Community Initiatives

As the official economic development organization of Palm Beach County, the Business Development Board recognizes the exceptional quality of the county's academic institutions, consistently ranked among the nation's best. In its ongoing efforts to attract companies and support local growth, the Business Development Board is committed to preserving top talent. Through the initiatives outlined below, it aims to provide new business leaders with the essential educational resources required for both their children and workforce talent.

Academic Leaders Council

The Academic Leaders Council, comprised of the presidents of Palm Beach County’s colleges and universities and the Palm Beach County School District Superintendent, works to ensure industry and education curriculum alignment.

Leaders include:

  • Michael J. Burke, Superintendent, Palm Beach County School District
  • Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University
  • Dr. George Hanbury II, President & CEO, Nova Southeastern University
  • Dr. Stacy Volnick, President, Florida Atlantic University
  • Lisa Nucci, West Palm Beach Campus President, Keiser University
  • Ava Parker, J.D., President, Palm Beach State College
  • Dr. Kevin Ross, President, Lynn University
  • Dr. Gary Vonk, Flagship Campus President, Keiser University
  • Julia Dattolo, President and CEO, CareerSource Palm Beach County
Academic-Leaders-Council

Private School Task Force

The Business Development Board assembles the leaders of private and faith-based schools in Palm Beach County. This gathering takes place biannually to deliberate on growth strategies and organize joint outreach endeavors in diverse markets, collectively representing Palm Beach County.

Claim Your Future Showcase

Each year, the School District of Palm Beach County and the Business Development Board partner up to host the annual “Claim Your Future Showcase”, an event that brings thousands of high school students to meet nearly a hundred local companies.

Annual Education Dinner

Each year, the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and the Business Development Board host hundreds of Palm Beach County leaders to celebrate alumni success stories. The luncheon recognizes a “Distinguished Alumni”, a local leader who graduated in the County and has a successful career.

BDB Intern Education Series

This summer initiative invites interns to learn about why Palm Beach County is a great place to return for their career, with the ultimate goal of retaining top talent.

Private Bus Tours

In order to sustain a high-caliber workforce in Palm Beach County, the Business Development Board organizes a variety of customized bus tours. These include excursions for academic leaders to visit local businesses, new executives to explore schools for their children, businesses to tour academic programs for potential collaborations, and many more.

Complimentary Services to Growing Companies

The Business Development Board is the official economic development organization for Palm Beach County and provides complimentary services to companies that are relocating to or expanding in Palm Beach County. Companies are encouraged to contact [email protected] if they are interested in assistance with connections to local education institutes.