Maria G. Marino – A Proven Leader in Public Service, Business, and Philanthropy
Maria G. Marino is an award-winning leader in Palm Beach County and beyond. Elected to the Palm Beach County Commission in 2020 and again in 2024, she brings a results-driven approach to governance. Maria served as Mayor of Palm Beach County from November 2024 to November 2025. Previously, Maria served on the Palm Beach Gardens City Council from 2016 to 2020, including two terms as Mayor. She has been a champion of 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 Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Homeless Advisory Board and the Pal Mar Water Control District.
Previously, she served as Chair of the Tourist Development Council, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Tri-Rail), the Solid Waste Authority, the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and as an Executive Committee Member of the Business Development Board, overseeing critical regional initiatives.
Maria's legacy of leadership extends to the state and national levels through her service as Vice Chair of the Leadership and Governance Committee and Board Member with the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and several appointments with the National Association of Counties. Affirming her standing as a trusted voice in public policy and a lasting force for principled, high-impact governance.
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 (2021-2025).
Recently, Maria received the Inaugural Voices of Impact Award from the United Way of Palm Beach County/Women Unit. (2026) and the 2025 Giraffe Award Marvelous Mentor from the Women's Chamber of Commerce. Also in 2025, she was honored to receive the Edna W. Runner Humanitarian Award.
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 forums.
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 as a Past Trustee Member. Maria's years of service to this initiative earned her the first Annual “Excellence in Mentorship" award in 2023 and the Chair's Appreciation Award in 2025.
In 2024, Maria was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to her achievements both on and off the golf course. 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 leader in business, philanthropy, and community development.
Maria is a sought-after speaker, having addressed audiences at state and national conferences, including serving as Keynote Speaker for the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the Miami Women Leaders Conference and ESPN's Women Changing the Game Annual Forum.
With a deep commitment to giving back, Maria continues her involvement with over 30 local nonprofits and is a member of Impact of the Palm Beaches. She serves as a Board Member 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), was 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 member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), 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 both 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.