Veda Coleman-Wright joined the Broward Sheriff's Office in May 1996 as a public information officer. In January 2006, she was promoted to senior public information officer.  She was promoted to PIO manager on Jan. 26, 2013, followed by a title change to the director of the Public Information Office on June 14, 2014. Veda grew up in Northwest Fort Lauderdale and graduated from Blanche Ely High School. She attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, earning a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism, with a minor in political science. She worked as an information specialist for Florida's Department of Insurance then began her tour of duty at South Florida’s WPLG-TV/Local 10 as an assignment editor. In 2017, Veda was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXXIII. In 2012, she successfully completed BSO’s Institute for Criminal Justice Studies’ Executive Leadership Program at Nova Southeastern University. Veda has received several awards and accommodations. In 2010, she was honored by Success South Florida magazine as one of the 50 Most Powerful Black Professionals. In 2008, she was recognized for her contributions, leadership and service to the South Florida community in the area of community empowerment by the Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Veda is an active member of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, serving in the Drama Ministry. A native of Augusta, Georgia, she has lived in Broward County since 1972, is married and has two sons.