Whitney P. Rawls is a public affairs and community relations professional and advocate for responsible community development. His work is focused on advancing redevelopment efforts, expanding access to affordable housing, and promoting economic equity in underserved communities.

Mr. Rawls brings a strong understanding of housing systems, redevelopment strategy, and stakeholder engagement, with experience across government, private sector, nonprofit, and civic leadership. He supports initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, stabilize communities, and create pathways for sustainable economic growth by aligning public policy, community priorities, and strategic investment to drive meaningful outcomes.

In his professional capacity, Mr. Rawls leads community outreach and public education efforts that connect residents to essential resources supporting homeownership, property protection, and financial stability. He is committed to ensuring that individuals and families, particularly in historically underserved communities, have access to the tools and information needed to build and sustain generational wealth.

Mr. Rawls is a graduate of American Intercontinental University with a degree in Information Systems. He is a devoted father, a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a local business owner, and an active civic leader who serves on multiple boards dedicated to strengthening communities and expanding access to opportunity.

Whitney Anne Metevia is a Pompano Beach Native who attended Pompano Beach Elementary and Middle Schools, and Westminster Academy. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in English Literature and a Minor in Theater, and from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center with her Juris Doctor. As a member of the Florida Bar, she has practiced law with her father, Tom Johnston, since 2001.

Whitney’s contributions to the community include serving the North Broward Bar Association (Past President), Member of the Broward Bar Association; Past member of the Estate Planning Council of Broward County; Positions on Pompano Economic Group (PEG) as Past Chair, the Pompano Beach Economic Development Council, as Director since 2003 and Past Vice Chair; Counsel and Honorary Director of the Sample McDougald House Preservation Society; Counsel for Shipwreck Park, Inc.; Counsel of Woodhouse, Inc.; Previous service as Counsel for the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce as well as a Director; Currently appointed to the Unsafe Structures Board; past member of the Charter Amendment Advisory Board for Pompano Beach; Current Vice-Chair of the Pompano Beach Housing Authority; Current Member of Rotary Club of Pompano Beach; President of the Rotary Club of Pompano Beach for the years 2016-17, and 2025-26.

For 29 years, Whitney has shared her life with Chad Metevia, who she married in 2004. With Chad came the blessing of his intelligent, unique and determined daughter, Kylie, who after serving 6 years as a U. S. Marine obtained her Masters in Forensic Pathology and works as an Assistant Forensic Pathologist

Carmen Dixon Jones is a lifelong Broward County Resident and mother of three (3) adult children. A graduate of Pompano Beach High School, studied billing and coding at Atlantic Vocational College. A recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from “The School of The Great Commission Seminary 2023.

Professional career has included customer service at “Florida Power and Light Co.”, working as procurement associate at “International Business Machines -IBM”, Leadership at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Home Health Department as payroll and billing specialist retiring after 27 years.

A Community activist for over 20 years. The Passion to begin this journey in community service started as the vice president of a Broward County elementary school advisory board.

This passion to serve has ranged from small-to-large scale initiatives that have all had a significant impact on those served. Some Achievements are responsible for city improvements projects such as street beautifications and replacement of new signage in local communities.

Also, regularly assisted the “Broward Sheriff Office” (BSO) on community outreach activities such as Driveway Initiatives and information distribution at local churches, events, and community centers

Also served on .”Broward County Human Services advisory board,
currently serving on the “Kiwanis of Pompano Beach Westside” organization and the “Atlantic Vocational College” billing and coding advisory board.

Awarded a “Broward County Proclamation” for leadership in organizing and directing a multi-faceted food pantry in partnership with a local Pompano Beach church.

Honors include “NOBLE” (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Organization)
“Women of Distinction” Mt Calvary Church Pompano Beach
“Pompano Beach Historical Society”
“Women of The Year Collier City”
Chairperson “Tiger Trail Festival First Gala and Gospel Concert
”Founding member Pompano Beach Mayor’s Pray Breakfast

Passion to serve continues after eight (8) years as a Commissioners of the “ Housing Authority of Pompano Beach” (HAPB) to continue enhancing the community through the many initiatives and vision of the HAPB.

