Marsha Matson has been a resident of Palmetto Bay for 27 years and she is now our dedicated and hardworking Seat 3 Councilwoman. Councilwoman Matson was born in northern Minnesota, and from an early age became interested in politics and education. She has a Master's Degree from Kent State University and a Doctorate Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Matson, as her colleagues on the dais often call her, moved to Palmetto Bay in 1991 and joined the Old Cutler South Civic Association where she later became president. During one of the association meetings, she was shocked to learn that a storm surge of 18' had covered her home in 1948. She quickly developed an evacuation plan that saved her and her family when Hurricane Andrew destroyed their house in 1992. The struggle of rebuilding her home taught her firsthand about the difficulties of dealing with county government and led her to work hard alongside many other dedicated residents to incorporate our Village. Councilwoman Matson has also dedicated her life to teaching. She retired from the University of Miami in 2012 after 22 years of teaching American Government, Local Government, and Public Administration. While teaching, she also worked for 20 years as a part-time arbitrator for FINRA, a financial industry dispute resolution service. Councilwoman Matson raised both of her children in Palmetto Bay. Her son, Dan attended Coral Reef Elementary and both Dan and daughter Haley attended Southwood Middle and Palmetto High School. Hayley is a clinical psychologist and has a 9 year old son, Ky. Dan is a businessman in Miami. Councilwoman Matson also has a passion for playing the flute. She began playing in high school and then years later joined New Horizons Band at the University of Miami. She currently plays for the Kendall Orchestra in Pinecrest. She performs for the Sunday service for the Kendall United Methodist Church monthly, and offers Christmas and Spring concerts to the community. She has also performed at the Christmas concert at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church.
Councilwoman Matson, we salute you and thank you for your constant contributions, commitment and dedication to the Village of Palmetto Bay! You make us a better place!
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