PBºN Episode - 9
Summary
The podcast welcomes Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Moreno, an influential leader with a long history of public service, philanthropy, and business leadership. Moreno shares insights into her upbringing in Connecticut, her journey from a professional golfer to an elected official, and her significant contributions to Palm Beach County. She discusses her involvement with the Jupiter Children's Foundation, her transition from city council to county commissioner, and the challenges and rewards of her current role. Moreno emphasizes the importance of family, strategic decision-making, and community service. She also highlights key issues facing Palm Beach County, such as growth, housing, transportation, and her efforts to manage the county's budget responsibly.
Key topics
Guest Introduction: Maria Moreno, Palm Beach County Commissioner, former mayor and city council member in Palm Beach Gardens, serves on 15 boards and councils, recognized as a mentor, philanthropist, and business leader.
Early Life & Background:
Born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Attended the same high school and University of Connecticut as her father, studying business and labor.
Active in sports (cheerleading, track, volleyball, softball).
Parents have been married for 68 years; strong emphasis on family and traditions like "The Seven Fishes" for Christmas Eve.
Transition to Florida & Golf Career:
Moved to Florida for golf advice from a pro.
Worked at PGA National as a "cart rat," then became a professional golfer.
Won the Connecticut State Women's Amateur Championship.
Dislocated kneecap ended competitive playing, leading to a career in golf business (consultant, LPGA officer, National marketing team member).
Philanthropy & Community Involvement:
Jupiter Children's Foundation: Served as Executive Director for 20 years, raising over $2 million through golf tournaments for at-risk children's schools (Edna's school, Thelma B. Pitman Preschool). Emphasized providing unrestricted funds.
Edna's School: Praised for its deep community involvement and personal approach to supporting children and families.
First Tee to Palm Beaches: Involved in teaching life skills and core values through golf.
Public Service Journey:
Transitioned from a private sector career to public service, initially appointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Clubhouse Task Force in Palm Beach Gardens.
Elected to Palm Beach Gardens City Council.
Elected as Palm Beach County Commissioner in 2020.
Role as County Commissioner:
Scale of Responsibility: Moved from governing 60,000 people to 1.5 million, managing a budget of 7billion(comparedtoPalmBeachGardens′7 billion (compared to Palm Beach Gardens' 7billion(comparedtoPalmBeachGardens′300 million).
County Diversity: Covers a vast, diverse area (2,400 square miles), bigger than two states, with a focus on supporting all communities.
Key Issues: Addresses significant challenges including housing, roadway networks, and schools, viewing them as interconnected parts of the same equation.
Decision-Making: Prioritizes making decisions that benefit the majority of people, even when faced with vocal minority opposition (e.g., Shady Lakes Boulevard extension).
Millage Rate Decrease: Orchestrated the largest millage rate decrease in 30 years by carefully reviewing the county budget and returning excess funds to taxpayers, emphasizing no cuts to services or staff salaries.
Transportation Planning Agency (TPA):
Vice-chair, focuses on allocating federal dollars for local initiatives.
Works on regional traffic solutions, pedestrian safety, and integrating various transportation networks (Tri-Rail, Brightline, Palm Tran).
Example: Pilot program to run a bus service between St. Lucie and West Palm Beach to reduce car traffic.
Personal Philosophy & Mentorship:
Inspired by her mother's strategic thinking and advice on worst-case scenarios.
Ron Ferris (Palm Beach Gardens City Manager) was a key mentor, teaching her to serve the people, not self-interest.
Emphasizes the importance of business experience for elected officials.
Mentors aspiring leaders, including Chelsea Reed.
Unwinding: Enjoys playing Candy Crush and reading historical fiction.
Advice for Aspiring Politicians: Talk to local elected officials, get involved in boards or councils to learn processes, and enter public service for the right reasons.
Rewarding Aspects of the Job: Helping people and solving their problems.
Future of Palm Beach County: Acknowledges rapid growth, with projections of 1.8 million residents by 2030, and the need for strategic land management for industrial/commercial versus residential development.
Re-election: Running for re-election, committed to serving her last term as County Commissioner.