President at St. Thomas University
Rev. Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale became president of St. Thomas University in April 1994. Prior to joining St. Thomas University, Msgr. Casale was the vicar general, chancellor and moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey.
He is active in a wide range of community organizations and has been a significant presence in Miami since his arrival. His involvements also include the Archdiocese of Miami; Board of Governors for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; Academic Leaders Council of the Beacon Council; One Community One Goal; Holocaust Documentation and Education Center Inc.; member of the Orange Bowl Committee; and he was appointed by former Gov. Jeb Bush to serve on the Governor’s Haiti Advisory Group. He is the spokesperson on human trafficking for the Institute for Intercultural Human Rights at St. Thomas University School of Law, and has testified before the United States Congress on the reauthorization of the human trafficking act.
Msgr. Casale’s leadership positions in higher education associations include, chair of the board of directors, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; board of trustees, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; governing board, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; President’s Council of Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida; Florida Association of Colleges & Universities; and Haiti-Tech, an organization he helped found that organizes and maintains a vocational/technical school in Haiti and educates more 700 students yearly.
He received his B.A. in humanities with a concentration in philosophy from Seton Hall University, a bachelor’s in sacred theology from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s of divinity from the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, New Jersey.
President at St. Thomas University
Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Alberto M. Carvalho has served as Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s fourth largest school system, since September 2008. He is a nationally recognized expert on education transformation, finance, and leadership development. During his tenure, M-DCPS has become one of the nation’s highest-performing urban school systems receiving systemwide accreditation from AdvancEd in 2014. The District has also been named as the 2014 College Board Advanced Placement Equity and Excellence District of the Year, as well as the 2012 winner of the Broad Prize for Urban Education. As a staunch believer in school choice, he has expanded choice options in Miami-Dade to include over 500 offerings including programs in fine and performing arts, biotechnology, engineering, robotics, aviation, forensic sciences, and many others.
An instructional leader at heart, Mr. Carvalho is also the proud founder and self-appointed principal of the award-winning iPrep Academy which has become a model of robust 21st century learning in the age of innovation and technology. Recognized by his peers as a leader, he has served as President of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents; been selected as Florida’s 2014 Superintendent of the Year, as well as the 2014 National Superintendent of the Year; was named by Scholastic Administrator as one of “The Fantastic Five” educators making a difference in America; and is the 2016 winner of the 2016 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, as well as the Magnet Schools of America 2016 Superintendent of the Year. He has recently been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to serve a four-year term on the National Assessment Governing Board. Mr. Carvalho has been awarded many honorary degrees including a Doctor of Public Service by Florida International University; Doctor of Humane Letters by both Barry University and Florida Memorial University; and a Doctor of Pedagogy, Honoris Causa from Nova Southeastern University. He has been honored by the President of Portugal with the “Ordem de Mérito Civil” and by Mexico with the “Othli Award”.
Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Managing Director at United Data Technologies
Hugo Perez is a high-spirited entrepreneur and business professional with 26 years of experience in Information Technology. His areas of strength include management consulting, relationship management, and solutions advisor. Mr. Perez has a strong aptitude across a large spectrum of technology, including core infrastructure, “Cloud” computing, databases, enterprise storage, application development tools, ERP/CRM/DW, and managed support.
During his career, Mr. Perez has represented IBM Corporation, Sungard, Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, and Oracle. In addition, he has served as CEO of two South Florida I.T. consulting firms. As a native, his philanthropic commitment to the local community has been all about making a difference in small doses.
Hugo has served prestigious organizations including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) Technology Committee, South Florida Technology Alliance Forum (SFTA), Autism Speaks, the American Heart Association, South Florida Digital Alliance (SFDA), Hispanic Unity, The HONEY Project, Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers, and is the Past-President of the International Association for Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP).
Mr. Perez co-hosted a monthly radio show for almost 3 years where he spotlighted charitable organizations to increase awareness and visibility. In addition, he sponsored a “Comedy Cures” event that raised $30,000 for the Children’s Cancer Caring Center. Hugo has regular speaking engagements at a variety of venues (i.e. high schools, universities) on motivating subjects like “Securing a Job during an Economic Hurricane”, “How to Network in a Social Media Generation”. He was also the keynote speaker at the Miami-Dade Youth Coop Graduation Ceremony in 2012.
