The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) recently recognized several Palm Beach County commissioners and employees during an awards ceremony at the FAC annual conference in Orange County.
District 6 County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay was named president-elect of the statewide organization, which assists counties in effectively serving and representing Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.
Mayor Mack Bernard earned the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) designation. The ACC program requires 27 hours of course work focusing on leadership, with an emphasis on the future of Florida.
District 5 County Commissioner Mary Lou Berger, along with Bernard, were named to the FAC Board of Directors.
Additionally, FAC honored the three Palm Beach County leaders as Presidential Advocates for their work during the 2019 Florida Legislative Session. This recognition is given to county commissioners who have shown exceptional leadership in advocating with FAC during the 2019 session.
“During the legislative session, our role becomes increasingly important as hundreds of bills are heard that have a direct impact on our communities,” FAC Immediate Past-President and Hendry County Commissioner Karson Turner said. “Those receiving this honor displayed a commitment not only to advance our counties’ legislative agenda but to their community and the state.”
Darren Romelus, a staff member of Bernard’s, completed the Florida Counties Foundation’s County Government Education program covering topics such as county government structure, budget and finance, growth management, ethics and Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law.
Also, Palm Beach County employees in Public Safety, Public Affairs and Fire-Rescue were honored with the Outstanding Service Award from the Small County Coalition for “leadership and advocacy on behalf of rural areas in Florida.”
Several county volunteers went to Bay and Calhoun counties to provide emergency management support and assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, which devastated the Panhandle area last fall.
