April 30, 1950 – May 22, 2008

Polk County mourns the passing of former County Commissioner Marlene Young who died early today from injuries she suffered in a vehicle accident in Winter Haven Wednesday night.

Born in Wilkes-Barr, Penn., Marlene began her real estate career nearly thirty years ago as the resident manager of a 378-unit garden apartment complex in Port Jefferson, New York. Her duties included total facility management for the complex, consisting of twenty-five apartment buildings, a self-contained wastewater treatment plant, interior roads, swimming pool and common areas. With an aggressive renovation and marketing program, she increased the occupancy rate from 70 percent to 95 percent within 15 months. The accomplishment earned her a promotion as sales manager for a new townhouse development in Easton, Pennsylvania.

After moving to Winter Haven in the mid-1970s, Marlene and her husband, Robert, bought their first home. When the property next door to their home was rezoned to multi-family, Marlene became politically mobilized. In 1981 she was elected to a 3-year term as a Winter Haven City Commissioner; in 1982 she won election as the city’s first woman mayor. Sensible planning, lakes restoration and tree canopy protection were hallmarks of her service on the city commission.

In 1984, during a hiatus from public service, Marlene earned her license as a Florida Real Estate Salesman, but never actively practiced the profession. In 1987 she became the Administrator of Spring Haven Retirement Community – a 250-bed, state licensed adult congregate living facility.

From 1988 until November 2000, Marlene served as a full-time Polk County Commissioner; in 1990 and 1995 she was Chairperson of the Commission. She was instrumental in the development and adoption of Polk County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. During her tenure on the Commission, Marlene was active in promoting local government interests at the state level, serving as President of the Florida Association of Counties in 1993, and receiving gubernatorial appointment to many statewide committees.

In November 2002, Marlene again obtained and activated her Florida Real Estate Salesman License. She joined Chain-Of-Lakes Realty, Inc., in May 2003, as a full-time associate. In July 2003, she completed her post-license requirements and in November 2003, she completed the course requirement for Graduate Realtor Institute and received her GRI professional designation. In June 2004, she received her designation as an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), and in December 2004, was awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), a distinction earned by only 4 percent of all realtors in the nation.

Marlene’s knowledge of the Polk County community, vast network of contacts, familiarity with land use issues and love of public service made a natural fit for her real estate pursuits.

Marlene was an asset to the community and will be missed by many. Marlene leaves behind her husband, Robert, and their three children, Christopher, Lauren and Meghan.