Cathleen Ward Joins Health Care District Board as Newly-Appointed Member

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s newest board member, West Palm Beach Commissioner Cathleen Ward, was recently appointed by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners.

"I am honored to have been appointed to the Health Care District’s governing board,” said Ward. “Deeply rooted in Palm Beach County, both as a native and a current resident, I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members and the leadership team to contribute to the mission of ensuring access to high-quality health care for all residents, including addressing mental health needs in our community."

Ward’s diverse government and legal experience underscore her commitment to public service and community engagement in Palm Beach County. She is the West Palm Beach City Commissioner for District 1 since March 31, 2022. She is also a partner at Ward Damon in West Palm Beach, focusing on commercial lending, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, contracts, and general corporate law. Her father, Philip H. Ward, III, brought his legal, government and financial expertise when former Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed him to the Health Care District Board in 2011. Mr. Ward served for seven years and was Board Chair for his last three years.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Ward as the newest commissioner to the Health Care District Board,” said Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District CEO. “Her professional experience and dedication to public service will be an asset to the Palm Beach County residents we serve.”

Ward earned her Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami Gardens, Florida and her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Before joining the Health Care District Board, Ward served on several boards, including the West Palm Beach Planning Board, Northend Coalition of Neighborhoods, Inc., Neighborhood Renaissance, Inc., Community Alliance of Palm Beach County, and as a member of the Emerging Leaders of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. "Ms. Ward’s experience, along with her long-standing ties to Palm Beach County, will significantly contribute to the Health Care District Board’s ability to serve our community," said Carlos Vidueira, Board Chair. “We look forward to her leadership as we continue to expand access to quality health care throughout the county."

The Health Care District Board consists of seven appointed members who serve voluntarily for a maximum of two terms. Three commissioners are appointed by the Governor of Florida, three by the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners, and one is a representative of the State Department of Health. The other members of the Health Care District Board include Carlos Vidueira, Chair; Sean O’Bannon, Vice Chair; Tammy Jackson-Moore, Secretary; Jyothi Gunta, MD, MPH, Director of the Florida Department of Health for Palm Beach County; Tracy Caruso and Patrick Rooney, Jr.