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Oct 23, 2024

Miami-Dade Beacon Council Announces 2024-2025 Officers and Board of Directors

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    Board Votes to Change Chairmanship Duration from One to Two Years

    MIAMI, FL – Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the County’s official public-private economic development partnership, today announced the 2024-2025 leadership and the extension of the Board of Director’s (BOD) Chairmanship from one year to two. The Beacon Council continues delivering on its momentum from 2023 delivering more than more 120,000 new jobs and $8 Billion of new investment to Miami-Dade County. It will release its final impact at its annual meeting on November 20, 2024.

    Juan Carlos Liscano, Vice President of MIA Operations for American Airlines will continue as Chair of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors.

    “Juan Carlos Liscano’s leadership over the past year has been instrumental in shaping our 5-Year Strategic Plan enhancing Greater Miami’s competitive edge and showcasing our community as a premier global business destination,” said Rodrick T. Miller, President and CEO, Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “His dedication to driving Greater Miami’s economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating equitable opportunities for all businesses aligns perfectly with our mission and extending the term to two years was an important step in ensuring continuity of our goals.”

    Liscano leads a team of about 14,500 team members who operate over 400 daily flights from Miami International Airport — American’s largest international gateway, serving 155 destinations worldwide.

    “Serving as Chair has been a great honor and compliments American Airlines’ dedication to our community,” said Liscano. “American Airlines is proud to be Miami’s Hometown Airline for over 35 years. Serving as The Beacon Council Board of Directors Chair has allowed me to further advance our shared commitment to fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive economy for our growing workforce”

    The Beacon Council proudly welcomes new members to its Board of Directors, bringing fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership. These new additions come at a pivotal time, as The Beacon Council enhances its services to meet the evolving demands of Miami’s rapid growth and solidifies the region’s status as a premier global business destination. New members include Chris Hodgkins, Chairman of the Board, Miami Tunnel; Eric Garcia, President & General Manager at TelevisaUnivision; James Haj, President and CEO of the Children’s Trust; Joshua Samek of Sidley Austin; Olga Naumovich, Head of Technology, Miami at Millennium; Ricardo Aramburo, International Tax Principal, International Markets Leader Williams, Mowery & Schoenfeld; and Stephanie Green, South Florida President, Fifth Third Bank.

    The Officers Cabinet for the 2024-2025 fiscal year are:

    Juan Carlos Liscano, American Airlines, Vice President for Miami
    2024-2025 Chair

    Christine Barney, CEO, rbb Communications
    2024-2025 Chair-Elect

    Ashlee Wright, CEO of WOT Educational Services
    2024-2025 Secretary

    Newton Sanon, President and CEO of OIC South Florida
    2024-2025 Treasurer

    Mr. Basil Khalil, Vice President of Operations, FedEx Express Latin America
    Private Sector Director

    Yolanda Cash Jackson, Shareholder, Becker
    Immediate Past Chair

    Antonio F. Dias, Partner in Charge – Miami, Jones Day
    At-Large Director

    Ron Shuffield, President & CEO, Berkshire Hathway EWM Realty
    At-Large Director

    Rodrick T. Miller, The Miami-Dade Beacon Council
    President and CEO

    The Beacon Council also announced leadership for Opportunity Miami which sits under the organization’s foundation and imagines the Miami of 2040 and helps our community build it. Officers continuing the second of their two-year terms include:

    To view the full list of 2024-2025 Officers and Board Members, click here.

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Karina Diehl
    305-323-8846
    karina@kjdconsults.com

    # # #

    About the Miami‐Dade Beacon Council

    The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is the county’s official economic development partnership. Attracting and retaining companies that create high-value jobs and invest in our community, The Beacon Council is committed to driving a more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economy for Greater Miami. We achieve this by growing the local economy, championing Miami’s business brand, supporting talent and workforce development, and shaping Greater Miami’s economic future. Established in 1985, The Beacon Council has attracted more than 120,000 new jobs and $8 Billion of new investment to Miami-Dade County. For more information, visit BeaconCouncil.com.

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