Councilmember Jim Raphalian

Jim Raphalian moved to the Town of Orchid in 2013.

Jim graduated from Penn State University with an MBA in finance from Smeal Business School. His career began with Paine Webber, where he worked for 15 years as the Senior VP. He then joined Prudential-Bache where he also served as a member on their board of directors from 1982-1985. In 1985, he joined First Boston Corp. as a managing director responsible for international equities and later oversaw global equity sales trading for the company. Eventually, his career took him abroad to London, where he oversaw global equity distribution of European equities. Jim joined Schwab Capital Markets in 2001 as a Senior Managing Director, later retiring in 2005.

Role of a Councilmember

Councilmembers represent the constituents of the Town of Orchid. Meetings of the Town Council take place "in the Sunshine", which means they are subject to Sunshine Law and open to the public. This is where Councilmembers vote on matters concerning Town business, such as the annual budget, new vendor agreements,  zoning and land development, local laws and policies, etc.  

Councilmember Term

Councilmember Raphalian ran unopposed in the Town election of 2022 and was sworn into his current term on November 29 that same year. The term runs until November 2026.

County & Regional Committee Appointments

Councilmember Raphalian currently represents the Town of Orchid on the Economic Development Council, represents the Town of Orchid on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and is also the alternate for the Beach & Shore Preservation Advisory Committee.