Leadership
Reverend Willie Richardson, JR., Chairperson
Reverend Willie Richardson, Jr., is the Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Vero Beach, Florida. He has served as pastor for the past 21 years. He is a native of Fort Pierce, Florida, educated in the St Lucie County School System and a graduate of Ft. Pierce Central High School. He obtained an Associate of Arts Degree in Theology from North Florida Theological Seminary and received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Theology from Logos Bible College. Pastor Richardson is a past employee of the City of Ft Pierce Housing Authority where he was employed for 20 years, serving in his last position as the Director of Maintenance and Facilities managing a staff of 20 employees.
Outside of his responsibilities as a fulltime Pastor, he is active in his community. He is the immediate past 1st Vice President Ministers’ and Deacons’ Union Northern Division and served eight years as Vice President. He’s a member of the Indian River County Pastors’ Association where he holds office as treasurer. He teaches a senior adult community bible study at the Gifford Activity Center.
Joe N. Idlette, III, Vice Chairperson
Joe Idlette, III, a native Floridian is a graduate of Vero Beach High School serves as the Chairperson for the Indian River County Housing Authority. Mr. Idlette also serves as the President of the Progressive Civic League of Gifford, Florida, Inc., after serving as the past Vice-President for the organization. Joe was President of Gifford Little League for six years and an umpire for the Little League for three years. Joe is active in his community working with the local Chapter of NAACP, the C.O.P.E. Commission and Youth Guidance Board for four years. Joe has also been a volunteer for the IRC Recreation Department for 18 years and he loves working with children.
Johnny Thornton, Commissioner
Johnny Thornton is a life long resident of Indian River County and a graduate of South Carolina State University, with a B.S Degree in Education. He also has a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision from Nova University. As a retired educator of 36 years, he is experienced in working with children and families in the community through coaching and various organizations. Mr. Thornton is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and has or is currently active in the following organizations; Gifford High School alumni, Florida High School Athletic Board of Directors, Gifford Aquatic Association and the Indian River County USA Swim Committee. He also served in the United states Army.
