As Senior Vice President, Dr. Donath is responsible for providing up-to-date data and information on Miami-Dade County to allow companies to make informed decisions on locating or expanding in Miami-Dade County. He also works on One Community One Goal, the strategic plan for the community to ensure Miami continues to grow in a sustainable manner.

Prior to the Beacon Council, Donath was Business Development Coordinator at the City of North Miami. In addition, he is an Adjunct Professor at Barry University, teaching International Business in the MBA program and Adjunct Professor at Johnson & Wales University, teaching Research & Inquiry in the MBA program. He also taught at Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University and St. Thomas University.

Volunteer Activity

Jaap is Board Member and Past Chairman of the North Dade Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also was Vice-Chair of the Northeast Dade Municipal Advisory Committee. Other civic involvement includes the 21st Century School Bond Advisory Committee (a $1.2 billion bond), Life Sciences South Florida and eMerge Americas Conference.

Awards & Recognition

Awards and recognitions include the Member of the Year of the North Dade Regional Chamber of Commerce. He has published and lectured internationally. He has been interviewed by national, regional and local media, including Time magazine, Bloomberg News, Florida Trend, and the Miami Herald. Donath has been a speaker at national and international economic development and business conferences.

Education

Dr. Donath, a native of the Netherlands, received a Ph.D. and M.A in International Relations and International Business from the University of Miami and a B.A. in Education for History and Dutch Language from Windesheim University in the Netherlands. He is fluent in English, Dutch, and German languages.