Profiles in Service - April 17, 2017

Chip LaMarca

Board member
Commissioner, Broward County, Fla.

Number of years active in NACo: 6

Years in Public Service: 13 as an elected official (city and County Commissioner)

Occupation:  Owns and operates a construction firm specializing in power generation.

Education: Broward College, Boston University and Florida Atlantic University

The hardest thing I've ever done: Run for elected office taking on the county mayor. Having lost my father at a very young age, I also count growing up without a father as a challenge, but having a tight-knit family (amazing mother and close brother) made this possible.         

Three people (living or dead) I'd invite to dinner: My father: Guy LaMarca, Frank Sinatra and Abraham Lincoln.

A dream I have is to: Someday retire from the active lifestyle in Broward County and work for a family winery in Napa Valley while continuing to serve, possibly as a county supervisor.  

The most adventurous thing I've ever done is: Jump out of a perfectly good airplane at 12,000 feet above the ground with the Army Golden Knights.

My favorite way to relax is to: Spend time with family either on the beautiful beaches of Broward County or in Northern California’s wine country.

You'd be surprised to learn that I: Almost went to college for music, and I played in a heavy metal rock band!

I'm most proud of: Marrying the most amazing person to share my life with, having her support in taking on seemingly insurmountable political opposition and succeeding because of her support. 

Every morning I read: Florida Counties News, NACo and Governing clips, Florida Trend, South Florida Business Journal and local news.

My favorite meal is: As a proud Italian-American, is there even a question?    

My pet peeve is: People that complain about me because of my political affiliation without getting to know me or the work that I do for everyone in my community.  

My motto is: Treat others the way you expect to be treated. 

The last book I read was: From Good to Great by Jim Collins.  

My favorite movie is: Swingers.

My favorite music is: Many types, like Frank Sinatra, The Police, Van Halen and great jazz artists like Stan Getz and John Coltrane.

My favorite U.S. president is: Abraham Lincoln.

My county is a NACo member because: There are so many benefits to being part of a larger organization with members’ dealing with the same political and financial challenges. There are also many financial benefits to the taxpayers of our counties. Together we can accomplish more for all 3,069 counties.