Wellington’s Leadership Team Is All In, All The Time

Wellington’s Leadership Team Is All In, All The Time

Meet the dynamic members who make up the leadership team at the Village of Wellington. With a wide variety of expertise and experience from both the public and private sectors, they provide the high-quality services that residents expect here in the Village of Wellington.

For several members of Wellington’s leadership team, the idea of having a career in public service originated before they arrived in the village, having served in other public agencies prior to joining the Village of Wellington. Many also bring experience from the private sector. That combination of public and private-sector experience is invaluable when delivering best-in-class services to residents.

Covering approximately 45 square miles with a year-round population of 63,000, the Village of Wellington is a full-service municipality operating under a council-manager form of government.

Under this format, the village manager is the chief executive and administrative officer, responsible for the implementation of the Wellington Village Council’s vision and day-to-day operations of the village. Leadership of our more than 340 team members is made possible by our leadership team, covering everything from engineering and accounting to customer service and recreation.

The leadership team we have assembled continues to make Wellington a community of choice. The positive attitudes and commitments that drive the individuals on the leadership team demonstrate that they are all in, all the time. What follows are snapshots of the individuals who make up this dynamic team, empowered by their passion for public service and community.

Ana Acevedo, Director of Administrative & Financial Services
2014-present

“For Wellington’s finance team, delivering high-quality services is not just a responsibility, but a cornerstone in building a resilient future for our residents and businesses,” Director of Administrative & Financial Services Ana Acevedo said. “Our dedication to responsive governance is evident in our meticulous evaluation of audit findings, thorough review of budget variances, the maintenance of a robust bond rating, and our commitment to the fiduciary responsibility of public finance. Together, we are charting a steady course for the long-term sustainability of Wellington.”

Acevedo is a certified public accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in taxation. Originally from Cuba, she arrived in the United States in 1980. At the beginning of her accounting career, Acevedo traveled to and from Exuma, Bahamas, where she managed the accounting for a marina associated with the Four Seasons Resort, and she began her governmental career in 2006 with the City of Lake Worth.

Acevedo enjoys reading the Bible and indulging in mystery books, and she cherishes moments with her family, especially when she can watch her children play baseball and volleyball.

Chevelle Addie, Village Clerk 2017-present

“As the village clerk for the Village of Wellington, it is my privilege to work alongside a dedicated team committed to meeting our customers’ needs promptly and efficiently, in accordance with Wellington’s standards, council policies and state laws,” Chevelle Addie said. “Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about navigating Wellington’s future and fostering a thriving and well-governed community.”

Addie started her career at the City of Delray Beach, working as the extended day coordinator, developing, implementing and managing aftercare programs for local students in partnership with nonprofit organizations, and became the village clerk in Wellington in 2017.

Addie is a certified master municipal clerk (MMC), has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and more than 20 years of governmental experience. She is an active member of the Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She is a past president of FACC and the Palm Beach County Municipal Clerks Association.

In addition, Addie has been a member of the Florida League of Cities Municipal Administration Committee for the last nine years and has served as a conference/webinar speaker and trainer for the Florida Association of City Clerks, the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Association of Special Districts, the Florida Government Finance Officers’ Association and the Palm Beach County League of Cities. Addie is a 2017 and 2018 Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award and Robert N. Clark Memorial Award recipient.

Robert Basehart, Director of Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs
2009-present

“Having seen Palm Beach County grow over many years, I am happy to be able to continue to share my experience by working on village programs and projects that will prepare Wellington for the future,” Director of Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs Robert Basehart said. “I worked in the western communities and Wellington in particular, before it was incorporated and hope that our efforts today continue to keep it a great hometown for many years to come.”

Basehart joined Wellington in 2009 serving as growth management director and assumed his role in sustainability and regulatory affairs in 2020. His experience spans the private and public sectors and includes extensive experience in Palm Beach County during periods of growth and development, where he saw the county’s population grow from several hundred thousand to more than 1.5 million residents.

Basehart has also been involved in the planning and development of residential and commercial projects locally and around the state and successfully entitled more than 2,000 projects. Recently, in Wellington, he has led the charge to update, rewrite and simplify the land development regulations and code of ordinances. He has undergraduate degrees in psychology and city planning and is a certified planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners. While a planner at heart, he quips that his psychology degree has come in handy many times in his line of work.

