The Cutler Bay Town Council finally was complete when Sue Ellen Loyzelle was sworn in as the new Seat 2 councilmember on Tuesday, Dec. 14.
Loyzelle was appointed to the position by the other council members to fill the seat vacated by former Seat 2 Councilmember Ernie Sochin who was appointed to fill the vacant seat of vice mayor. Both will serve until the next county election, at which time they will need to run for office against any other announced candidates.
Loyzelle has been a resident of the area defined as Cutler Bay’s Residential Area Council Seat Number Two for more than 17 years.
“I have a passion for our town and the opportunity has presented itself where I’m able to participate in the town more through this appointment, and I’m looking forward to it,” Loyzelle said. “As far as my goals for the next few months, it’s to get caught up on all the town business so that I can make informed decisions.”
In her letter to the mayor and other council members she stated, “I am eager to put my talents to use to better the community for all who live in Cutler Bay and the surrounding area.”
She has worked as the director of grants for the YMCA of Greater Miami from 1996 to the present; had previously served as the executive director of the Homestead Family YMCA for eight years, and was the supervisor of the Fletcher Park Recreation Center for the City of Pembroke Pines for two years.
Loyzelle got her Bachelor of Arts in Leisure Service Administration at Florida’s St. Leo College, was in the YMCA of the USA Executive Development Program and the Grantsmanship Training Program at the Grantsmanship Center.
Her community involvement includes participation in the Leadership Miami program, Class of 2010-11, serving in the Homestead/South Dade Kiwanis Club as a past president and 19-year member, a volunteer coordinator for the Children’s Trust Reauthorization Campaign, a 17-year member of the Association of YMCA Professionals and a National YMCA Consultant for hurricane disaster recovery (Katrina and Wilma).
She was a Royal Caribbean Golf Classic volunteer coordinator for four years, was on the Public Policy Committee of the Florida State Alliance of YMCA’s for three years and was campaign chair of United Way for seven years. The American Cancer Society’s Woman of the Year, Loyzelle also worked as a grant reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education.
Congratulations Sue!