Candidate: Samuel Newby

Elected to Jacksonville City Council in 2015, Sam Newby currently serves as Chairman of the Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee and the Rules Committees.  Newby has served as Chairman or Vice Chair each year that he has served on the Council.  He is most known for his inclusive approach to council issues and always being one of the first on the scene when the community calls.

Last year Newby served as City Council Liaison to Jacksonville Children’s Commission and the Northeast Florida Regional Transportation Commission.  He currently serves as liaison to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, with a focus on disadvantaged riders and to the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization. Newby traveled to Tallahassee last year with the disadvantaged riders to support them on Lobby Day.  He was also co-recipient to the Mary L. Singleton Leadership Award, awarded by the outgoing President.  The Singleton Leadership award is one of City Council’s most distinguished internal awards, which recognize the most outstanding Committee Chair.

Sam Newby is a native of Jacksonville, Florida whereas he completed William Marion Raines High School and later earned his under-graduate degree from Edward Waters College.

Newby's professional focus has been dually served in both corporate leadership as well as, community based organizations.  He has been actively involved with the community for over 30 years with multiple organizations. He was a highly esteemed employee with PepsiCo for over 30 years, served as president of the Joseph E Lee Republican Club, chairman of the Johnson Family YMCA, chairman of the Republican Party of Duval County as well as the co-founder and chairman of the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans. A motivator and mentor, Sam coached recreation sports at the Johnson YMCA for several years and turned around the lives of several at risk youths, who have gone on to become successful business men and women.

All of Newby’s combined experiences have made him the effective leader that he is today and made him even more relatable to a very diverse base of people.  His compassion and dedication to the community is what makes him popular among his peers and throughout the community.

Newby is happily married to Mrs. Shelia Newby.  Together they have four children and four grandchildren.

Newby and his wife are proud members of Wayman Ministries.