[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DEIRDRE M. JACOBS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOIS FRANKEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Deirdre M. Jacobs. Assistant City Manager for the City of Riviera 
Beach, on earning the prestigious designation of International City/
County Management Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager (CM).
  This historic achievement makes Deirdre the first municipal executive 
serving the City of Riviera Beach to earn the ICMA--CM designation and 
the only currently active Black woman serving as an ICMA Credentialed 
Manager in Palm Beach County. It is the latest milestone in a 
distinguished career spanning nearly four decades of municipal public 
service.
  Deirdre is a graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned a 
Bachelor of Science in Public Management, and Florida State University, 
where she earned a Master of Public Administration. Her career in 
public service began with internships in the Riviera Beach City 
Manager's Office and the Palm Beach County Board of County 
Commissioners' Human Resources Department. In 1989, she formally began 
her municipal career as a Budget Analyst with the City of Tallahassee.
  Deirdre later joined the City of West Palm Beach, where she rose 
through the ranks to become a Division Program Manager in Community 
Development. I had the privilege of working directly with her when she 
served as a Special Assistant to the Mayor during my tenure as Mayor of 
West Palm Beach.
  I am especially proud of the work we did together to uplift families 
in Coleman Park, a historically under-resourced neighborhood. Our 
efforts included building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes' 
improving the community center, supporting seniors, and strengthening 
neighborhood services and resources. Deirdre brought dedication, 
compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for 
the families we served.
  Deirdre has brought the same commitment to public service to the City 
of Riviera Beach, where she was unanimously appointed Interim City 
Manager in 2019. During a pivotal leadership transition, she helped 
guide the City through a significant cybersecurity attack, maintained 
essential municipal services, recruited professional staff for key 
leadership positions, strengthened City operations, and advanced 
important infrastructure investments.
  Today, she continues to serve Riviera Beach as Assistant City 
Manager, bringing decades of experience, professionalism, and a deep 
commitment to effective and responsive local government. Her 
designation as an ICMA Credentialed Manager reflects not only her 
expertise, but also her sustained dedication to the highest standards 
of public service. Her career is a testament to the impact of 
principled leadership and a powerful example for the next generation of 
public servants.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deirdre Jacobs on 
this historic achievement and recognizing her decades of distinguished 
public service. Deirdre's career reflects a lifetime commitment to 
professional local government and the communities we serve. Deirdre is 
not only a talented and dedicated public servant, but also someone who 
genuinely cares about people and works tirelessly to make their lives 
better.
  I am proud to recognize her contributions to our community and call 
her a friend.

                          ____________________