A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

 

Born the daughter of a U.S. Marine Corps officer, Malise had a unique childhood, growing up on military bases across the United States and in Cuba. Military service is an important part of her family's history, and Malise's grandfathers, father, brother, and brother-in-law all served. 

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AN EXPERIENCED PUBLIC OFFICIAL

 

Malise is a community leader and currently the Vice Mayor of Jupiter. Since her election in 2022, she has been active both behind the dais and out in the community getting results for the town (see Accomplishments).  

 

Malise is an advocate for residents and represents their "uniquely Jupiter" perspective in many forums by serving on a number of boards and committees:

     - Council Liaison, Jupiter Audit Committee

     - Council Liaison, Jupiter Small Business Advisory Council

     - Board member, Palm Beach County (PBC) League of Cities

     - Member, PBC Water Resources Task Force

     - Member, FL League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee

     - Member, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee

     - Member, Palm Beach North Chamber Smart & Connected Task Force

     - 2024 Legislative Session, League of Cities Home Rule Hero and Town Advocate

       (Jupiter received $2.4 million to help with traffic on Indiantown road)

 

During her career, Malise served as a White House appointee with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Her first flights to Florida were to Miami to support Cuban organizations that provide aid to political prisoners and their families. Calm under pressure, she was later asked to help coordinate the U.S. Government’s response to Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. 

 

In 2011, Malise joined the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where she organized and led trainings and events for entrepreneurs and small businesses in partnership with local cities and towns. 

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Malise earned her degrees in International Affairs and Spanish from Virginia Tech and a Master’s Degree in Development Management from American University. Before attending graduate school she served with the U.S. Peace Corps in Moldova.

 

COMMITTED TO JUPITER

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Malise's decision to make Jupiter home and raise her children here was the result of a lifelong dream to revisit the mango trees, iguanas, and beaches of her childhood (in Cuba) and share that experience with her family.  

 

Her favorite activities are hiking and kayaking, and she can be found at Sawfish Bay or Riverbend Park many mornings. She also enjoys the public trails around Jonathan Dickinson Park, the lighthouse, and behind the Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge. 

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Her husband Alex is a surfski enthusiast and works for Nextera Energy, and her daughters Caroline (9) and Alice (6) keep her busy with after-school activities.

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