Shirley D. Lanier, Chairperson
Shirley Lanier is an accomplished, solutions-focused leader with over 30 years of experience in community development, social services, and strategic planning. Known for her integrity, perseverance, and innovative thinking, she has managed programs aimed at fostering economic self-sufficiency and community sustainability, creating lasting impacts through her work. Her strategies transcend cultural differences, and she is a champion of partnerships that serve diverse populations.
Elected to the Riviera Beach City Council in 2019 and re-elected in 2022, Lanier represents District 3 as a native resident dedicated to the advancement of her community. As a councilwoman and current grant writer, she focuses on community development, job creation, housing advocacy, and youth services. She has led a range of projects, including employment opportunities for returning citizens, wetlands protection, and crime prevention initiatives to improve public safety. Lanier also pioneered the establishment of an organic farm for residents, which includes physical fitness and healthy eating programs. Her efforts brought major employers like Amazon and an expanded UPS operation to Riviera Beach, ensuring living-wage jobs for local residents.
Beyond her role on the City Council, Lanier is the President of Lanier & Lanier Enterprises, LLC, a consulting firm she founded in 2008. In this role, she has written and secured grants ranging from $10,000 to over $1 million, helping organizations fund crucial programs. Her work extends to managing performance-based contracts and implementing outcome-driven programs in housing, health care, and youth services. In her previous roles with the City of West Palm Beach, Orange County Government, and Palm Beach and Orange County School Districts,
Lanier demonstrated exceptional leadership in grant administration, community outreach, and education.
A graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business Lanier also holds a Florida Educator's Certificate Administration,. She has worked as a teacher in both Palm Beach and Orange County School Districts, focusing on ESE and after-school programs, as well as history and social studies.
Lanier’s vision for Riviera Beach is rooted in empowering every resident to achieve self- sufficiency. She believes in the power of collaboration, actively engaging residents and stakeholders to identify sustainable solutions for the city. Her ultimate goal is to foster economic development and social sustainability, ensuring that all citizens benefit from the growth and opportunities within the community.