Denise Appleby Horland

Denise was elected to the Plantation City Council in November of 2018.

Denise and her husband, Bob, have lived in the City of Plantation for 30 years. Their three children attended Plantation public schools and all grew up playing multiple sports over the course of 16 years in the Plantation Athletic League, for which Denise and Bob have both served as volunteers.

Denise’s background is in retail account management, but since 1998 she has utilized her talent and expertise to advocate for others, most notably in Plantation’s schools. From Central Park Elementary to South Plantation High School, Denise has served in many leadership positions, including taking on the role of president in organizations such as the PTA, sports booster clubs and magnet parent organization. In 2010, she was recognized as a county-wide Volunteer of the Year for Broward County Public Schools.

She has served on the board of Plantation’s Relay for Life and has volunteered with charitable groups such as LifeNet4Families to address food insecurity and homelessness in the community. Prior to serving as a Councilmember, Denise served on the City of Plantation’s Education Advisory Board, as well as the 2010 Census Task Force. Denise is a member of the Greater Plantation Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Helen B. Hoffman Library, Plantation Historical Society and Plantation’s inaugural Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

She currently serves on the Broward League of Cities Board Directors, Florida League of Cities Advocacy, and Municipal Administration Legislative Policy Committees and was recently appointed to the Broward County Planning Council. Denise was proud to have been named by the Florida League of Cities as Plantation’s first Home Rule Hero, and as a 2021 Woman of Distinction by the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women. Additionally, Denise

currently serves as Secretary on the Plantation Police Pension Board and earned her Certified Public Pension Trustee (CPPT) designation in 2021. She also served as President of the Plantation City Council in 2021.

As a graduate of the Broward County Leaders Water and Climate Academy and past participant of two Broward Resiliency Roundtables, Denise hopes to further improve Plantation’s resiliency and sustainability for future generations. As for the next generation of leaders, through her work with organizations such as Ruth’s List and the Women’s Foundation of Florida, Broward Youth Cabinet and her newly created high school internship program, she mentors and supports those who may seek a career in public service.

When not working or volunteering, Denise enjoys spending time with her family (which includes two beloved rescue dogs), cooking, reading and traveling. It is her distinct honor to serve the residents of Plantation and give back to the community that has given so much to her own family.