Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board elects Patrick Kelly chair, honors Kristen Costa with unanimous resolution

The City of Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board on Dec. 16 elected Patrick Kelly as its chair for calendar year 2026 and Reba Calhoun as vice chair, and unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing outgoing Chair Kristen Costa for ‘‘exemplary service.’n The board opened nominations and, after a motion by Reba Calhoun and a second by Adam Commissar, voted to elect Patrick Kelly as incoming chair. Later, Caroline Clanky moved and Bridal Smith seconded a nomination of Reba Calhoun for vice chair; the board approved that motion as well. The chair change was announced at the start of the meeting to accommodate members’ schedules."n Following the elections, the board attorney read Resolution No. 2025-1, a City of Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board resolution commending Kristen Costa for her service since her initial election on May 19, 2020, including terms as vice chair and chair. A motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded and carried unanimously. Board members gave remarks praising Costa’s leadership, mentorship and steady management of meetings. Costa thanked the board and said she would miss serving.