Mr. Perez graduated with a High Honors Computer Engineering degree from the University of Florida in 1987. He was featured on the cover of eWeek’s April 30, 2007 edition, received a prestigious award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in April 2008 as Infrastructure Resource Manager of the Year. In addition, he was recognized as “Entrepreneur of 2009”, “Business Leader in Technology, 2010 and 2011”, and South Florida Power Player” by Business Leader Media.
Today, Mr. Perez is the Managing Director for United Data Technologies (UDT) based in Doral, Florida. He is responsible for UDT’s sales and delivery strategy related to Outsourced I.T. Services and Cloud Solutions.
Managing Director at United Data Technologies
Chief Strategy Officer at Interport Logistics
Gary M. Goldfarb-is Chief Strategy Officer or Interport Group of Companies, a leading Supply Chain Management providing Foreign Trade Zones & Customs bonded warehousing, inventory control, Transportation, Distribution services and fulfillment and Duty Drawback expertise. With Interport, Gary has developed several key business units including “Compra Fora” Brasil Customs Clearance Center in Miami, GPS Tracking and Location Technology, Foreign Trade Zone and Trade Facilitation Consulting (Over 100 FTZ activations in the past 6 years) as well as Supply Chain Engineering. Recently created the only Luxury Marine Industry Foreign Trade Zone in the US in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Goldfarb helped bring The Miami Free Zone back to its glory days, with over 96% occupancy, reaching almost $ 1 billion in trade in 2006. Prior to the Miami Free Zone, Goldfarb developed and obtained patents for software solutions for International Logistics. (From2.com). He built and took public Golden Eagle Group (NASDAQ:GEGP) , which became one of the largest Third Party Logistics (3PL) Companies is the United States, specializing in Inventory Control and Just in Time (JIT) programs. He has more than 44 years in International Trade and Supply Chain Management.
Goldfarb is actively involved in South Florida community and professional associations, serving in many Board of Directors and Executive Boards and Chairs International Trade & Logistics Committees. Served as Chair of One Community One Goal-Trade and Logistics Committee. Is Chair Elect and Serves on the Board of Directors of The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s official Economic Development Organization, Member of US Customs Commercial Operations Advisory Council NTWG, Board of Directors of the International Trade Consortium of Miami Dade County, Board of Advisors of FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), Chairman of the Board of Advisors of FIU (Florida International University) Engineering and Computing Master’s Program, Board of Directors of Neighborhood Fuel, Chairman of US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program at Miami Dade College and Board of Advisors to one of the largest Hedge Funds. Goldfarb is an inductee into the FCBF Hall of Fame (Florida Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association).
Chief Strategy Officer at Interport Logistics
General Counsel at HEICO Corporation
Mr. Joseph W. Pallot has been General Counsel of HEICO Corporation. since September 2008. From 1993 to 2000, Mr. Pallot was a Partner of the law firm of Steel Hector & Davis, LLP (now part of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.). Mr. Pallot was a Commercial Banker at Southeast Bank, N.A., which is now part of Wachovia Corp. Mr. Pallot’s practice focuses on complex commercial transactions, including but not limited to, mergers & acquisitions, financings, joint ventures and partnerships. Mr. Pallot has lectured to financial institutions and other parties concerning business transactions. He serves as a Director of The Beacon Council Inc. Mr. Pallot served as a Director of Heico Corp. from September 20, 2004 to September 2008. He is involved with various community affairs. He is active in the South Florida community.
https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=11792012&privcapId=278143
General Counsel at HEICO Corporation
President and CEO at Express Travel
Olga M. Ramudo is president & CEO of Express Travel, which is comprised of corporate, leisure, groups and meetings, cruise and study abroad departments. In 1989 she co-founded the business, which specialized in the Hispanic market and became one of the top ten travel agencies in Miami, later expanding its reach to the State of Florida as well as offering services all over the world.
Express Travel has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout the years, and is one of the largest women-owned business in the state.
