Often considered one of Palm Beach’s most powerful volunteer boards, the Architectural Commission has undergone some changes, thanks to new appointments made by the Town Council.
Following presentations at Town Hall, the council reappointed architect Elizabeth Connaughton to her seat on the commission, elevated Sue Patterson to become a regular member and appointed architect Greg Tankersley to fill Patterson’s former seat as an alternate.
The Architectural Commission, chaired by architect Jeffery Smith, reviews and approves modifications to existing structures visible from public rights-of-way, new construction and landscaping, unless the project involves a historical building under the oversight of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Members are appointed based on experience in art, architecture, community planning, land development, real estate, landscape architecture, or other relevant business, profession or civic interest, according to Town Hall guidelines.
The council also reappointed Ed Carter to his seat on the Retirement Board of Trustees and appointed newcomer David McDonald.
Connaughton, who was first appointed to the architectural board in 2023, told council members at their meeting March 3 that she was eager to continue serving.
“I grew up here, and I’m very familiar with the details of classical architecture, as well as the nuts and bolts that actually come before our commission,” she said. “I would love to be reconsidered.”
Patterson, who previously served eight years on the landmarks commission and two as its chair, was appointed to the architectural board as an alternate in March 2025.
She said she has enjoyed her first year on the Architectural Commission and values the opportunity to help preserve the town’s character while bringing her experience reviewing plans and working with architects.
“Maintaining the beauty and toniness of Palm Beach is essential,” said Patterson, who is filling the seat previously occupied by Betsy Shiverick, who is stepping down from the board because of term limits.
Patterson added: “The quality architecture of today must stay in sync with the fabric, the specialness of Palm Beach and maybe even become a landmark fifty years from now.”
Shiverick, an interior designer, served 10 years on the architecture board, where she frequently weighed in on the selection of colors for shutters, trim and other elements on projects under review.
Shiverick also serves as chair of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.
Tankersley is a partner and principal at McAlpine Architects, which has offices in Palm Beach, New York, Atlanta, Nashville and Montgomery, Alabama. He was out of the country and did not make a presentation.
Tankersley is one of three alternates on the 10-member board. His appointment brings the number of architects on the board to four.
Carter, who was seeking appointment to his fourth term as a trustee of the retirement board, told council members he is committed to maintaining stability on the board and overseeing the town’s pension system. He serves as the board’s vice chair.
“Of the nine years that I’ve been on this board, I’ve been elected eight times as vice chairman,” he said. “I really enjoy the experience, and continuity is a very important factor in meeting the obligations of our pension plan for employees.”
McDonald, an investment banker, told council members he hopes to bring his decades of experience in equity capital markets and financial oversight to the town’s retirement board.
“I had a thorough understanding of financial markets to help companies navigate complex deals, working directly with CEOs, chief investment officers, and portfolio managers,” he said. “I would like to serve our special town and its employees on the retirement board of trustees.”
The nine-member retirement board, chaired by Daniel Stanton, acts in a fiduciary capacity for the town’s retirement funds and acts in an advisory capacity to the council on matters relating to the administration of the town’s various retirement plans.
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Powerful Palm Beach Architectural Commission sees some changes
Reporting by Jodie Wagner, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
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