City Commission

Term: 2026-2028 Phone: (561) 822-1390 Email: cward@wpb.org

Palm Beach County native and resident of West Palm Beach's north end, Cathleen Ward was sworn into office as West Palm Beach City Commissioner for District 1 on March 31st, 2022. Ward is also a partner at Lippes Mathias in West Palm Beach where she concentrates her legal practice in the areas of commercial lending, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, contracts and general corporate law.

Prior to becoming Commissioner, Ward served on the West Palm Beach Planning Board, and has served on the Board of Northend Coalition of Neighborhoods, Inc., Neighborhood Renaissance, Inc., and Community Alliance of Palm Beach County. She was also a member of the Emerging Leaders of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. Most recently, she was appointed by the Palm Beach County Commission to serve as a board member of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County.

"As a resident and mother, I am driven to create positive change in my community, and now even more so as a commissioner, I recognize the immense responsibility residents have placed in me to implement and influence policy that further establishes West Palm Beach as one of the best cities in the country," shared Ward, who was born in Jupiter. "We need safer streets, affordable homes, and thriving businesses to ensure we are a vibrant, safe city that offers its residents the best quality of life."

Ward also brings dynamic professional experience to her new role. Recognized as an advocate and tough negotiator for her clients, she represents financial institutions and business owners, with an adept skill at understanding complex and complicated materials and providing sound guidance on best corporate practices. Ward's diverse government and legal experience underscore her commitment to public service and community engagement.

Ward earned her Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami Gardens, and her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla.

Term: 2025-2027 Phone: (561) 822-1390 Email: swarren@wpb.org

Shalonda Warren is a proven public servant and community builder, proudly serving as the West Palm Beach City Commissioner for District 2. A three-term leader, she is known for delivering results that strengthen neighborhoods, grow small businesses, and keep West Palm Beach moving forward safely, smartly, and with fiscal responsibility.

As CEO of SCF of PBC, Shalonda has led initiatives that empower families through improving the quality of life for people with sickle cell disease, expanding fatherhood engagement, maternal and infant health education, and community partnerships. She brings the same results-driven focus to City Hall: listening first, building coalitions, and turning good ideas into real outcomes for residents.

On the Commission, Shalonda has championed transparent budgeting, infrastructure improvements, and policies that balance growth with neighborhood character. She has worked across sectors to attract investment, support local entrepreneurs, support local job creation, and create opportunities for young people. Whether championing workforce and affordable housing, advocating for solutions for the unhoused, or opening doors for workforce development, Shalonda’s compass is simple: does it improve quality of life?

A recognized regional voice, Shalonda serves with the Florida League of Cities, Palm Beach County’s Homeless Advisory Board, and partners with civic, faith, and nonprofit leaders to solve problems and uplift people. She believes public service is about relationships, showing up, staying accountable, and delivering.

Term: 2026 - 2028 Phone: (561) 822-1390 Email: cfox@wpb.org

Christy Fox was born and raised in Palm Beach County. As a native, Christy has a sincere love of West Palm Beach. She has watched its transformation to a world class city and is excited to continue working with the Mayor and fellow commissioners on thoughtful planning that moves the city forward, opens doors for everyone, and ensures opportunities for all.

Christy Fox was initially sworn into office for as West Palm Beach City Commissioner for District 3, on April 9, 2020, the first ceremony in the City's history to take place virtually, due to the Coronavirus. Christy served as the Leader for the City's Covid-19 Response Team for Food, Water, and Medicine. Through a partnership with the USDA, her team distributed nearly 47,000 Farm-to-Family boxes during weekly food distribution events held between June 3-Sepember 20, 2020.

In 2022, she was elected President of the City Commission. Also, she was selected as one of 15 elected officials nationwide to participate in the Smart Growth America "Champions Institute", an initiative providing comprehensive training on equity-based principles that lead to accessible, complete, and safe streets for all users. For her final project she created the "Adopt-A-Block" initiative in the Historic Northwest District, a community-based outreach program focused on building long term partnerships with community members in an effort to reduce crime, clean and beautify streets, improve overall quality of life, and create pride in the neighborhood, one block at a time.

In 2023, she was the recipient of the "Champion of Change" award from the "Grow Lit Project", a local non-profit dedicated to improving literacy skills in marginalized and under-resourced communities.

Christy is an accomplished marketing and public relations executive with a diverse track record. Her experience includes nearly 10 years serving as Executive Vice President for the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art, a non-profit created in 2007 to complete the mission of the WWII Monuments Men by illuminating the path home for still missing cultural items. She was involved in all aspects of book preparation, from inception to publication, for two New York Times Bestsellers, including The Monuments Men, the basis for the 2014 film starring George Clooney. Christy also spearheaded a successful effort to award the "Monuments Men" with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor given by the United States Congress. She currently works as a marketing and public relations consultant.

