Health Care District of Palm Beach County Board Recognizes Commissioner Carol A. Roberts for Her Eight Years of Leadership and Service

Board member Carol A. Roberts with the Health Care District Board

From left: Philip H. Ward, III Chair, Nancy Banner, Secretary, Brian Lohmann, Vice Chair, Carol A. Roberts, Leslie B. Daniels, Alina M. Alonso, MD, Darcy J. Davis, CEO

Press Release

Palm Springs, FL – The Health Care District of Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners honored Commissioner Carol A. Roberts at its public Board meeting Wednesday, September 14th where they presented her with a framed memento of appreciation and approved a proclamation recognizing her civic leadership and eight years of service as she completes her second and final consecutive volunteer term on the Board.

“We honor Commissioner Roberts as one of the founding members of the Health Care District,” said Philip H. Ward, III, Board Chair. “Over the years, she has been a steadfast advocate on behalf of our public health care system, our safety net programs and our mission. Commissioner Roberts, we applaud you for your years of dedicated Board service.”

Commissioner Roberts was first appointed to serve on the Health Care District Board in 2008 by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and was reappointed in October of 2012. She served as Board Chair from 2013 to 2015. During her tenure she helped initiate the Health Care District’s internal audit department as well as serve as the first Chair of the Health Care District’s Audit and Compliance Committee.

“The Health Care District is grateful to Commissioner Roberts for her leadership and governance,” said Darcy J. Davis, the Health Care District’s Chief Executive Officer. “We thank her for her commitment to providing our community access to quality and lifesaving health care.”

Commissioner Roberts’ governmental experience spans more than 30 years. She served as a Palm Beach County Commissioner from 1986 to 2002. Prior to that, she served as West Palm Beach City Commissioner from 1975 to 1986 and Mayor of West Palm Beach from 1985 to 1986. She was among the county leaders who advocated for the creation of the Health Care District which gained voter approval in 1988. Now retired, she is recognized for her expertise and experience in many areas, including health care, budgeting, and fiscal planning.

“I just want to thank my fellow Board members,” said Commissioner Roberts. “It’s a joint effort and I don’t think anybody should ever forget that. Without all of you, I don’t think we would be the success that we are. I thank you very much for this honor.”

At the meeting, Florida Rep. Lori Berman presented a tribute to Commissioner Roberts that she read aloud, stating in part, “Carol Roberts has dedicated her life to the betterment of her community and enriching the life of others…Carol Roberts is sincerely thanked for her decades of selfless service in the South Florida community.”

Jenny Ceasar, Broward County Outreach Coordinator for Congresswoman Lois Frankel read a letter from the Congresswoman that said, “Since 1975, Carol has worked tirelessly with local, regional, and state agencies to ensure that people have access to basic government services. As Chair of the Health Care District, she applied her leadership experience and vision to addressing the healthcare needs of South Floridians.”

In his remarks, Jervonte Edmonds, Legislative Aide for Florida Rep. Bobby Powell thanked Commissioner Roberts for creating such an impressive legacy for Palm Beach County.

Also attending the meeting to congratulate Commissioner Roberts were Randee S. Schatz, Esq., former Health Care District Board Chair; James T. Howell, MD, MPH, Assistant Dean for Professional Relations, Nova Southeastern University; and Don Chester, Assistant Administrator, St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Ms. Schatz noted in her remarks that Commissioner Roberts, her close friend, became famous across the country for her role inspecting “hanging chads” during the 2000 Presidential election. “It’s my honor to be here today to thank you for your service to Palm Beach County. This is what I think of Carol: she is number one.”

Mr. Chester remarked, “Carol, without your leadership there would be no Health Care District. Her record of public service in the community is second to none.”

About the Health Care District:

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County provides adult and pediatric services at the C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics throughout the county, health coverage programs for uninsured residents, a pharmacy operation, a nationally recognized Trauma System, dedicated nurses in nearly 170 public schools, a long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, and acute care hospital services at Lakeside Medical Center, the county’s only public hospital, serving the rural western Palm Beach County communities along the southeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee.

Contact: Robin Kish
Director of Public Relations
561.804.5828