Governor Ron DeSantis announced July 17 that Rita Pritchett will serve on the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. The appointment comes as the county navigates budget planning and infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 fiscal year. Pritchett, 58, is currently a professor at Eastern Florida State College and an administrator at New Life Space Coast Church and Academy in Titusville. She previously held two elected posts: Brevard County Commissioner from 2018 to 2022 and Titusville City Commissioner from 2012 to 2018.
Pritchett earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in accountancy from the University of Central Florida in 1998 and 2002 respectively. Her career has focused on public service and education, with roles spanning nonprofit management and corporate finance before entering politics. She has not held a county commission seat since leaving Brevard’s board in 2022 to take a leadership role at the church academy.
The governor’s office cited Pritchett’s 'deep understanding of regional challenges' as a key factor in the appointment. Her tenure on the Titusville City Commission included oversight of coastal development projects and emergency management planning. Brevard County Administrator Greg James said the board will welcome her 'practical approach to fiscal responsibility.'
Pritchett’s appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Commissioner Steve Martin, who stepped down in June. She is expected to take office in August and will represent District 4, which includes parts of Titusville, Palm Bay, and the eastern shore of the Indian River. No term limits apply to the position, though county law requires commissioners to reside within their district.