Beth A. Houghton takes over CEO reins to lead the Juvenile Welfare Board

Clearwater, FL – After a unanimous vote of approval by the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Beth A. Houghton was appointed and began her tenure as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer on October 1. 

“We are thrilled to have Beth onboard as our new CEO,” stated JWB Board Chair Susan Rolston who also led the Board’s executive search committee efforts. “After an exhaustive national search, we were fortunate to attract an experienced Pinellas County executive who checks all the boxes: an individual passionate about JWB’s mission who possesses legal and fiscal expertise, a proven track record of organizational excellence, and a reputation for getting things accomplished.”

Ms. Houghton came to the Juvenile Welfare Board from the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, where she held the top position – first Executive Director then Chief Executive Officer – for eight years. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its reach to eight food, shelter, and health care programs that distribute to more than 55,000 people monthly, provide free health and wellness services to 9,000 annually, and guide another 400 on their path to independent living through shelter services. Ms. Houghton graduated with highest honors from Stetson University College of Law, earned her MBA with highest honors from Tulane University Graduate School of Business, and her BA with honors in Economics and Political Science from Newcomb College of Tulane University. Ms. Houghton is licensed to practice law in Florida and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Signature Bank in St. Petersburg. Her previous employment includes serving as Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of John’s Hopkins All Children’s Health System. 

“The Juvenile Welfare Board has always been known for shaping the future of our county’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens,” commented Houghton from her new post at JWB. “I have always been passionate about improving the lives of our children, both because they are the innocent who cannot control their circumstances and because, as a society, improving children’s lives today and into the future is simply a smart investment. So, coming to the JWB to work with our Board, staff, and community organizations was an easy choice for me. I knew I could come to work every day and really make a difference in the trajectory of our community.” 

In her role as CEO, Ms. Houghton will oversee an annual program and general government budget of $79.3 million and a workforce of 62, while ensuring policies set forth by the JWB Governing Board are effectively implemented. She will serve as the nexus between the JWB Board and day-to-day operations of the organization, and advance and oversee accountability systems and measurements to ensure effective use of the community’s investments. In her leadership role, she will advocate for children’s issues and underserved families. She will create strategic partnerships and oversee the funding of high-quality programs that benefit tens of thousands of Pinellas County children and families annually. 

“Beth is someone who has dedicated her entire life to giving back,” noted Rolston. “It’s important that we have a champion for children and families, like Beth, in our top leadership position.”

Ms. Houghton has taken numerous mission trips to rural Honduras and currently serves on the Board for the Foundation for International Missions which supports a rural health clinic. She also serves as Chair of the Hospital Board of H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. Previously, Ms. Houghton served as Board President for Great Explorations, the Houghton-Wagman Children’s Museum, and she has received numerous awards for community service and leadership. She has three adult children, three grandchildren, and is raising two grandchildren. 

“Beth embodies the entire package,” added Rolston. “All of her attributes, combined with her experience developing and using impact measures and metrics, will serve us well as we prepare to sunset our current strategic plan, and adopt a new one in 2021.”

Established by a Special Act of the Florida Legislature in 1945, approved overwhelmingly by Pinellas County voters in 1946, and reauthorized in 1990, the Juvenile Welfare Board is an independent special taxing district that is governed by an 11-member Board and responsibly invests property tax dollars to give children the best opportunities to succeed. 

Ms. Houghton succeeded Dr. Marcie Biddleman, who retired in September after a decade-long tenure with the organization. 

For more information about the Juvenile Welfare Board visit www.jwbpinellas.org or contact Communications@jwbpinellas.org.