Meet Clarence Anthony.

I first met Clarence in 1996 through a mutual friend of ours, Rick Rodriguez-Pi?a. Clarence was Mayor of the City of South Bay, a community located around Lake Okeechobee, FL. Clarence was elected Mayor at age 24!

When we met, I was applying to Leadership Florida, and he and Adolfo Henriques were the two South Florida members on that year's selection committee. I did not know either.

I asked Clarence for his support of my application, to which he said yes. Adolfo also said yes. Once accepted into Leadership Florida, - which is an incredible organization - we became good friends, and our friendship has grown stronger over the past 25+ years.

Clarence is an ideal role model for anyone seeking to serve in public service and then transition into the business sector. In addition to being a mayor, he’s worked for the City of West Palm Beach, and in the private sector, he’s served as the CMO for engineering firm PBS&J, as a consultant, and on the board of directors of Bealls.

In 1999, Clarence was elected as President of the National League of Cities (NLC), and since 2013 he has served as the organization's Chief Executive Officer, raising the organization’s profile and influence.

If you are not familiar with what a power-house organization NLC, let me share with you: 2,400 cities, towns, and villages cites are NLC members, all focused on improving the quality of life for their current and future constituents. NLC has been around for over 90 years. Their mission is clear: To strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions.

Clarence is a man of honor, a tremendous thought leader, and the ideal public servant. More importantly, he’s a great guy, a family man, humble, and always willing to lend a hand.

I am so #ThankfulTo call him a friend and proud of all his accomplishments. To another 25 years of friendship!