Episode 3 - Mack Bernard, Palm Beach County Commissioner
Summary
Commissioner Mac Bernard, an inspiring figure in Palm Beach County, shares his remarkable journey from an orphaned boy in Haiti to a prominent public servant in Florida. He recounts his early life, challenges of adapting to a new country and language, and his unexpected path into public service, influenced by his community upbringing. Bernard discusses his educational and professional trajectory, including opening a shoe store, attending law school, and his marriage to fellow lawyer, Sean. He highlights his proudest achievements as a County Commissioner, notably the housing bond and his role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bernard also shares his vision for Palm Beach County's future, focusing on sustainable growth, technological integration, and continued community service, as he prepares for a state senate run.
Key topics
Early Life & Immigration: Mac Bernard arrived in the US from Haiti at age 10 as an orphaned boy, facing language barriers and adapting to a new culture.
Education & Career: Attended Florida State University, then law school at the University of Florida. Briefly owned a shoe store before pursuing law and public service.
Public Service Journey: Started as a Delray Beach City Commissioner, served in the Florida House of Representatives, and became a Palm Beach County Commissioner in 2016 (first black male Haitian American commissioner).
Family Life: Married to Sean Bernard (met in law school), with three daughters. Emphasizes work-life balance by "turning off" work at home.
Key Achievements as Commissioner:
Housing Bond: Spearheaded a $200 million bond for workforce and affordable housing, a personal mission due to his own childhood housing struggles.
COVID-19 Response: Played a crucial role in the Emergency Operations Center, assisting with testing sites and vaccination efforts.
Palm Beach County's Growth & Challenges: Acknowledges rapid population growth and the need for resilient, sustainable development, addressing water supply and environmental concerns.
Advocacy: Strong advocate for job creation, small businesses, and women/minority-owned businesses, motivated by his daughters and upbringing.
Future Political Ambitions: Running for state senate (District 24) to continue serving Palm Beach County residents in Tallahassee, focusing on education, beach renourishment, resiliency, and economic development.
Economic Development & Talent: Stresses collaboration with educational institutions (Palm Beach State College, FAU, PBAU) to develop local talent for future job growth.
Engaging Future Leaders: Believes in nurturing the next generation of public servants, advising them to serve their communities and to consider diverse career paths beyond traditional college routes.
Influences: His sister, Nadesha Bernard (an actuary), has been the biggest influence in his life.