Robert McKinzie is a native of Fort Lauderdale, graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. Prior to his election to the Broward County Commission, he was elected to serve as the district 3 Commissioner for the City of Fort Lauderdale in 2014. During that time, he was instrumental in bringing more development to the district such as the LA LEE YMCA, Smitty’s Wings, The Adderley, and affordable housing. Commissioner McKinzie has many years of experience of service in Broward County both in the public and private sector. He is a licensed General Contractor and has been in the construction business for over 30 years. His priorities as a Broward County Commissioner for District 8 are improving housing, expanding Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, and creating economic opportunities throughout Broward County. He prides himself on empowering people, being a public servant and not a politician.​​​