she exemplifies integrity, high standards, and a dedication to empowering others. While working full time, she earned her degree magna cum laude from Florida Atlantic University, grounding her leadership in transparency, hands-on support, and continuous improvement. Bilingual and deeply passionate about making an impact, Natalia uses her journey to inspire and uplift those around her, breaking barriers and fostering growth within her team and community. Congrats Class of 2025! See photos from high school graduations across Palm Beach County More: Top Palm Beach County professionals, business people on the move for the week of May 18 Brightline Brightline is America's first modern, eco-friendly, privately-owned intercity passenger rail system in a century. The high-speed rail system seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Orlando and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. The company offers a hospitality-centric experience designed to reinvent train travel at a comparable price to driving or flying. Brightline is recognized as one of TIME100's Most Influential Companies, one of the World's 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company and one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast by Inc. The company focuses on city pairs that are too close to fly and too long to drive. The Kravis Center Founded in 1983, the Kravis Center is a premier performing arts center with a growing national and international reputation. The Center is an economic catalyst and magnet for cultural tourists and the local community seeking artistic excellence. In 2023-2024, the Kravis Center welcomed 500,000 people on its campus for a wide range of activities, including activities in its concert halls and for education and cultural programs. The Kravis Center's mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; offering comprehensive arts education programs; providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations in which to showcase their work, and providing economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. Wellington International At Wellington International, their vision is clear: To keep Wellington International the premier horse sports destination in the world for generations to come. Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Florida—globally recognized as the premier horse sports destination in the world—Wellington International is home to the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) Annual Series and serves as the organizer of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Their commitment to excellence ensures that athletes, horses, and fans alike experience the very best in equestrian sport year after year. More: Top Palm Beach County professionals, business people on the move for the week of March 30 aZul – Fashion, Art & Design Inc. aZul - Fashion, Art & Design Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities (such as autism and Down syndrome) — whom they proudly call Creatives — and their caregivers through a variety of programs that provide engagement in the arts. Through dynamic programs like our ActiveArt field trips, ArtAbilities technique classes, and their comprehensive FashionAble design courses, they empower our Creatives to uncover their hidden potential. aZul also brings introductory fashion workshops into local day centers that serve adults with unique needs, where their one-of-a-kind designs are showcased in an inspiring fashion show. Adults with disabilities are often marginalized and lack opportunities for personal growth and achievement. Their programs bridge a gap in resources, using art and design as pathways to artistic accomplishment, dignity, and financial independence, and help to dismantle public misconceptions about persons with disabilities and create a more inclusive community. Digital Vibez Inc Digital Vibez® is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Palm Beach County that empowers youth and families through innovative programs promoting health, creativity, and self-expression. What began over a decade ago as a small initiative has grown into a nationally recognized organization with signature programs like Wellness Workshops, Literacy Through Lyrics, and the KidsFit Jamathon — the nation's largest kids' fitness concert. With a mission to foster healthier habits and personal growth, Digital Vibez has expanded its reach through partnerships with groups like the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and United Way. Operating on a $1.2 million budget funded by donations and grants, the organization now serves thousands annually, remaining deeply committed to inspiring the next generation through engaging, impactful experiences. Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park Founded in 1990, Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park (Friends) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation. n 2001, Friends made a dedicated effort to support environmental education (EE), launching the education program, free to all PBC students, from first through 12th grade. Serving 4,000+ students annually, they focus on experiential, hands-on learning. They are teaching the current and next generation the definition of what it means to be a good steward through their actions. Being at the Park, attending a class or having a positive experience here gives the public more knowledge about various subjects of conservation. From being able to do a beach cleanup, to recycling, all of their small actions matter. Every student who attends an EE program learns Leave No Trace ethics, learning how to be a good steward, and is empowered to be able to make decisions for the future. Their nature center and theatre are built to educate and inform anyone who wants to learn how they can make a difference. Friends work to make this planet a little bit better and a little more sustainable while preserving this amazing piece of land and having people connect to nature. More: Top Palm Beach County professionals, business people on the move for the week of May 4 The Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches The Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches is a visionary nonprofit organization devoted to transforming the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages. Through a powerful blend of personalized support, advanced assistive technology, and compassionate guidance, the Lighthouse empowers individuals to live with confidence, independence, and dignity. Its holistic services range from early childhood intervention to senior support, ensuring no one is left behind, regardless of age or stage in life. With a deep-rooted belief in empowerment and inclusion, The Lighthouse is not only enhancing lives—it's reshaping perceptions of what is possible for those with visual impairments. