Valerie Neilson is an urban planning professional passionate about multimodal transportation and creating healthy, sustainable, and economically vibrant communities. Valerie serves as the Executive Director at the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA), leading the agency’s efforts to plan, prioritize, and fund transportation projects that advance safe, efficient, and connected facilities for users of all ages and abilities in Palm Beach County. Prior to her current role, Valerie served at the TPA’s Deputy Director of Multimodal Development. Valerie is a Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2016 Alumni and has served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the City of Greenacres Planning Commission and Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Health & Built Environment Committee. Prior to the TPA, Valerie worked on environmental planning and active transportation initiatives.

Valerie is fluent in English/Spanish and has over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and project management. Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University.