Council Member Bios
Email ALL Council Members
NOTE: This email form will direct your comments to ALL five council members at the same time. If you wish to email individual council members, please use the forms below.
Council Member Jayson E. French
Seat 1
Hello, Tequesta neighbors! I'm Jayson. Alongside my wonderful wife and three amazing daughters, we’re deeply rooted in our village, committed to enriching our community.
Term Expires: March 2026
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With 18 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic and as an entrepreneur in two successful small businesses, I've developed a knack for quick, impactful decisions and strategic problem-solving.
My leadership journey, coupled with board roles in various organizations, has honed my skills in budget management, consensus-building, and navigating complex political landscapes.
Passionate about the outdoors, from mountain biking in Jonathan Dickinson State Park to family boating days, I draw inspiration from nature for my vision of Tequesta: a safe, thriving community where families flourish.
I’m here to serve and protect our unique lifestyle, ensuring Tequesta remains a vibrant place for generations to come. Let’s work together to make our village even better!
Mayor Molly Young
Seat 2
Term Expires: April 2027
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Molly Young grew up in the Jupiter-Tequesta area, relocated to Seattle for 11 years, and returned to Tequesta in 2017 with her husband and daughter. She is a graduate from Florida State University where she received a B.S. in Economics and Environmental Studies. She also received a Certificate in Construction Management from the University of Washington.
In 2021, Molly was elected to Village of Tequesta Council Seat 2 and is currently serving her third term. In 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 she was elected by her fellow Councilmembers to serve as the Mayor. Prior to being elected to Council, Molly served as an Alternate on the Village Planning and Zoning Board. She has a passion to serve her community and tirelessly upholds her duties to the Village.
Professionally, Molly has over two decades of experience in Management, Operations, and Consulting within the Development and Construction industry. She enjoys leading mission driven teams and initiatives utilizing her expansive knowledge of planning and programming, financial budgeting and forecasting, negotiating contracts, developing strategic goals and policies, research and analysis, scheduling and logistics, quality control, and compliance.
Molly has served on several professional committees, advisory teams, national networks, and is a proud graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County Engage Class of 2024. She is currently the President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, represents the Twelfth District for Florida League of Cities Board of Directors, is the Vice Chair of the Florida League of Cities Finance and Taxation State Policy Committee, and serves on Palm Beach County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Issues Forum Executive Committee.
Council Member Laurie Brandon
Seat 3
Term Expires: April 2026
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Laurie Brandon is a Native Floridian from South Florida who loves raising her family in the Village of Tequesta while helping to preserve our Florida culture, lifestyles, and small town vibes.
Growing up in Florida, she absorbed many life skills and opportunities she applies to life today. She later went on to study art design, commercial marketing and business operations. She went into business management and human resources. Laurie is an active member of the community and serves on the board for the Tequesta Country Club HOA, and is an active volunteer in the local schools and a parent ambassador. Active in youth sports, she teaches and coaches youth athletes.
Laurie very much enjoys spending time with her three children and husband. Arts, outdoor recreational, and traveling are just a few of their favorite activities to do together.
Council Member Patrick Painter
Seat 4
Term Expires: April 2027
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Patrick, a third generation Palm Beach County native, is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning and the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He is a licensed Florida attorney and real estate sales associate.
Patrick is the Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Hedrick Brothers Construction, where he has worked since 2015. In this role, he manages all legal and general business matters for the company and its subsidiaries.
He is a graduate of the Village’s inaugural Resident’s Academy and served on the Village’s Charrette Host Committee in 2022. Patrick enjoys giving back to the community and is a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Good Shepherd Episcopal School and Board of Directors of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. He also serves as a Board Member of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Florida East Coast Chapter. Patrick and his family are honored to call Tequesta home.
Vice-Mayor Rick Sartory
Seat 5
Term Expires: April 2026
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Born and raised in West Palm Beach and Lake Worth, Rick has lived in northern Palm Beach County since 1988, moving to Tequesta in 2021. Immediately upon moving in to the Village, he was appointed to the Public Safety Pension Board, and is a graduate of the Village’s inaugural Resident’s Academy. With a Financial Management degree from Clemson University, Rick had a 27-year career in the banking & finance industries, and currently works as a Community Affairs Coordinator in the Homeland Security Division of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
A graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County, Rick has served on several boards and public committees such as the Health & Human Services Board of Palm Beach County, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County Finance & Audit Committee, the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center Community Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors for Meals On Wheels of the Palm Beaches.
Rick and his wife Maura, along with Maura’s two children, are honored to call Tequesta home. Rick has two adult children that live in Denver, CO and they return home to visit as often as possible. When he is not engaged with the Village, you can find Rick and Maura enjoying the outdoors, especially on our amazing waterways.