She received the Governor’s Business Award in 2013 and has also been recognized as one of the top influential women business leaders in Miami Dade County by Camacol (Latin Chamber of Commerce), and received other recognitions. In 2012, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce appointed Ramudo to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which provides advice on matters relating to the travel and tourism industry. Ramudo is a member of the Executive Board of Directors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of Camacol. She was appointed to Miami-Dade County’s Tourism Development Council and chairs the joint Hispanic initiatives committee for the American Society of Travel Agents and National Tour Association.
President and CEO at Express Travel
Executive Director of South Florida Workforce Investment Board
Rick Beasley has served as the Executive Director for the South Florida Workforce Investment Board (SFWIB) dba CareerSource South Florida (CSSF) since August 2005. In this position, he oversees workforce programs in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties with an operating budget of $75 million. He is in charge of one of the nation’s most dynamic “melting pots” – a diverse socioeconomic region. His vision for CareerSource South Florida is to create a model for the nation by establishing a world-class talent supply chain that fosters economic growth.
CareerSource South Florida’s overarching strategic priority is to support economic development that leads to higher –skilled, better-paying jobs that improve South Florida’s quality of life and strengthen the economy.
Mr. Beasley has provided leadership for a number of important workforce initiatives including the development of an On-line Balance Scorecard, deployment of the CSSF Mobile Workforce Assistance Centers (five mobile units), development and implementation of the Miami-Dade County First Source Ordinance, the South Florida Workforce State of the Workforce report and the creation of the Employed Worker Training program.
Prior to joining CareerSource South Florida, he was the Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Division of Workforce Development. In this position, Beasley was responsible for managing Missouri’s workforce development system and advising key policymakers on a broad range of workforce and economic development issues. In total, Rick oversaw more than 500 employees, while administering a $250 million budget to provide employment and training assistance to Missouri job seekers and employers.
Under Beasley’s leadership, the Department of Economic Development-Division of Workforce Development received the Governor’s Award for Quality and Productivity in recognition for outstanding work. He led the development and release of GreatHires.org, the state’s new job bank and case management system. The system proved so efficient, the agency expanded it to incorporate all employment and training programs. Beasley was also instrumental in revamping the organization’s structure, providing better service delivery and more efficient program coordination.
Beasley held several management positions in state government as well as the private sector before being appointed to the Missouri Department of Economic Development. He served as the Staff Director of the Missouri Training and Employment Council, the State’s Workforce Investment Board. Additionally, Beasley served as the One-Stop Career Center Coordinator for the Division.
EDUCATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO – Master’s of Public Administration, May 1996
Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO – Bachelor of Science, Economics, June 1990
CIVIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
NATIONAL
U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Workforce Development Council – President (1/15 – 1/16)
U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Workforce Development Council – Board Director (1/06 – Present)
National Governor’s Association – Vice-Chair, Workforce Liaisons Committee (7/03 – 3/05)
National Association of Workforce Agencies – Chair, Employment & Training Committee (8/02 – 8/04)
National Association of Workforce Agencies – Vice-Chair, Labor Market Information Committee (8/04 – 3/05)
LOCAL
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – Chair Elect (07/20 – Present)
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – 1st Vice Chair (04/19 – 06/20)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami – Board Chair (01/18– 06/19)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami – Member of the Board of Directors ( 05/14– 06/19)
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – Member of the Board of Directors (1/12 – Present)
Beacon Council – Board Member (10/05 – Present)
Early Learning Coalition – Board Member (8/05 – Present)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Pi Nu Chapter – Basilues (5/11 – 5/16)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Florida State Treasurer (9/09 – 2/12)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Pi Nu Chapter – Treasurer (1/06 – 5/11)
Missouri Vocational Enterprise / Department. of Corrections – Board Member (5/03 – 3/05)
Columbia / Boone County Caring Communities Partnership – Board Member (5/99 – 5/03)
Advent Enterprises – Board Member (7/01 – 7/04)
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Columbia, MO – Director of Finance (07/99 – 07/01)
Executive Director of South Florida Workforce Investment Board
President & CEO at Jackson Health System
Carlos A. Migoya has served as President and CEO of Jackson Health System since May 2011, overseeing one of the nation’s largest and most respected public healthcare networks. Jackson has the distinction of bringing world-class medical care – including the medical school faculty and students from the University of Miami and Florida International University – to a taxpayer-owned system that guarantees a single high standard of care for all residents of Miami-Dade County. The system is anchored by Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the most respected hospitals in Florida. The system also includes two neighborhood community hospitals, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital, two nursing homes and a network of urgent care centers, physician practices, and clinics.
