Junior League Sets 2026-27 Board of Directors

L-R: Melissa Schumacher, Allison Freeman, Courtney Tarsa, Emily Schachtel, Katie Velotta, Kai Anderson Cloud, Kat Joy, Christina Lamport; not pictured: Maria Pumarejo (Capehart)

(Press Release) ​WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (June 17, 2026) — The Junior League of the Palm Beaches (JLPB) has announced its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, led by incoming President Emily Schachtel (full board list included below). Together, the volunteer leadership team will help advance the organization's mission of developing women leaders and improving the community through volunteer action, collaboration and advocacy.
 
As the League builds upon its 85-year legacy of service in the Palm Beaches, the incoming board will guide strategic initiatives, strengthen community partnerships and support programs that create meaningful impact for local women, children and families.

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"The Junior League of the Palm Beaches has a long history of empowering women to become leaders and creating lasting change in our community," said Schachtel. "I am honored to serve alongside such an accomplished and dedicated group of women as we continue to build on that legacy, invest in the development of future leaders and expand our impact throughout Palm Beach County."
 
The 2026–2027 Board of Directors includes:

• Emily Schachtel, President – Senior project manager for pharmaceutical companies managing multi-centered clinical studies in the US.  Emily is also a Certified Health and Life Coach and founder of the League's Little Libraries initiative, which promotes early childhood literacy in underserved elementary schools.
• Katie Velotta, Executive Vice President – Director of Membership Development at the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
• Courtney Tarsa, President-Elect – National Sales Manager at Axiom Law, partnering with biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare organizations to deliver flexible legal talent solutions that support growth and innovation.
• Kai Anderson Cloud, Treasurer – Controller at Red Violet, Inc. a Boca Raton-based analytics and information solutions company listed on the NASDAQ.
• Allison Freeman, Secretary – Showroom Manager and Events Director at Palm Beach Regency; Director of Membership, Events and Development at the SoSo Design District, Inc.; Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance.
• Maria Pumarejo, Nominating Chair – Vice President of Development at Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast, and a past president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches.
• Kathleen Joy, Board Member at Large – Director of Communications for the City of West Palm Beach.
• Melissa Schumacher, Board Member at Large – Director of Event Management at Eau Resort & Spa Palm Beach, and a past president of the Junior League of Chicago.
• Christina Lamport, Board Member at Large – Owner of Bel Air Branding, a full-service digital marketing and public relations agency specializing in non-profits and small businesses.

 
For more information about Junior League of the Palm Beaches, including membership and ways to support the league and its work, visit jlpb.org.