Christy received her Bachelor of Science degree from the Boston University College of Communication. On behalf of the City of West Palm Beach, she serves on the Executive Board of the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency, as well as the Advisory Boards of the Salvation Army Northwest Community Center and the Mandel Public Library.

Christy's experience, combined with her passion for West Palm Beach, make her a natural leader for the city. In her free time, Christy can be found taking a yoga class downtown, walking her dog, Mary Ann, or spending time with her twin nieces, Izzy and Darcy.

Term: 2025 - 2027 Phone: (561) 822-1390 Email: jpeduzzi@wpb.org

Joe Peduzzi was initially sworn into office on April 4, 2019, by the Honorable Sarah Willis, Circuit Judge. He was re-elected in 2021, 2023 and again in 2025.

Joe's district, the largest in terms of land mass, includes the beautiful Grassy Waters Everglades Preserve, 23 square miles of pristine wetlands; an ecosystem of native wildlife and the source of fresh water for the City of West Palm Beach and the Towns of Palm Beach and South Palm Beach.

In addition to his commitment to protect our valuable natural resources, Joe has demonstrated a life-long commitment to public service. He cares deeply about the City, and he is moved by the concerns of his constituents. He has pledged to find solutions to violent crime and homelessness. He envisions a City where everyone feels safe in every neighborhood.

Prior to holding elective office, Joe was a former member of the City's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Vice Chair of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, and Chair of the Nuisance Abatement Board.

Joe currently serves as the City's representative to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, and is the Commission Liaison to the City's Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. As the District 4 Commissioner, he is also an Honorary Member of the Grassy Waters Conservancy.

Professionally, Joe is a personal injury lawyer. His office is located on Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, where Joe serves as President of his office condominium association. Joe has has been awarded the prestigious "AV" Rating from Martindale Hubble, the highest rating possible for legal ability and ethics, and is Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Joe has served on numerous other charitable and civic boards, including Secretary of the Ibis Property Owners Association, President of the North Palm Beach Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc., and as a board member of both an animal rescue and an adolescent substance abuse treatment facility.

Joe is particularly proud of his volunteer work in the field of public safety. For almost 20 years, Joe served the Village of North Palm Beach as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, and a Reserve Police Officer. A Life Member of his department, Joe was promoted through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain and ultimately the top volunteer position of Deputy Fire Chief & Chief of Volunteers, prior to retirement from active duty. Joe has received numerous awards and commendations, including the Larry Joyce Award for Outstanding & Devoted Service, and has received both the Firefighter of the Year and Police Officer of the Month awards.

Joe graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, and received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Loyola University in New Orleans where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He attended law school at Nova Southeastern University, graduating with a Juris Doctorate where he was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. He is a member of the Florida Bar, in good standing.

Joe lives in Ibis with his wife, Erin, a lawyer and former teacher, and his daughters Julia, and Alexa.

Term: 2026 - 2028 Phone: (561) 822-1390 Email: ssylvester@wpb.org

Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Stephen Sylvester has a long track record of volunteerism, community service, and local advocacy. A licensed paramedic, emergency medical technician, and physical therapist, Sylvester has focused his entire career on helping people heal and live healthy, meaningful lives. For over 20 years, Sylvester operated a small business in our community providing physical therapy to his patients. Today, he is an Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a position he has held for nearly two decades.

“Since I was young kid playing with my friends nearly 50 years ago to today where I am raising my own children in the same neighborhood I grew up in, it’s been a blessing to call West Palm Beach home. I’ve volunteered with our local schools, served on the board of my neighborhood association, fought for better health and wellness across our community, and was appointed by our mayor to provide oversight on city environmental and water policy on the Watershed Committee. I’ve seen our city at its best times, and its worst. My historical knowledge, practical experience, and track record of community service have prepared me to be a Commissioner that will fight for our neighborhoods, support our residents, and ensure transparent, ethical service,” Steve Sylvester stated.

A Physical Therapist by trade, Licensed by the State of Florida, Sylvester is also a Licensed, Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician. In addition to strength and conditioning and sports rehabilitation, Sylvester is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and works with some of our community’s most at risk patients on their road to recovery. Sylvester’s history of volunteerism includes his work as a member and former President of the Rotary Club of Palm Beach, Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society member, and American Red Cross.

Sylvester is on the Board of the South End Neighborhood Association and serves on the city of West Palm Beach’s Watershed Advisory Committee, a Mayoral appointment. As a concerned father with active children, and an avid biker and runner (completed 16 marathons to date), Sylvester worked with the city, neighborhood association, and residents on improving pedestrian safety and reducing traffic accidents along South Flagler Drive.

Sylvester brings a unique academic background and historical knowledge with practical experience that would serve our city well on the city commission. The election for City Commission District 5 is in March 2026.

Sylvester received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University and has a B.S in Physical Therapy from FAMU and a B.S. in Health Education from UF. Sylvester lives in our city’s south end and is proud to be raising his two children in the same neighborhood he grew up in.