In his first year at Jackson, Mr. Migoya led a transformation that reversed years of massive losses, including an $82 million loss in the prior year, and produced a surplus of more than $8 million. It was the first time Jackson produced a surplus since 2006, and the system has earned an annual surplus every year since. At the same time, key indicators of healthcare quality and patient satisfaction improved, proving that public hospital systems need not choose between medical excellence and operational sustainability. In November 2013, he led a successful campaign in which 65 percent of Miami-Dade voters approved the $830 million Jackson Miracle-Building Bond program, which is the cornerstone of a 10- year, $1.7 billion capital plan to renovate, modernize and expand Jackson’s facilities.
Prior to joining Jackson, Mr. Migoya served as City Manager in Miami, successfully tackling the city’s ailing budget issues. Most of Mr. Migoya’s professional life was spent in the banking industry, rising through the ranks over more than 40 years from part-time teller to regional president and CEO at Wachovia and its predecessors. He most recently served as the regional president of Wachovia in North Carolina and the CEO for the Atlantic region, responsible for banking in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York.
He is actively involved in several community organizations, including having served as the foundation chairman of Florida International University and as a member of the university’s Dean’s Council, the College of Business Administration’s principal advisory board. He currently chairs the United Way of Miami-Dade, and he sits on the boards of Miami Dade College, Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council, and MEDNAX. He is a member of the Florida Council of 100, an organization of business leaders that promotes the economic growth of Florida and the economic well-being of Floridians. For nine years, Mr. Migoya served as a director of AutoNation, the largest auto retailer in the U.S. He is also a past chairman of the Safety Net Hospitals Alliance of Florida, and a previous board member of Downtown Miami Charter School.
Mr. Migoya earned an undergraduate degree in finance and a Master of Business Administration in finance from Florida International University.
President & CEO at Jackson Health System
President at Lennar International
Chris Marlin currently serves as President of Lennar International and as Vice President and Counsel to Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN). Previously, Chris served as Deputy General Counsel and head of litigation for Lennar Corporation, where he was responsible for all of the company’s litigation, internal investigations, labor and employment matters, and other special matters.
Prior to joining Lennar Corporation, Chris practiced law in the Orlando offices of Holland & Knight (labor and employment) and Foley & Lardner (healthcare investigations). He also served as General Counsel to Knight Images, Inc. From 2000-2003, Chris was Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Central Florida. Chris currently serves as a member of the Metropolitan Policy Leadership Council of the Brookings Institution and a Director of the Zoological Society of Florida and the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative.
He is a former Director of the Florida Bar Foundation and Renaissance Institute attendee. Chris is a member of Leadership Florida’s Class 29. He attended law school at Emory University School of Law and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida.
Shareholder at Gunster
Dan Mackler is a shareholder who joined the firm in 1994. He co-chairs Gunster’s Real Property practice. A true lawyer through and through, he advises on all aspects of real property acquisition, financing, development and leasing. He provides comprehensive legal counsel to owners, developers, lenders, hotel owners/operators, construction companies, real estate brokers and property management companies, among others, with respect to all types of commercial property. Dan is known for his ability to overcome even the most complex obstacles, as well as to keep the focus of all parties on closing the deal at hand, a skill his clients have come to value tremendously.
Dan provides legal counsel in connection with the acquisition, development, financing and disposition of office, residential, retail, hotel and agricultural properties, including industrial/office parks, mixed-use projects, large residential developments, high rise condominiums and large tracts of agricultural land. He also advises both landlords and tenants in connection with all types of commercial leasing transactions including ground leases, multi-tenant leases and build-to-suit leases for retail, office and industrial projects. Dan has also been involved in the purchase, sale and financing of agricultural properties involving amounts in excess of $1,000,000,000.00.
Dan advises hotel/resort developers and owners in the acquisition, financing, management, operation and disposition of hotel/resort properties. Dan also represents institutional lenders for real estate acquisition loans, construction financing and credit enhancements, including primary and mezzanine financing and land banking arrangements.
Shareholder at Gunster