Jamaican-American community leader Latoya Clarke has been appointed Assistant Deputy Mayor of the City of Sunrise, marking a significant milestone in her longtime service to the South Florida municipality she has called home since migrating from Jamaica at age 14.
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The City of Sunrise announced the new leadership titles on December 3, congratulating both Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman and Assistant Deputy Mayor Clarke. “We are grateful for their inspiring leadership and their continued commitment to serving our diverse community with pride, passion, and dedication,” the city said in a statement.
Clarke, a graduate of Piper High School, brings more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry to her new role. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. Her professional career has spanned business operations, cost-optimization strategies, and the management of multiple hospital centers, where she demonstrated strong leadership and efficiency in service delivery.
Her public service footprint in Sunrise stretches back to 2009, starting with volunteer work for the East Sunrise Residents Association (ESRA). Clarke rose to serve as ESRA president in 2019, helping lead neighborhood participation in major city events such as the July 4th Parade, the Tunes ‘N Trucks concert series, National Night Out, and the Adopt-a-Street Program. She also previously served on the Sunrise Board of Adjustment and completed several civic training programs, including the Sunrise Residents Academy and the Community Police Academy.
Beyond city-level involvement, Clarke was recently appointed to the Broward County Community Action Agency Advisory Board, which provides guidance on initiatives supporting low-income and vulnerable families. She is also active in the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and the National League of Cities’ Women in Municipal Government constituency group. Her community work extends to faith-based and nonprofit organizations, including the International Pentecostal City Mission Church and City Mission Family Outreach, Inc.
In addition to her public roles, Clarke founded Simply Living Management in 2015, offering services in budgeting, estate planning, real estate transactions, and property management—an effort rooted in her commitment to helping families stabilize and grow.
Sworn in as Assistant Deputy Mayor for Seat A, Clarke said she is honored to continue serving a city she has helped shape for more than a decade. She aims to focus on unity, community growth, and creating opportunities for residents across Sunrise.
Clarke is married and credits her family’s support for motivating her continued dedication to public service.
Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman, also elevated last week, joins Clarke on the city’s leadership team alongside Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Commissioner Neil C. Kerch, and Commissioner Joseph A. Scuotto.