Pastor Gary E. McLemore — Community Leader, Servant, and Advocate for more than 20 years, Pastor Gary E. McLemore has stood as a steadfast spiritual leader and a pillar of strength within the Pompano Beach community. His ministry is marked by unwavering commitment, compassionate service, and a deep dedication to uplifting individuals and families through faith, integrity, and action. Pastor Gary E. McLemore has served as the resident and a member Of the Pompano Christian Clergy Council for the past 10 years, guiding a diverse body of pastors with wisdom, unity, and vision. Under his leadership, the alliance has strengthened its impact On local families, Civic engagement, and community development.

His commitment to public service extends beyond the pulpit. Pastor Gary E. Mclemore has served as a Commissioner on the Board Of the Pompano Beach Housing Authority for 8 years, where he works to support equitable housing Opportunities and advocate for the well-being of residents. He also serves as the Vice-Chair on the Board Of the Pompano Beach Cemetery, ensuring that this sacred community resource is maintained with dignity, respect, and responsible stewatxiship.

Widely regarded as a pillar of the community, Pastor Gary E. Mclemore is known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving others. His life’s work reflects a powerful blend Of faith, civic æsponsibiiity, and compassionate outreach—leaving a lasting impact on the city he proudly serves in.

Mrs. Willie Ruth Heath is a woman whose life reflects resilience, love, and unwavering faith. Born in Arkansas and raised in Homestead, Florida from the age of six months, she later made Pompano Beach her home in 1959, where she has remained a pillar of her community ever since.

For 30 years, Mrs. Heath dedicated her professional life as an Electronic Department Supervisor, where she was known not only for her leadership but for the genuine care she showed her team. Though they came from many different nationalities and backgrounds, she fostered an environment of unity, turning co-workers into family.

A devoted mother, Mrs. Heath raised seven of her nine children, instilling in them the value of education and perseverance. Her influence is evident in their achievements. Each graduating from high school, with four continuing on to college. Leading by example, she pursued her own education and proudly earned her high school diploma at the age of 47, a milestone that remains one of her greatest accomplishments. As the daughter of migrant farm workers, this achievement stands as a powerful testament to her determination and belief in lifelong learning.

Known for her warm spirit and servant’s heart, Mrs. Heath finds joy in helping others and being a source of support whenever she can. She is also celebrated for her cooking, a gift passed down from her mother. Her signature meals feature chicken with homemade dressing, cornbread, and collard greens; are lovingly prepared and often requested by her church family at Faith Temple COGIC.

One of the most meaningful moments in her life was reuniting with siblings who she had been separated from for over 40 years. That reunion, filled with love and restoration, remains a most cherished memory that she holds close.

To her grandchildren, she is dependable, lovable, and kindhearted. A reflection of the values she lives by daily. Above all, Mrs. Heath is most thankful for her family and for accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, which anchors her life in faith.

She has been a faithful Member of the Housing Authority of Pompano Beach since 2004, where she gets the most joy out of helping people.

Her guiding principle is simple yet profound: treat people the way you want to be treated. And by that measure, Mrs. Willie Ruth Heath has lived a truly extraordinary life.

Woodrow Johnson Poitier, affectionately known as “Woody,” is a graduate of Blanche Ely High School. He attended Morehouse College for two years and earned an Associate of Science in Mortuary Science from Miami-Dade College.

Mr. Poitier is a licensed funeral director and embalmer at L.C. Poitier Funeral Home in Pompano Beach, a family business started by his parents, Llewellyn (L.C.) and Nellie Poitier, which he has owned and operated for decades.

His public service includes 24 years with the City of Pompano Beach as a firefighter and paramedic, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. His biography identifies him as the city’s first African American firefighter and notes that he was named Firefighter of the Year in 1986. He also served as a City Commissioner representing District 4 for six years and two months.

Mr. Poitier has served local churches and civic organizations, including Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, the Pompano Beach EMS Advisory Board, the Tiger Roar Club, and the Blanche Ely High School Class of 1965 Alumni. He has also served as Chairman of the Pompano Beach Housing Authority and later returned to the board as a member.

His Housing Authority service included work supporting new affordable housing opportunities in Northwest Pompano Beach, including Golden Square and Golden Villas. His profile also credits him with neighborhood improvements and community projects throughout his district.

On September 3, 2025, Fire Station #52 was named in honor of retired Lieutenant Woodrow J. Poitier.