BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

The Palm Beach County Bar Association’s annual Board of Directors election will be conducted electronically. Look out for an email on April 7th from [email protected] with instructions on how to vote.

Voting begins on April 7th and closes at noon on April 16th. Winners will be announced via email and on the Bar’s website.

Five candidates are running for (4) two-year seats. Please vote for up to four candidates.

Elected candidates will take office on July 1st and will be sworn in at the Annual Installation Banquet at The Breakers Palm Beach on June 6th.

Remember to Vote!

If you do not receive your voter information email, please check your spam folder or email settings with your provider. 

* = incumbent

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Firm: Personal Injury of Florida
Year admitted to practice: 2015
Law School: Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University – College of Law
Year joined PBCBA: 2014

Kelsey Burke Arrieta *

I have been actively involved with the Palm Beach County Bar Association since 2014, and during that time I have developed a deep appreciation for the Association’s role in supporting our legal community. Having served as Past Chair of the Law Week Committee, Past President of the Young Lawyers Section, and as a member of the Health & Wellness, and Personal Injury Committees, I have had the opportunity to contribute in meaningful and varied ways. I am also proud to be a member of the North County Section and was honored to serve on the PBCBA Board of Directors this past year.

As a Board member, I bring institutional knowledge, leadership experience, and a strong work ethic. Throughout my involvement, I have consistently helped secure sponsors, plan events, increase membership, and build partnerships that strengthen both the YLS and the Bar as a whole. I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, member engagement, and delivering programming that adds real value to our members’ practices and professional lives.

If reelected, I will continue to focus on collaboration between sections, expanding sponsorship opportunities, and fostering mentorship and wellness initiatives that support attorneys at every stage of their careers. I am committed to being accessible, responsive, and proactive in advancing the mission of the PBCBA. It would be an honor to continue serving and contributing to the continued growth and success of our Association.


Firm: Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC
Year admitted to practice: 2013
Law School: University of Miami Law
Year joined PBCBA: 2022

Ryan McCarthy

Palm Beach County and our local Bar Association are important to me. This is where I was raised, where I am raising my family, and where I am practicing law as a Partner with Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC.

I have been an active member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association for many years. Currently, I am a Co-Chair of the Solo & Small Firm Committee, along with a Co-Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel for the 2026 Bench Bar Conference. In addition to these roles, I am also a member of the Civil Practice Committee and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. 

My involvement with the Palm Beach County Bar Association and service on several local boards, including the Board for the American Red Cross and Board for the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, has put me in touch with so many members of our legal community and with those that they serve.

Through my committee work, law practice, and mentorship of younger lawyers, I have learned of, discussed, and worked to solve many issues impacting our legal community. We are at a pivotal time for our local Bar Association and for the practice of law. As we navigate issues involving AI, case management, training new lawyers, technology, ethical questions, and evolving rules (just to name a few), we need leadership that is prepared to call upon and engage our membership and press forward with a solution-oriented mindset.

I am here to serve. 


Firm: MAPEI Corporation
Year admitted to practice: 2013
Law School: University of Florida
Year joined PBCBA: 2013

Kelly Schulz *

In a second term as a Director, I will continue to be committed to furthering the PBCBA’s mission to serve its members, foster professionalism, and enhance the public’s understanding and awareness of the legal system.  I also bring a unique perspective to the board – as a former litigator and current in-house attorney, I provide input from diverse practice areas and assist the Board in addressing the nuanced needs of all its members. As I have done in the past, I will continue to advocate for the advancement of young lawyers so that they are engaged and excited to continue practicing in Palm Beach County. 

As far as PBCBA leadership experience, I have served one term as a Director on the PBCBA Board, including serving as liaison to the Membership Committee during Andrea Lewis’ presidency.  Before joining the PBCBA Board of Directors in 2024, I served as the President of the Young Lawyer’s Section, which is the PBCBA’s largest section.  This position allowed me to hold a seat on the Board for a year, inspiring my interest in continuing my Board involvement.  Prior to holding the YLS President position, I served as YLS Treasurer, Secretary, and President Elect.  Additionally, I have previously served on the Business Litigation CLE, Professionalism, Lawyers for Literacy, Civil Practice, and Judicial Relations Committees of the PBCBA.

I have been active in the Palm Beach County legal community since 2013, and I would be honored to continue to serve the PBCBA as a Board member.


Firm: Goldberg & Rosen, P.A. 
Year admitted to practice: 2018
Law School: St. Thomas University School of Law 
Year joined PBCBA: 2016

Kemar Thomas

I am asking for your vote to serve on our Board of Directors. Like many of you, I began my career in public service, advocating for clients who needed us most. My experience at our local Public Defender’s Office has shapen everything that followed, from my volunteer work with Legal Aid Society and other local organizations to my commitment to the mission of PBCBA to serve its members, foster professionalism, and enahnce the public’s understanding of the legal system. I have remained actively engaged in bar leadership, including Co-Chairing the 2025 Bench Bar Conference and serving on the Civil Practice, Judicial Relations, Young Lawyers, Professionalism, and PI Committees. I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Circuit’s Grievance Committee 15D, and previously served on the Florida Bar Leadership Academy Committee and President of the F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association. I also bring valuable operational insight from my experience as former General Counselor of Operations. Through these roles,, I have developed strong skills in strategic thinking, communication, and teamwork, and a clear understanding of what effective bar leadership looks like. But what matters most is “I’m listening.” I am especially interested in supporting initiatives that promote professionalism, strengthen member engagement, expand public outreach, and enhance resources supporting our members’ mental health. I will bring dedication, integrity, and fresh energy to this role. Palm Beach County’s legal community is extraordinary! I respectfully ask for your vote, and I look forward to working together to continue the excellence of our Bar Association. 


Firm: Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA
Year admitted to practice: 2015
Law School: Boston College Law School
Year joined PBCBA: 2015

David P. Vitale, Jr.

The Palm Beach County Bar Association’s mission is to “serve its members, foster professionalism and enhance the public’s understanding and awareness of the legal system.” While I have served on various PBCBA committees, I have devoted most of my time to the Professionalism Committee, serving as a member since 2019 and as a co-chair since 2024. I am very passionate about professionalism and believe it is the cornerstone of what it means to be a lawyer. In my opinion, professionalism in everything we do is how we ensure that the public truly respects and believes in our system of justice. Being representatives of the justice system is a great responsibility, and I take great pride in being part of a local bar association that focuses so heavily on this aspect of our practice.

As a Board member, I would bring this same level of passion to serving each and every one of you.  I believe that everyone’s voice matters and that leaders are responsible for doing what is best for the community they are tasked to serve. Those beliefs would guide my tenure as a Board member.

I hope that you will consider supporting my candidacy. If you have any questions, please reach out anytime. My contact information is below.

David P. Vitale Jr. | Email: [email protected]

Cell: (561) 613-9368


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