Richard Paiva

I have deep roots in DeLand. And I care deeply about DeLand.

•  I have lived in DeLand for 68 years.

•  Our large family is well known in DeLand. 

•  Our family has been active in a wide variety of professions in DeLand, started businesses in DeLand, served as church leaders at St. Peter's in DeLand, been devoted to community service, participated in political campaigns and have been elected to public office in DeLand.

Education

•  I graduated from St. Peter's Catholic School in DeLand.

•  I graduated from DeLand High School (Class of 1967).

•  I have a BA Degree in Communications from the University of Central Florida.

Employment

•  My primary profession, for 25-years. was in marketing, advertising and public relations.

•  In those roles I was able to help hundreds of DeLand area businesses succeed.

•  I also started, or purchased, several businesses. Two of them with my son Charles. Those include a retail sports collectible store, a franchised motorcycle dealership and a firearms store (Gold Medal Guns and Ammo in DeLand).

Community Involvement

•  I have been active in DeLand and Volusia County political campaigns, since I was a teenager. 

•  I have helped dozens of good people become our elected leaders.

•  In my twenties, I volunteered at the Neighborhood Center in DeLand, which is West Volusia's only homeless shelter and crisis center.

•  Later in life I served as the Neighborhood Center's Executive Director.

•  I also helped create a juvenile justice diversion program in DeLand and served as its program director. The initiative was in partnership with the West Volusia YMCA, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Volusia School System and local law enforcement.

•  I was also Youth Program Director for the YMCA.

•  My wife (Aida Tatum Paiva), a former Miss Volusia County Fair, and I were also members of the Board of Directors of the Volusia County Fair Association.

•  I was also a member of a transportation task force of the Volusia Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Personal

•  Although I have accomplished many things in my life, the accomplishment that I most proud of - is raising our son Charles.

•  Another accomplishment is celebrating 50 years of togetherness (this year) with my wife Aida Tatum Paiva.

•  I plan to maintain our small-town charm and to accomplish specific goals that will improve the lives of the citizens of DeLand.