WEST PALM BEACH – During its reorganization meeting on Nov. 20, members of the Palm Beach County Commission unanimously selected Commissioner Steven L. Abrams as the new chairman, succeeding ex-Commission Chair Shelly Vana, who was just re-elected to her post as commissioner from District 3.
Commissioner Priscilla Taylor was chosen as vice-chair for the coming year.
Abrams said it has been nearly 50 years since someone from Boca Raton has been elected chair and 20 years since a District 4 commissioner has held the gavel.
“I am honored to serve as chairman and look forward to a productive year with a focus on public safety, economic prosperity and sustainability,” said Abrams.
“Another priority will be to heighten the board’s visibility by increasing public awareness of the role of the county commission,” he added.
Commissioner Abrams represents District 4 which includes 12 municipalities from South Palm Beach to Boca Raton. He was originally appointed in 2009 and was subsequently elected in 2010 without opposition to a full four-year term. Abrams was mayor of Boca Raton from 2001 through 2008 and on City Council in Boca Raton from 1989-1999.
Abrams also serves as chairman the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, the Solid Waste Authority, Value Adjustment Board, Broadband Committee and Multi-Jurisdictional Issues Coordination Forum Executive Committee. In addition, he sits on the boards of the Florida Association of Counties, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and the Southeast Florida Coastal Task Force.