Nicole Coates, Emergency Management Director
2001-present

“As a 32-year resident of Wellington, my commitment is twofold: to safeguard the community I call home, and to enhance the overall well-being of Wellington residents,” Emergency Management Director Nicole Coates said. “The risk management team works diligently to prevent incidents and minimize the financial impact of losses to the village. It is not just a professional obligation, but a personal dedication to ensure Wellington remains a place where residents and employees alike thrive in safety and resilience.”

Coates began her career with Wellington in 2001 within the Parks & Recreation Department, where her roles encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, from customer service to finance and budget management, as well as special event coordination. She later filled various leadership positions, including assistant to the village manager, director of community services, and director of internal audit and compliance. In 2018, Coates assumed her current role as director of emergency management and public safety. Prior to her tenure with Wellington, Coates contributed her talents to First Wellington Inc., the village’s master homeowners’ association.

Coates earned her master’s degree in business administration from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing/advertising from Florida Atlantic University. She also has certifications as a certified emergency manager, a Florida professional emergency manager, and a certified parks and recreation professional.

Outside of her professional commitments, Coates is actively involved in community service, serving as a board member for the Safety Council of Palm Beach County and as the planning section chief for the Southeast Region 7 All Hazards Incident Management Team. She resides in Wellington with her husband, Colby, and their daughters Madison and Macie.

Ed De La Vega, Assistant Village Manager
2000-present

“I am fortunate to live, work and play in Wellington, and I take pride in the fact that I can help make our village a premier community not only in the county, but also the state and country,” Assistant Village Manager Ed De La Vega said. “This is evidenced by our regular high rankings regionally and nationally as truly a great hometown.”

De La Vega has been with the Village of Wellington since 2009, when he joined the staff as a senior project manager working on capital improvement projects. He went on to serve as director of purchasing and general services director in 2014, before being appointed to his current post in January 2021. In this role, De La Vega oversees a broad range of departments, including Parks & Recreation; Planning, Zoning & Building; Engineering; Purchasing; and Risk Management.

De La Vega and his family are proud to call Wellington home. His wife Edilia serves as the principal at Panther Run Elementary School. Their children, Alex and Amanda, grew up in the village and attended local schools. Prior to joining the Village of Wellington, De La Vega was employed by Lennar as director of purchasing. In his tenure there, he was involved in all aspects of home building, including contract administration, budgeting, permitting and design. De La Vega previously worked as a controller in the food service industry.

De La Vega earned a bachelor’s degree in business, majoring in finance, from Florida Atlantic University. He is a certified public procurement buyer and a member of the National Institute for Governmental Purchasing.

Paulette Edwards, Community Services Director
2017-present

“Our dedicated community services team works tirelessly to create a supportive environment that not only addresses immediate needs, but also invests in the long-term growth and prosperity of Wellington,” Community Services Director Paulette Edwards said. “Together, we are shaping a community where individuals, families and youth thrive, empowered by the transformative impact of our programs and services.”

Edwards has dedicated her career to the development, revitalization and sustainability of communities, as well as programs that support underserved families. She has served in a number of key leadership positions in other organizations.

Before joining Wellington, Edwards was appointed by the mayor of the City of Orlando as the assistant director for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Services Office. In that position, she was responsible for administering the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Community Block Grant programs. During her career, she has managed grant awards to numerous nonprofit organizations and helped individuals and families obtain affordable housing, education, recreation, homelessness prevention and economic development opportunities.

Edwards has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from Grambling State University. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter Wellington.

Kimberly Gibbons, Human Resources Director/LGBTQ Liaison
2006-present

“As the human resources director, my foremost commitment is to the holistic success and well-being of our dedicated employees,” Kimberly Gibbons said. “With a dedication to nurturing a workplace culture where every individual thrives, our Human Resources Department is deeply invested in ensuring that every employee, along with our broader community, feels an integral part of the fabric of Wellington.”

Gibbons is a senior certified human resources professional with the Society of Human Resources Management, the Human Resources Certification Institute and the International Professional Management Association. She received her undergraduate degree in English language and literature from the University of Maryland, and her graduate degree in human resources development and administration from Barry University. She is also a certified neurodiversity professional and was certified as an adult mental health first aid instructor.

