Daphnee A. Sainvil, Division Manager 

Daphnee A. Sainvil currently serves as the Public Affairs Manager for the City of Fort Lauderdale. She oversees our legislative portfolio – strengthening relationships with both federal and state legislators. Daphnee also manages members of her team who execute City programs: Economic and Business Development, Cultural Affairs, International Relations, Public Relations/Media Relations, and Education. These programs are essential to the businesses, residents, and visitors, and other stakeholders citywide.  Finally, as Public Affairs Manager, she strives to make this the “City You Never Want to Leave.” Live. Work. Play. Invest.

Von C. Howard, Administrative Supervisor

Von C. Howard has been an employee of the City of Ft. Lauderdale since May 2020 working in the capacities of Administrative Aide to the District 3 Commissioner. He also served as an Administrative Assistant in the Neighbor Support division of the City Manager’s Office.

Prior to joining the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Von was employed with the School Board of Broward County where he worked as a Student Interventionist and Behavioral Specialist at a local elementary school.

As a native of Fort Lauderdale, Von received his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Management from University of Phoenix in 2008. He strives to assist with continuing to bring a collaborative, community-focused, and organizational based structure across all silos.

Fun facts – in his spare time, he enjoys traveling, community service projects with his fraternity, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Ashley Dixon, Policy Analyst

Ashley K. Dixon is a driven and proactive professional with over 8 years of experience in local government, policy analysis, and public affairs. Ashley graduated from the University of Central Florida where she earned a Bachelors degree in Political Science and American Public Policy and two Masters degrees: one in Criminal Justice and the other in Public Administration.

Passionate for community engagement, social justice, and education, Ashley excels at coordinating collaborative, creative efforts to advocate for productive neighborhood development to influence positive outcomes throughout the United States and the Caribbean. She is dedicated to forging meaningful connections through active involvement in her professional, personal, and educational endeavors.

Melissa Mata, Senior Management Fellow

Melissa Mata joined the Public Affairs Division as the Senior Management Fellow in July 2023. The Senior Management Fellow position is designed to gain an in-depth knowledge of the operations and structure of local government, strengthen leadership skills, and engage with the local community through a two-year opportunity within the City of Fort Lauderdale. In this role, Melissa will assist a variety of City functions under the Public Affairs Division. 

Prior to becoming a fellow, Melissa served as the Economic Development Specialist for the Town of Sahuarita in Arizona. In this role, she served the local business community by offering business development resources and advocating for the needs of Sahuarita entrepreneurs. She implemented the Grow IN Sahuarita program, a business retention and expansion program for Sahuarita residents to start and be successful in their own business.

As an Arizona native, Melissa obtained her bachelor's in public management and policy and her master's in public administration from the University of Arizona. During her academic term, she served different organizations across the City of Tucson involving City Departments, non-for-profit, young professional groups, county agencies, and student organizations all of which have prepared her to work with the local government.