RISE Coleman Park Welcomes Four Distinguished Leaders to Board of Directors

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of four exceptional community leaders to the RISE Coleman Park Board of Directors, approved at our Annual Meeting on November 17th. These accomplished professionals bring invaluable expertise in education, community development finance, early childhood learning, and real estate law—strengthening our capacity to serve as Coleman Park's Community Quarterback.

Nancy Bourne

Nancy Bourne joins us as a nationally recognized education innovator and the head of 21st Century Educational Initiatives at the Frisbie Group. She has spent her career championing high-quality learning environments for children in Palm Beach County. Nancy has played an instrumental role in bringing initiatives like Bezos Academy to Roosevelt Elementary, and her service on the West Palm Beach Education Advisory Committee will be transformative for our cradle-to-career education pillar.

Sam Chesser

Sam Chesser, South Florida Vice President at Self-Help, brings over 25 years of leadership in the nonprofit financial sector. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) leader, Sam's expertise in responsible lending, homeownership programs, and real estate development directly aligns with our mission to create mixed-income housing and economic opportunities while preventing the displacement of legacy residents.

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert, Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, brings a unique trauma-informed approach to early childhood education. With experience spanning the United Nations Global Youth Forum to behavioral health work in Palm Beach schools, Aruna's data-driven approach to kindergarten readiness will strengthen our early learning strategies and family support systems.

Lynn Solomon, Esq.

Lynn Solomon, Esq., a veteran attorney with over 30 years of experience in real estate development, affordable housing, and community redevelopment, currently serves the City of Fort Lauderdale. Her extensive work with public-private partnerships, ground leases, and community redevelopment agencies brings critical legal expertise as we advance our housing development initiatives and navigate complex real estate transactions.

These appointments represent a significant milestone in RISE Coleman Park's growth and our commitment to place-based community transformation through the Purpose Built Communities model. Each board member brings strategic expertise that directly supports our four pillars: mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education, community wellness, and community engagement.

We're grateful for their willingness to serve and excited about the impact their leadership will have on Coleman Park's continued revitalization.

Welcome to the RISE family, Nancy, Sam, Aruna, and Lynn!