Previously from the private sector, where she worked at Saks Fifth Avenue in Palm Beach, Gibbons came to Wellington as a contracted employee in 2005 and became a regular employee in 2006.

Chuck Gill, Tennis Director
2021-present

“Since joining Wellington in 2021, I’ve been privileged to work alongside a passionate group dedicated to making tennis accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages,” Tennis Director Chuck Gill said. “Our commitment goes beyond the courts; it’s about creating a vibrant tennis community that stands out throughout the county. Wellington’s Tennis Center has become a shining example, thanks to our team’s innovative approach to organizing unique and exciting tournaments and programs. We are proud to be part of the rich tennis tradition in Wellington, and we look forward to continuing to elevate the game, inspire players and foster a love for tennis in our community.”

Gill started working at the Wellington Tennis Center in 2021 after serving as the director of sports at the Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach and the director of tennis at the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton.

Gill is a past president of the United States Professional Tennis Association and served on the USPTA Florida Division Board of Directors from 1995 to 2005 and as division president from 2002 to 2003. From 2009 to 2011 and from 2013 to January 2020, he was on the USPTA national board, where he served as president from 2015 to 2017. Gill is also active as a United States Tennis Association volunteer, where he has served on the board of the USTA Florida Section since 2014. He is USTA Florida president-elect this year.

Eric Juckett, Parks & Recreation Director
2003-present

“Parks and recreation are vital for our community,” Parks & Recreation Director Eric Juckett said. “Our team strives to provide excellent, unique and meaningful opportunities for recreation that enhance the vibrant culture of Wellington.”

Juckett has devoted two decades of his professional journey to the Village of Wellington. His career with Wellington started as a part-time lifeguard while he was a student at Florida Atlantic University, eventually transitioning to a full-time staff position in 2003.

Leading the Parks & Recreation Department family of 23 full-time staff, and during peak seasons, coordinating more than 100 vital part-time staff, he finds fulfillment in the collaborative spirit within his team.

As the director of the Parks & Recreation Department, Juckett witnesses the positive impact that his department has on people’s lives through various programs, including athletics, aquatics, concerts, events, community initiatives, rentals, weddings and senior programs. Juckett moved to Wellington in 2017, where he lives with his wife and young son.

Anjuli Panse, Utilities Director
2018-present

“Wellington’s Utilities Department staff takes great pride in the essential services they provide. Operating around the clock, our team ensures a reliable supply of superior quality drinking water and environmentally safe wastewater service for the well-being of more than 50,000 residents in the Wellington utility service area,” Utilities Director Anjuli Panse said. “We are committed to pursuing the most up-to-date technologies to improve and upgrade our facilities to not only keep Wellington on the cutting edge of the water industry but also guarantee that our customers receive the best product and service possible.”

Panse is a registered professional engineer and the director responsible for the management and oversight of water and wastewater services in Wellington. The Utility Department operates a water treatment plant rated for 12.3 million gallons per day, a wastewater plant rated for 6.5 million gallons per day, two potable water storage and repump stations, three surficial aquifer raw water wellfields, a water distribution system, a sanitary sewer collection system including 105 lift stations and a reclaimed water system.

Panse received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida and has held a professional engineering license in the State of Florida since 2010. She began her career in 2005 as an engineering consultant and has designed and managed engineering projects for Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach and others.

Her areas of expertise include the design, permitting, assessment and construction of water systems, wastewater systems, roadways, utilities and municipal structures. In 2018, she joined Wellington’s Utilities Department and became the director in 2022.

Tanya Quickel, Deputy Village Manager
2013-present

“Supporting the Village of Wellington with a decade of accomplishments, projects and grants, my goal is to provide the tools with thoughtful and responsible fiscal planning for the residents, elected officials and staff to enjoy a sustainable, resilient and progressive great hometown,” Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel said.

Quickel leverages more than three decades of diverse experience in private and public administration and financial management in her role as deputy village manager. Since joining Wellington in 2013, she has been a driving force behind the village’s fiscal and operational strategies, aligning administrative functions to support its core missions effectively.

In her current capacity, Quickel oversees the village’s annual operating budget, ensuring its efficient management and allocation in alignment with community goals. She also collaborates closely with departments such as Public Works, Utilities, Community Services, the Clerk’s Office, Information Technology, Customer Service and Communications. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the village’s progress and enhancing its service delivery.

