Board of Commissioners
TROY PATRICK
Chairman
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Mr. Patrick was elected Chairman of the Board of Commissioners in May 2026. He was appointed to the Board by Mayor Douglas Lawson in June 2025. Born and raised in Palm Beach County, he is a graduate of John I. Leonard High School. Mr. Patrick is a licensed Real Estate Agent serving Palm Beach County, where he is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve homeownership. A natural servant leader, he is committed to using his real estate expertise to bring foresight to the housing landscape, bridge gaps in homeownership opportunities, and help create more first-time homebuyers. Mr. Patrick looks forward to supporting the growth and development of Riviera Beach by helping build a stronger, thriving community.
MICHAEL CARTER
Vice Chairman
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​Mr. Michael Carter was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioner in May 2026. Mr. Carter was appointed by Mayor Douglas Lawson in July 2025. Michael Carter is a dedicated public servant with more than 25 years of experience in legal, construction, political advocacy and community organizing. Born in Washington D.C., he is a lifelong Riviera Beach resident. He has been the Case Coordinator at The Ryles Firm Injury Lawyers for over 20 years, handling more than $100 million dollars in verdicts and settlements. Mr. Carter also is the former vice president of Maverick Construction. He is committed to advancing the authority’s mission of providing safe, affordable, and sanitary housing for the residents of Riviera Beach.
JEFFERY B. JACKSON
Commissioner
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Mr. Jeffery B. Jackson served as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners from December 2016 to May 2026. Mr. Jackson was appointed to the Board in 2014 by former Mayor Thomas A. Masters. He was elected Vice Chairman in May 2016 and, in December 2019, voted Chairman. Mr. Jackson retired as Captain in 2021 after 35 years of service with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. He continues to serve on multiple boards, including the Thousand Oaks CDD, and is President of the Thousand Oaks Community HOA. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Thurgood Marshall Masonic Lodge #121. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Phoenix in Arizona.
JESSICA THURMOND
Commissioner
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​Ms. Thurmond served as the Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners from December 2016 to May 2026. She was appointed to the Board in May 2016 as a Resident Commissioner by former Mayor Thomas A. Masters. She is the owner of a small childcare center and worked 12 years with the School District of Palm Beach County. Ms. Thurmond holds two Degrees from Palm Beach State College: a Degree in Early Education and Childhood Development and a second Degree in Business Administration. She currently resides in one of the homes that the RBHA owns under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. (NSP1)
LEROY KELSON, IV
Commissioner
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Leroy Kelson IV is an educator and change agent based in Riviera Beach, Florida. He currently works as a Public-School Administrator (Single School Culture Coordinator) for The School District of Palm Beach County. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kelson is also a member of the New Leaders Council Palm Beach and Leadership Florida (Education Class 8). Leroy holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration, General, from the American College of Education, a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor's Degree in Public Management from Florida Atlantic University.
JOSEPH ANDERSON
Commissioner
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​Mr. Anderson was appointed to the Board in June 2025 by Mayor Douglas Lawson. Born and raised in Riviera Beach, he is a proud graduate of Suncoast High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethune-Cookman College. Mr. Anderson has served in various leadership roles throughout his career, including as a former Port of Palm Beach Commissioner. He currently serves as the President of the Neighborhood Association and as President of The Building Officials of Palm Beach County. He is also the former owner of JD Anderson Construction. A lifelong advocate for his community, Mr. Anderson is a natural leader who is committed to bringing opportunities and resources to Riviera Beach to ensure its continued growth and success.
TARA BENNETT
Commissioner
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Tara Bennett was appointed to the board in August 2025 by Mayor Douglas Lawson. Ms. Bennett founded and operates her own property management company for over eight years and manages the Marsh Harbour Community in Riviera Beach. Passionate about affordable housing and equitable community development, Ms. Bennett is dedicated to advancing initiatives that enhance quality of life, empower residents, and support sustainable housing solutions. She is deeply committed to giving back to the city that raised her and creating opportunities for those who cherish Riviera Beach as much as she does. Her background in community associations has equipped her with expertise in property oversight, policy compliance, and collaborative leadership. Ms. Bennett is a proud graduate of Suncoast Community High School and Palm Beach State College. She holds a degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a degree in Organizational Psychology.