Shirley D. Lanier, Chairperson
Shirley D. Lanier is a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and lifelong resident of Riviera Beach with more than 30 years of experience in community development, education, and strategic planning. Known for her integrity, resilience, and innovative spirit, Lanier has consistently delivered impactful results that uplift underserved communities and drive sustainable growth. Since being elected to the Riviera Beach City Council in 2019, she has earned the trust of her constituents through three consecutive re-elections, becoming a powerful voice for District 3.
Lanier currently serves as the Chair of the Riviera Beach City Council, a position she also held from 2022 to 2023. In March and April of 2025, she further demonstrated her leadership by stepping in as Acting Mayor during a pivotal time for the city. Her deep-rooted commitment to civic engagement began long before her election, through her service on the Riviera Beach Charter Review Committee and several grassroots community initiatives. Today, she continues to champion transparency and accountability as Chair of the Riviera Beach Audit Committee and revitalized the Riviera Beach Education Advisory Board, which she now administers with passion and purpose.
A fierce advocate for affordable and workforce housing, Lanier also works tirelessly to bring cultural programming and economic opportunities to underserved neighborhoods. Her bold initiatives have included securing employment pathways for returning citizens, enhancing wetlands protection, reducing crime through strategic prevention programs, and launching a community organic farm that promotes wellness and healthy living. Her efforts to attract major employers—like Amazon and an expanded UPS facility—have helped create sustainable, living-wage jobs for Riviera Beach residents.
In addition to her elected role, Lanier is the founder and President of Lanier & Lanier Enterprises, LLC, a consulting firm she launched in 2008. Under her leadership, the firm has secured millions in grant funding and supported public and nonprofit organizations in developing outcome-driven programs in housing, healthcare, and youth services. Her expertise is rooted in a rich career that includes roles with the City of West Palm Beach, Orange County Government, and both Palm Beach and Orange County School Districts. A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Lanier holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business, as well as a Florida Educator’s Certificate in Administration. Her teaching background includes work in exceptional student education (ESE), after-school programming, and the humanities.
Shirley Lanier's leadership is driven by a simple but powerful vision: to build a Riviera Beach where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s through strengthening education, expanding housing access, or fostering economic growth, she believes in the power of collaboration and the importance of community-led solutions. With a legacy defined by service and a future guided by purpose, Lanier continues to transform challenges into opportunities and ideas into action.