Before her tenure in Wellington, Quickel held pivotal roles in organizations including the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department, the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, the Indian Trail Improvement District, and Horry County in South Carolina. These experiences have deepened her insights into local government dynamics and best practices.

Quickel’s professional journey is marked by a dedication to continuous learning and excellence. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia and has passed the certified public accountants (CPA) exam. Additionally, she holds the certified district manager designation from Barry University and the Florida Association of Special Districts, further demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and expertise in her field.

Jonathan Reinsvold, Village Engineer
2014-present

“As the village engineer, I stand at the intersection of innovation and community stewardship, leveraging my expertise to leave a positive mark on Wellington’s infrastructure to shape its landscape for future generations,” Jonathan Reinsvold said.

Reinsvold began his career in civil engineering in 2005 during his senior year of college, when he interned for IBI Group, a small engineering firm in Coral Springs. Being the youngest engineer in the office meant he had to endure his fair share of “grunt work,” including the time he was called into the owner’s office for a “very important and time-sensitive project” that translated into needing the restroom painted.

Reinsvold also worked for CMS Engineering, a company of Ansca homes, a private equity housing developer, before coming to Wellington, where he started as a senior engineer. Reinsvold was promoted to village engineer in January 2021.

William Silliman, Information Technology Director
2012-present

“In these times of rapid technological changes, the IT department is dedicated to ensuring reliable and efficient technology services, while improving operational efficiency and enhancing cybersecurity,” Information Technology Director William Silliman said. “We want to make interactions with our residents and customers accessible and convenient.”

Silliman has a unique background that blends both science and technology. He began his career studying sharks and stingrays at the University of Miami’s RSMAS Shark Lab in Bimini, Bahamas, where he utilized computers and geographic information systems in the early 2000s for data analysis and tracking. His work on sharks and stingrays contributed to research that was later published, as well as presented academically.

After his time tracking sharks and stingrays, Silliman transitioned to the technology sector where he worked for Gateway Computers and then for a small financial services firm in Boca Raton before coming to the Village of Wellington in 2012.

His leadership and skills in IT networking, cybersecurity and data analytics have been instrumental in driving digital transformations at the Village of Wellington, significantly boosting operational efficiency, cybersecurity and customer engagement.

Silliman holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, as well as a multitude of certifications.

Tim Stillings, Director of Planning, Zoning & Building
2019-present

“Prior to Wellington, my education and experience focused on urban and community planning and development,” Planning, Zoning & Building Director Tim Stillings said. “Here, I have had to look at the same planning issues and challenges through a suburban lens, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to apply my expertise to enhance the growth and sustainability of the village.”

Stillings is a certified planner (AICP) with more than two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. He has worked in various roles in public planning agencies, including West Palm Beach and Delray Beach, and has extensive knowledge in areas such as land entitlements, urban development/redevelopment, form-based codes, design guidelines, site planning, transportation planning, traffic calming, street design and bicycle/pedestrian planning.

Stillings holds a bachelor’s degree in urban affairs from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a master’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University.

Although not a native of Florida, Stillings has lived in Palm Beach County for more than half of his life and considers it his hometown. Stillings dedicates much of his time to restoring a historic house built in 1922, showcasing his commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the region.

Bruce Wagner, Public Works Director
2005-present

“At the heart of the Public Works Department lies a guiding principle: to serve the community and positively shape Wellington’s future so that it remains a vibrant and thriving community for all,” Public Works Director Bruce Wagner said.

Wagner lives by the mantra that a team is paramount to success, a belief instilled in him from his upbringing on Long Island. Starting with a humble landscape company alongside his brothers, Wagner’s journey led him through roles as a head groundskeeper for a utility company, assistant supervisor at Old Westbury Gardens (the legendary Phipps Estate), the Home Depot and even a stint at Walt Disney World.

Though life’s twists and turns brought him back to Long Island in the wake of tragedy, Wagner’s resilience and dedication to his craft propelled him forward, leading him to manage large-scale properties at Seacrest Services as the regional landscape manager of their high-end properties, and eventually found his way to South Florida, where he began his career at Wellington as parks supervisor in 2005.

For Wagner, it’s not just about the work — it’s about the people. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that with the right team, anything is possible. In his role, he finds fulfillment in serving the community and shaping its future, making each day his “happily ever after.”

 

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