top of page

Board of Commissioners

Jeffery B. Jackson

JEFFERY B. JACKSON

Chairman

​

Mr. Jackson was appointed to the Board in 2014 by former Mayor Thomas A. Masters. He was elected Vice Chairman in May 2016 and, in December 2019, voted Chairman. He was re-elected as Chairman in May 2023. He retired as Captain in 2021 after 35 years of service with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. He continues to serve on multiple boards, including the Thousand Oaks CDD, and is President of the Thousand Oaks Community HOA. Mr. Jackson has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Phoenix in Arizona and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree locally.

Jessica Thurmond

JESSICA THURMOND

Commissioner

​

Ms. Thurmond was appointed to the Board in May 2016 as a Resident Commissioner by former Mayor Thomas A. Masters. In December 2019, she was voted as Vice Chairwoman and served to May 2023. She is the owner of a small childcare center and worked 12 years with the School District of Palm Beach County. Ms. Thurmond holds two Degrees from Palm Beach State College: a Degree in Early Education and Childhood Development and a second Degree in Business Administration. She currently resides in one of the homes that the RBHA owns under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. (NSP1)

ALOCKHART PIC.webp

ALEXIS LOCKHART

Commissioner

​

Ms. Alexis Lockhart was appointed as Commissioner of the Riviera Beach Housing Authority by Mayor Ronnie L. Felder in May 2020. Ms. Lockhart is the Director of Neighborhood Engagement for Habitat for Humanity Greater Palm Beach County. She is a Board member of The Grow Lit Project that aims to improve literacy’s skills in marginalized and under sourced communities and was recently recognized as one of South Florida’s Most Influential and Powerful Black Professionals by Miami Media Group. Ms. Lockhart is a graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Broadcast Journalism & Graphic Communications. Alexis was recently accepted into the Leadership Engage Class of 2024 and is a proud member of New Leaders Council and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

unnamed.png

LEROY KELSON, IV

Commissioner

​

Leroy Kelson IV is an educator and change agent based in Riviera Beach, Florida. He currently works as a Public-School Administrator (Single School Culture Coordinator) for The School District of Palm Beach County. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kelson is also a member of the New Leaders Council Palm Beach and Leadership Florida (Education Class 8). Leroy holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration, General, from the American College of Education, a Master's degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor's degree in Public Management from Florida Atlantic University.

JOHN HURT PIC2.webp

JOHN W. HURT

Executive Director

​

Mr. Hurt has served as Executive Director since 2011. A public housing professional, consultant, and former real estate broker since 1984, he has held executive positions at several housing agencies around the country, including the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Detroit Housing Commission, the Housing Authority of Atlanta, and the Middletown Public Housing Agency. He has also worked as a consultant across the country, including Puerto Rico. Mr. Hurt is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Degree in Urban Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Project Management from Post University. He holds certifications in real estate and public housing management.

Matthew C. Russell, ESQ.

MATTHEW C. RUSSELL, ESQ.

Board Attorney

​

Attorney Russell has been the General Counsel for the Riviera Beach Housing Authority since 2013. Attorney Russell received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida A&M University. He received his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, FL in 1972. He is a former teacher and track coach in the Palm Beach County School District and has maintained a private law practice since 1973. As an attorney and a civic leader in Riviera Beach, FL, Attorney Russell has held many highly esteemed legal positions such as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Riviera Beach, Attorney for the General Employee's Civil Service Board, the Police Civil Service Board, the Attorney for Code Enforcement, the Prosecutor for the City of Riviera Beach and Police General Counsel.

​

He has been very active in the community over the years, including being founding member of the Urban League of Palm Beach County. Attorney Russell also spent many years as a weightlifter and bodybuilder winning numerous local, state and national awards. Attorney Russell is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

bottom of page