The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics (COE) is marking 15 years of service dedicated to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability in local government.
Established in 2010 following a grand jury recommendation that spotlighted widespread ethical concerns, the COE has since become a pillar of ethical oversight in the county. Over the past decade and a half, the commission has provided guidance and accountability for more than 10,000 public officials, employees, and advisory board members throughout Palm Beach County.
The commission works closely with other key oversight entities, including the Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General and the Office of the State Attorney, forming a collaborative ethics framework that promotes clean, transparent governance.
“Over the past 15 years, the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics has demonstrated that knowledge is essential to ethical leadership,” said COE Executive Director Christie Kelley. “Through ongoing education and training, we aim to prevent misconduct and foster a culture where ethics is recognized and valued across all areas of local government.”
Beyond high-profile cases, the COE’s work includes extensive outreach and education. Its staff regularly participates in community engagement through partnerships with civic organizations such as Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, the Junior Achievement program, and the Black and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of Palm Beach County. The commission also works with Florida Atlantic University to promote ethics in public leadership.
A key component of the COE’s efforts is its advisory function. The commission encourages public officials to “Ask first, act later” when ethical concerns arise—publishing over 550 advisory opinions to date to help guide decision-making and prevent violations before they occur.
At the heart of the COE’s mission are its guiding values: honesty, integrity, and character. As it celebrates this milestone, the commission reaffirms its commitment to building public trust and promoting ethical leadership throughout Palm Beach County.
For more information about the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics, visit palmbeachcountyethics.com.
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