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) is a not-for-profit research institute focused on unlocking the mysteries of the brain. As the only Max Planck Institute in North America, MPFI brings together world-class scientists from around the globe to explore how neural circuits give rise to thought, behavior, memory, and emotion. Through cutting-edge imaging technology, high-risk, high-reward research, and global collaboration, MPFI advances our fundamental understanding of the brain, laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in health and medicine. The Palm Beach County Food Bank The Palm Beach County Food Bank started out in a small Lantana warehouse with one truck and no loading docks and quickly grew to meet the increased need for food. In 2019, a capital campaign launched, and funds were raised so the Food Bank could move into its current home in Lake Worth Beach, doubling its space and adding seven loading docks. The move took place during the pandemic, during which the Food Bank's doors remained open to serve the community and meet an unprecedented need for food. In 2021, in partnership with Palm Beach County, United Way, federal, state, local and individual funders, the Food Bank began the build-out of a new, 24,000 square-foot community kitchen, to further increase the supply of nutritious, supplemental food. More: Top Palm Beach County professionals, business people on the move for the week of April 20 Darren Arithoppah The ShopTropicals journey started in Itacare, Brazil, a Bahian beach town in Brazil's Cocoa Coast. Arithoppah, the founder, spent some time in between jobs surfing in Itacare at Engenhoca Beach, which can only be accessed by hiking 30 minutes through an untouched rainforest. He gravitated towards Florida's subtropical climate and found himself in the tropical plants business. Since then, his mission has been to re-create that experience and to help invite the energy of the jungle into our everyday lives. ShopTropicals services high-end residential and commercial properties that are looking for a lush plantscape experience. Dr. Serge W. D'Haiti, CPA, Ph.D. Dr. Serge W. D'Haiti, CPA, Ph. D., was born in Pahokee, and is a long-time West Palm Beach, resident. He graduated from Palm Beach Lakes Community High School. He attained his BBA from Florida Atlantic University and his master's degree for Accountancy at Nova Southeastern University. He completed his doctoral studies at Capella University in the School of Business, Technology, and Healthcare Administration, specializing in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Florida. He serves the Broward and Palm Beach County community under through Serge W. D'Haiti, CPA PLLC, offering public accounting services and mortgage loan origination. Serge served in the Student Government Association at Palm Beach Community College and Florida Atlantic University. He is a member Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and Florida Free and Accepted Mason. He has volunteered for the Internal Revenue Service's VITA program through the United Way of Palm Beach County, mentored students with Take Stock in Children of Palm Beach County, and tutored athletes at Florida Atlantic University's Oxley Center and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. Protecting citizens through the Department of Financial Services, he has worked with the Florida Department of Revenue on child support, business tax matters, and the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County. D'Haiti currently serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, a member of the 2023 Class of Leadership West Palm Beach, was appointed by West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James to the Water Advisory Board of the city of West Palm Beach, was appointed by Mack Bernard to the Palm Beach County Planning Commission Board and serves as President of Lakeside Green Homeowners Association. D'Haiti found a way to serve and improve his community with his skills and talents. Cory Lyon Cory Lyon is a seasoned Financial Advisor at TFG Financial Advisors with over eight years of experience, holding both Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. He specializes in custom portfolio design and personalized asset management for individuals and businesses, using TFG's holistic approach to align clients' financial strategies with their present needs and long-term goals. Prior to joining TFG, he worked at a boutique investment firm in South Florida. Cory is also deeply engaged in the community, serving on the Board of Extraordinary Charities and supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Historical Society, and various local chambers of commerce. A frequent speaker and published contributor on investment strategies, Cory's expertise has been featured in the Palm Beach Daily News and Florida Weekly. Under his tenure, TFG Financial Advisors has earned the Palm Beach Post BEST Award for Investment Firm from 2021 to 2024. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best businesses and businesspeople in Palm Beach County to be honored
