HONORING DEIRDRE M. JACOBS

On 2026-09-24, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DEIRDRE M. JACOBS" in the House.

HONORING DEIRDRE M. JACOBS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [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. ____________________