Maria G. Marino – A Proven Leader in Public Service, Business, and Philanthropy
Maria G. Marino is a dynamic leader dedicated to driving progress in Palm Beach County and beyond. Elected to the Palm Beach County Commission in 2020, she currently serves as Mayor, bringing a results-driven approach to governance. Previously, Maria served on the Palm Beach Gardens City Council from 2016 to 2020, including two terms as Mayor, where she championed economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and community-driven policies.
Maria plays a key role in shaping regional policy and economic development, serving as Chair of the Tourist Development Council and the Pal Mar Water Control District and Vice Chair of the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. She serves on the Business Development Board Executive Committee, the Multi-Jurisdictional Issues Coordination Forum Executive Committee, and the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council. Previously, she chaired the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Tri-Rail) and the Solid Waste Authority, overseeing critical regional initiatives.
At the state and national levels, Maria is a force in public policy. She serves as Vice Chair of the Leadership and Governance Committee with the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and is a Subcommittee Chair of the Environment, Energy, and Land Use Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo). Additionally, she is Vice Chair of NACo's International Economic Development Task Force and an active member of the Healthy Counties Advisory Board, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC), and Resilient Counties Advisory Board.
Maria's leadership and impact have earned her widespread recognition. She was honored with the 2019 Women of Excellence Award by the National Foundation of Women Legislators and is a multiple recipient of FAC's Presidential Advocacy Award (2021-2024). In 2023, she received the Leadership Excellence Award from Leadership Palm Beach County (LPBC). A past Board Member and committee chair, Maria still lends her time as a panelist and moderator at annual events.
Named “Woman of the Year" in 2017 by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, Maria remains actively involved as a mentor and panelist for the Chamber's Women in Business Mentorship Boot Camp while also serving on multiple subcommittees and is a Past Trustee Member. Maria's years of service to this initiative earned her the first Annual “Excellence in Mentorship" award in 2023.
In 2024, Maria was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to her achievements on and off the golf course. As a former Broker/Owner of Marino Realty Group and Executive Director of the Jupiter Children's Foundation for over 20 years, Maria has been a business, philanthropy, and community development leader.
Maria is a sought-after speaker, addressing audiences at state and national conferences, including serving as Keynote Speaker for the Ladies Professional Golf Association and the Miami Women Leaders Conference and past Emcee for the Melanoma Foundation Annual Luncheon.
With a deep commitment to giving back, Maria has been involved with over 30 local nonprofits and is an Impact of the Palm Beaches member. She serves as a Board with the Children's Golf Foundation and The First Tee of the Palm Beaches. Previously, Maria co-chaired Palm Beach County Cares (a disaster relief organization) and served as President of the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center and Board Member of the Forum Club.
A native of Connecticut and graduate of the University of Connecticut, Maria won the 1985 Connecticut Women's Amateur Golf Championship before moving to Florida to pursue a professional golf career. A nearly 30-year Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) member, she has served as a mentor, LPGA National Marketing Committee Member, Southeast Section Treasurer, and Director of Instruction for the Joanne Carner Golf Academy. Additionally, she is a 20-year member of the Golf Writers Association of America, with published works locally and nationally. In 2019, she was honored by the Norwalk, Connecticut Old Timers Athletic Association for her contributions to sports and the community.
Maria G. Marino's career is defined by bold leadership, strategic action, and an unwavering commitment to public service. She continues to be a driving force for progress, innovation, and collaboration in Palm Beach County and beyond.