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Board’s Focus Will Usher in New Ways for Attracting Investments and Developing Talent Across the Region
MIAMI, FL – October 28, 2025 – The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the County’s official public-private economic development partnership, today announced the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, the appointment of its new Chair, and Chair-Elect. Positioned for its next phase of impact, the incoming leadership will build on its milestone 40th anniversary, which marked the return of the Beacon Awards and more than 160,000 new jobs and $8.4 billion of new investment to Miami-Dade County. These record results and the vision ahead will be outlined at The Beacon Council’s Annual Meeting scheduled for January 2026.
Building on this momentum, Christine Barney, CEO of rbb Communications, has been appointed Chair of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, the first two-year term under the new leadership structure approved last year. Barney succeeds Juan Carlos “JC” Liscano, Vice President of MIA Operations for American Airlines, who successfully led the organization through the development of its 5-Year Strategic Plan.
“We are beyond grateful to JC for his significant contributions during his term and are equally excited to officially welcome Christine as our new Chair as we continue to drive differentiated growth across Miami-Dade County,” said Rodrick T. Miller, President and CEO, Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “Christine’s leadership arrives at a moment of real momentum for Miami-Dade. Her vision and deep business roots make her uniquely equipped to guide our work as we sharpen Miami’s global edge, develop top-tier talent, and ensure prosperity reaches all corners of our community.”
Barney, a nationally recognized communications executive and community leader, leads rbb Communications, a six-time national “Agency of the Year” and one of Forbes’ Top PR Firms. A passionate advocate for purpose-driven business, Barney is also the author of “The Breakout Brand™ Strategy, An Evolutionary Approach to Creating Customer Passion”. Her employee-driven workplace has made rbb a consistent presence on the “Best Places to Work” rankings. She has held numerous leadership positions throughout South Florida, including past chair of the South Florida Business Council and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and is an active member of the Orange Bowl Committee.
“The first 40 years has brought us to this moment, a convergence of capital, culture, and connection like no other,” said Barney. “This next chapter gives us the opportunity to turn that progress into a value proposition and story that the world cannot ignore. From advancing talent to attracting global leaders to reshaping how we brand and share the story of our region, we are redefining what economic development looks like on a global stage.”
The 2025-2026 Board
The new board members begin their two-year terms with The Beacon Council effective September 30, 2025. Their leadership reflects the shared vision for Miami-Dade’s global growth.
The Officers for the 2025-2026 fiscal year are:
- Christine Barney, CEO, rbb Communications, 2025-2026 Chair
- Basil Khalil, FedEx Latin America, Chair-Elect
- Armando Fernandez, Florida Power & Light, Secretary
- Pablo Pino, TD Bank, Treasurer
- Rodrick T. Miller, Miami-Dade Beacon Council President & CEO
To view the full list of 2025-2026 Officers and Board Members, click here.
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About the Miami-Dade Beacon Council
The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is the County’s official economic development partnership, focused on driving a more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economy for Greater Miami. Since 1985, The Beacon Council has attracted more than 160,000 new jobs and $8.4 billion in investments to the region. For more information, visit The Beacon Council’s website.
Press Contact:
press@beaconcouncil.com
