Palm Beach Town Clerk Receives Prestigious Honor
Kelly Churney, a dedicated member of Palm Beach's administrative team, has been selected as the town's Employee of the Year for 2025. The recognition was presented during a Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce breakfast gathering held at The Breakers on December 17.
Churney becomes the 48th municipal worker to earn this distinction since the award program began in 1978. The honor acknowledges employees who consistently demonstrate commitment to the town's organizational values and exceptional service.
Recipients of the award receive both a commemorative plaque and a $3,500 monetary prize, generously provided by the Palm Beach Civic Association and Citizens' Association of Palm Beach.
Mayor's Commendation
Mayor Danielle Moore introduced Churney at the ceremony, stating: "Our 2025 Employee of the Year is someone whose work embodies the very best of public service."
Moore emphasized that the recognition celebrated not only Churney's professional expertise but also her positive approach to her responsibilities. "This individual makes everyone's day easier, better and brighter," the mayor remarked. "Whether assisting a resident or helping a colleague, they bring patience — probably a good part of their job — professionalism and full attention to every single interaction. This employee is the ultimate team player, stepping in wherever and whenever needed, from supporting large projects to organizing beloved town traditions."
Career Background and Reaction
Originally from Michigan and a graduate of the University of Central Florida, Churney previously worked as a marketing coordinator for Visit Orlando before joining Palm Beach's municipal staff in February 2016. She initially served as an administrative assistant in the planning, zoning, and building department.
Her career progressed with an appointment as deputy town clerk in August 2021, followed by nearly two years as acting town clerk before her official appointment to the town clerk position last December.
Expressing her feelings about the award, Churney said: "I take pride in my work in the Town Clerk's office and in serving the town as a public servant. I try to treat everyone with kindness and respect, and to approach my role with professionalism."
She added: "This recognition is both humbling and motivating. I believe it will serve as a daily reminder to me to continue striving to do better, to grow in my role, and to be the best employee I can be for the town."
Community Connection
Churney, who left the breakfast early to attend a Landmark Preservation Commission meeting, spoke about her appreciation for Palm Beach's close-knit environment. "My co-workers feel like a big family to me," she noted. "I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day, seeing everyone, saying hello and lending a hand when needed. Additionally, I also appreciate the wonderful residents of the town. Having clerked meetings here for the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to get to know many residents who are incredibly engaged and passionate about their community. I consider it a privilege to work and serve a town that cares so deeply about its community."
Mayor's Insights
The breakfast event also featured a conversation with Mayor Moore, moderated by Chamber CEO Doug Evans. Their discussion covered various municipal topics including traffic management, parking solutions, growth planning, and Moore's initial motivation for seeking public office.
Reflecting on her first campaign for Town Council in 2015, Moore recalled: "When I campaigned in 2015, it was possibly one of the nastiest campaigns in Palm Beach history. I campaigned on an entire promise of being nice to people, to treat them with respect. And — no offense to previous council members — I didn't see the council being particularly nice to residents or to businesses, and it just didn't really sit well with me. So I decided I would run, and I ran."
Moore, who comes from a family with mayoral history—her mother is former Mayor Lesly Smith and her late stepfather Earl E.T. Smith also held the position—was re-elected without opposition in 2017 and 2019 before becoming mayor in 2021.
Beyond her mayoral responsibilities, Moore serves as president of the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, which supports charitable and educational initiatives throughout South Florida.
She expressed gratitude for her collaborative work environment, stating: "Everything I do in my life has to do with teamwork. It's not about me. It's about 'we' — and how can we make progress? Whether at the foundation, or at the town or at home, we do things together. I may be the leader of the team, but without amazing people behind me, we don't get anywhere."
The Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its next membership breakfast for January 5.
