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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (November 3, 2017) —The Economic Council of Palm Beach County announced today that Michele Jacobs will join the organization as its chief strategy officer, effective immediately. Jacobs, who is a Palm Beach County resident, spent the last 10 years with the Forbes Company as their corporate director of marketing and operations for the Florida portfolio. In this role she oversaw functions related to branding, market strategies, public relations, operations, special events, philanthropy and community involvement on behalf of the company. “We welcome Michele as the new chief strategy officer for the Economic Council and we look forward to continuing the momentum we’ve developed in recent years for our community,” said Michael DeBock, CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “The addition of Michele on our leadership team will help create the ability to take the council and its members to a whole new level of status in our community, region and state.” “Her drive towards excellence in all that she pursues, extensive experience with strategic developments, marketing and branding, along with her love for Palm Beach County and passion for our community, makes her the perfect fit to join the professional staff of this council. Michele will directly contribute in the achievement of our objectives and aid the council in its newly reimagined purpose,” says H. William “Bill” Perry, managing shareholder of Gunster and chair of board of directors for the Economic Council. Jacobs brings her commitment to the community for the betterment of Palm Beach County residents in various ways through her philanthropic endeavors and volunteerism. She sits on the board of directors for the Honda Classic and additionally serves on the executive committee and as chair of the grants committee – shaping the strategic direction of the grants process. She is also an active board member of the Cultural Council of PBC, Quantum House and the local chapter for the American Heart Association. She has been recognized by the community for her tireless work by Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, WXEL, and Kid Sanctuary. Jacobs earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Florida. She grew up in Northern Palm Beach County, attending public school. She has been married to Robert for 21 years, and has a 17 year old son. This past year the Economic Council has focused on the need to improve Palm Beach County’s schools and infrastructure and on affordable housing in our area. The Economic Council was instrumental in supporting and passing the One Penny Sales Tax referendum in November 2016. In May of this year, the Economic Council and its members worked closely with Palm Beach County and other groups to host a Housing Summit, which generated many new ideas and solutions for Palm Beach County’s workforce housing needs. This work continues and along with Michael DeBock and the board’s leadership; Jacobs will be instrumental in the crafting and implementation of these important countywide initiatives. ### The Economic Council of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization, which works to secure an open and collaborative environment between public and private sectors in Palm Beach County. Contact: Jenni Garrison Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Gunster 561-573-8969 [email protected]