The Economic Council of Palm Beach County today announced that Michael DeBock will join the organization as its president & chief executive officer, effective Aug. 31. DeBock, who is a Palm Beach County resident, is currently employed by NextEra Energy, where he serves as executive director of gas infrastructure. In this role, DeBock is responsible for the development of $4 billion worth of natural gas infrastructure projects spread throughout the nation, including Florida.

“We welcome Mike as the new leader of the Economic Council and we look forward to continuing the momentum we’ve developed in recent years in our community,” said H. William ‘Bill’ Perry, chair of the business organization and managing shareholder of the law firm of Gunster. “Our heartfelt thanks to Joe Rooney, our interim president, for his leadership and service to the Economic Council this past year. We all owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his service,” Perry stated.

“I couldn’t be more pleased and proud of Mike and his selection for this critically important position,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of Florida Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy. “Mike brings to the position proven leadership capabilities, combined with a track record of successfully developing billions of dollars’ worth of complex infrastructure projects. There is no question in my mind that Mike will now prove to be a phenomenal asset to the entire business community of Palm Beach County as he assumes the leadership role of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and builds upon the Council’s successes.”

DeBock brings to the Council both discipline gained as a U.S. Army officer and in-depth corporate experience gained during his tenure at NextEra Energy. DeBock received his military commission upon graduation from United States Military Academy at West Point and served eight years as an Apache helicopter pilot, having logged flight time during peacetime and combat operations. In the private sector, DeBock’s experience includes more than 13 years of commercial expertise within NextEra Energy, including developing energy projects across the US, Canada and Europe. His roles included responsibilities for strategic development, stakeholder outreach, financial performance and partnership management for a diverse energy portfolio. 

DeBock earned a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida Atlantic University. A decorated combat veteran, DeBock resides in Jupiter, with his wife and two children. 

This past year the Economic Council has focused on the need to improve Palm Beach County’s schools and infrastructure and on affordable housing in our area. The Economic Council was instrumental in supporting and passing the One Penny Sale Tax referendum in November 2016. In May of this year, the Economic Council and its members worked closely with Palm Beach County and other groups to host a Housing Summit, which generated many new ideas and solutions for Palm Beach County’s workforce housing needs. This work continues and DeBock’s leadership skills and communication style will help further these initiatives and others. 

The Economic Council of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization, which works to secure an open and collaborative environment between public and private sectors in Palm Beach County.