Sarah Malega leaves Lake Worth Beach commission after nearly six years

Sarah Malega has left the Lake Worth Beach City Commission after nearly six years representing District 1, stepping down to become executive director of the Palm Beach County League of Cities.

Malega submitted her resignation Oct. 29, effective immediately, and the commission declared the seat vacant at a special meeting Nov. 2. She took office in 2021 after defeating District 1 incumbent Scott Maxwell.

The resignation set off a fast process at City Hall. Because less than six months remained before the next regular election, the city charter required the remaining commissioners to appoint a successor by majority vote, and the appointment had to be made no later than 24 hours before the qualifying period opened at noon Nov. 10. The commission filled the seat Nov. 9 with Elizabeth Smith.

Malega was introduced as the League of Cities’ new director less than an hour after she submitted her resignation. The League is the nonprofit association of the county’s municipalities.