Brevard County Commission District 1

Brevard County District 1 contains the towns of Cocoa, Scottsmoor, Mims, Titusville, Port St. John, Canaveral Groves and Sharpes.

Notable named places in District 1 are: St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Indian River Lagoon, Merritt Island, Kennedy Space Center.

Commissioner Rita Pritchett

Rita Pritchett was elected to the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners as District 1 Commissioner in November 2016.   She served as Vice Chair in 2016-2017 and Chair in 2017-2018.

Brevard County has been her home since 1960.  Her father was a Space Center worker for 30 years.   Rita graduated from Titusville High School and attended Eastern Florida State College on a softball scholarship in 1978.  She completed her Associate of Arts, and then earned her Bachelors of Business Administration and Masters of the Science of Accountancy at the University of Central Florida.   Rita is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida.  Dan and Rita have been married for 21 years. Between them they have six children (Matt, Aaron, Bethany, Cheryl, Lisa and Sandra) and eight grandchildren (Jacob, Emilee, Hannah, Joshua, Malahki, Alexa, Julian, and Adian) whom they adore.

Pritchett serves as the Woman’s Pastor and Financial Director at a local church, New Life Christian Fellowship, for almost 32 years.  Beginning with a membership of 15, it now has the distinction of being one of the largest churches in North Brevard.

In 2006, she began teaching accounting and tax courses at Eastern Florida State College and enjoys being able to impact our future generation of leaders.

Past Boards and Awards

• Space Coast Daily Humanitarian Award
• Two Term Titusville City Council Member
• St. James AME Image Award
• Brevard Nature Alliance
• Brevard County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Economic Development Commission
• Parrish Medical Center

District 1 Staff

Marcia Newell, Chief Legislative Aide

Born and raised in Titusville, Florida. Graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Minor in Criminal Justice from University of Central Florida. Worked for the Clerk of Court, Court Administration, 5th District Court of Appeals, Legal Secretary at Law Office and Judicial Assistant for Circuit Court Judge. In 2008 went to work in the District 4 Commission Office, moving to the District 1 in 2014. Married to Dennis Newell and they have four sons.

Carol Mascellino, Administrative Assistant

Carol Mascellino was born and resides in Titusville, Florida. Carol has 25 years of experience working in local government. Carol received her A.S. in Early Childhood Education and left local government to work in the school system. Carol returned to local government to work for Commissioner Pritchett. Carol enjoys spending time with her family.

Nathan Smith

Born and raised in Sebastian, Florida before moving to Anderson, South Carolina. Graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Anderson University. Worked as an accountant in an insurance agency before relocating to Titusville in 2017. Worked as an accountant at Retz Baker PA, Berman Hopkins CPA’s and IAP Worldwide Services. Married to Ashley Smith. Nathan enjoys spending time with family and friends.