Meet Beth McElroy
I’m Beth McElroy, and I’m running for the Board of Supervisors for the South Indian River Water Control District. I was appointed to the board in December 2024 due to the untimely passing of John Jones. I am a 30-year Eastside landowner having built two houses here in this community. With deep roots in water management and public safety, I bring a practical, experienced voice to local leadership.
As the former Director of Emergency Management and Safety at the South Florida Water Management District, my career has centered on protecting life and property with a focus on flood control—always with a sharp eye on cost and efficiency. I’m committed to preserving the unique, country character of our community while ensuring it stays protected from flooding.
Why I’m Running
This district deserves leadership that:
- Prioritizes flood protection, water supply, and water quality that’s both effective and cost-conscious
- Respects and conserves the character and values of our community
- Spends your tax dollars wisely and transparently
I’m not here to reinvent the wheel. I’m here to make sure it runs smoothly, responsibly, and without waste.
My Priorities
- Maintain and improve flood control infrastructure without unnecessary spending
- Support smart, sustainable maintenance of our community’s rural character
- Communicate clearly and honestly with the community and ensuring agency transparency
Qualifications
Beth McElroy brings over 30 years of public service experience focused on public safety, strategic planning, emergency management, intergovernmental coordination, and fiscally responsible planning.
- Director of Emergency Management and Safety (2012–2021)
Oversaw hurricane and flood response planning across 16 counties in South Florida. Led the development of federally compliant plans and exercises to protect life and property on a regional scale. - Disaster Management Consultant (2008–2012)
Led groundbreaking, nationally recognized projects in emergency preparedness and recovery planning. - Terrorism Response Planner, Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center (2004–2008)
Coordinated regional prevention and readiness efforts and helped secure over $1.5 million in Homeland Security grant funding. - Investigator, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (1986–2004)
Beth holds an Master of Public Administration Degree from Florida Atlantic University, with honors, with a concentration in Justice Policy and Management. She is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County and formerly certified by the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Her work has earned local and national recognition, including the Palm Beach County Golden Palm Award for cutting-edge post-disaster redevelopment planning. She has served in leadership roles on Florida’s Regional Domestic Security Task Force and the statewide Domestic Security Oversight Council, and was an invited speaker at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference, and was awarded the Governor’s Hurricane Conference Lifetime Achievement Award.
Key strengths include intergovernmental coordination, strategic planning, crisis response and coordination, and budget management. Beth has responded to major disasters—dating back to Hurricane Andrew—and brings calm, capable leadership to complex challenges. She continues to serve in a volunteer capacity as a FEMA Type III Incident Management Team member.