The Miami-Dade Beacon Council Announces Multiple Promotions and New Hires

Maria Budet and Diana Londono Join the Economic Development Organization

(Miami, FL) January 10, 2018 –  The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the County’s official public-private economic development partnership is pleased to announce Maria Budet and Diana Londono have recently joined the organization. Maria was hired as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Diana was hired as Vice President of Business Development. Both bring knowledge, creativity and different perspectives to the organization adding additional momentum to support the overall mission of marketing Miami as a world-class business destination.

With over 20 years of experience, prior joining The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Maria was Group Director at Zubi Advertising (a WPP agency). During her time at Zubi Advertising she worked with Fortune 500 companies including Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, The J. M. Smucker Company, Johnson & Johnson, Dunkin’ Donuts, Walgreens, and SC Johnson. She also managed new business development, successfully landing 80% of the pitches championed during her tenure. Besides her marketing and communications work at Zubi, CSA Marketing and other partners, Maria also wrote for a variety of print and online publications including Latina, The Miami Herald,  New Times to name a few.

In her current role, Maria is responsible for shaping all organizational communications and marketing efforts, both internal and external. She also leads the development and implementation of strategy, including creative development and agency management, marketing effectiveness, digital and social marketing, paid media, sponsorships, events, partnerships and corporate communications.

Subsequently, Diana Londono joins the organization from Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI), here she managed the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) portfolio for The State of Florida. Londono also led the international business development and recruitment efforts for the state with support from ten international offices serving many markets. Diana first joined EFI as Stakeholder Engagement Manager where she supported the economic development partners from all regions and counties in the state, enhancing partnerships on the local and state level. Currently, Diana will continue to support the growth of international companies seeking to relocate to Miami-Dade County.

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council President & CEO, Michael Finney notes the importance of investing and developing talent to succeed as an organization.  “We are confident Maria’s and Diana’s background and experience are well suited to continue to drive the organization’s growth. They have both demonstrated their passion, enthusiasm, innovation, strategic approach and vision not only for business development but for the community.”

Other internal promotions include:

  • Madeline Mesa; Assistant to the President
  • Vanja Hajdukovic; Director, Economic Development
  • Melisa Brod; Coordinator, Investor Relations
  • Frances Fleites; Coordinator, Economic Development

“At The Miami-Dade Beacon Council we encourage internal growth opportunities within our staff to support their career development and are happy to see them be successful.” said Michael A. Finney, President & CEO of The Miami-Dade Beacon Council.