The Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) is excited to welcome the 2024 Executive Committee! Serving in an advisory capacity to the Governing Board and Executive Director, the committee members review and recommend updates to the TPA’s Strategic Plan, agency policies, procedures and other tasks as needed.
The 2024 TPA Governing Board Executive Committee
- Chelsea Reed, TPA Governing Board Chair and Palm Beach Gardens Mayor
- Maria Marino, TPA Governing Board Vice Chair and Palm Beach County Vice Mayor
- Michael Napoleone, TPA Governing Board Member and Village of Wellington Mayor
- Yvette Drucker, TPA Governing Board Member and City of Boca Raton Deputy Mayor
- Christy Fox, TPA Governing Board Member and City of West Palm Beach Commissioner
Before becoming a TPA Governing Board member in 2020, Chair Chelsea Reed served as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee (2017 – 2020) helping to provide the Board with a “citizen’s eye” view of ongoing transportation issues in Palm Beach County.
“As a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and now the Board, I have become a strong and informed advocate for transit and considerations about safely and efficiently connecting our residents with transportation safety, access, and affordability. For me, advocating for transit means the opportunity to connect, transform, and innovate our world to shape how we move, experience, and interact with our beautiful area and surroundings on a daily basis – to truly make a difference in improving the quality of life for us all,” Reed said.
Chair Reed also serves as the Chair of the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board (TD LCB), as well as the Vice Chair of Southeast Florida Transportation Council (SEFTC). One of Chair Reed’s early mentors and longtime TPA member, Maria Marino, serves as the Vice Chair of the Board.
“As a member of the TPA since 2017 and as a former Chair, I am keenly aware of the responsibility of serving as a steward of our transportation needs,” she said. “We must be forward thinking enough to ensure that transportation systems are not only efficient today but also adaptable and sustainable for generations to come. “Our decisions and strategic planning influence how people move within our 2,400 square mile county, connect regionally, and play a vital role in defining our community’s overall quality of life and economic vitality,” Marino concludes.
Village of Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone has served as a TPA Governing Board member since 2018 and says “Transportation is the lifeblood of any community, and in Palm Beach County, it’s no exception. As our population grows and our infrastructure ages, it’s crucial now more than ever to be actively involved in shaping the future of transportation in our area.” He continues, “It’s not just about roads and highways; it’s about creating a comprehensive, sustainable, and efficient transportation network that meets the needs of everyone in our diverse community. The TPA provides a platform for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to voice their concerns, ideas, and suggestions regarding transportation issues.”
Deputy Vice Mayor Yvette Drucker was appointed to the TPA in 2021. “Since then, I have immersed myself in the nuts & bolts of transit, mobility, and connectivity, not only as a Safe Streets Champion, but also earning a seat on the Executive Committee which allows me to take a leadership role in making the decisions that will get us moving more efficiently and safely throughout South Florida,” she said.
City of West Palm Beach Commissioner Christy Fox was appointed as a main representative on the TPA Board in 2022 and previously served as an alternate since 2021. She offers a perspective on the importance of transportation connectivity from personal experience of living and working in various cities. “After graduating from high school in West Palm Beach, I lived in cities such as Boston and New York City where my preferred mode of transportation was walking, supplemented by reliable public transportation. When I moved back home, I was quickly reminded that having a car in Palm Beach County was not optional, it was essential,” she said.
Now, after serving for nearly two years with the TPA, Fox reflects, “While transportation and safe streets had long been a passion, since taking office my focus has turned to prioritizing more connectivity in our underserved neighborhoods. Access to transportation options can impact almost every other decision a person makes, from where they will live or work, to where their kids go to school, where they shop for groceries, and what streets they will walk, bike or drive. Together, we are dedicated to prioritizing plans that connect our communities and create opportunities for all.”
Executive Director Valerie Neilson is excited about the collaboration, different perspectives, and ongoing discussions to make transportation more accessible for everyone. “Our entire Executive Committee is driven by the same need for a safe, efficient, and connected transportation system in Palm Beach County,” Neilson said. “I am looking forward to working closely with our Executive Committee members, and continuing our collaborative efforts to plan, prioritize, and fund transportation facilities that advance our vision.”
The Executive Committee will serve through calendar year 2024. To learn more about the TPA’s Executive Committee, click here.
