Issues & Advocacy

Greater Miami Chamber members activate their Chamber involvement by participating in committees that allow them to make a difference – in the community, their businesses, and the South Florida marketplace. Greater Miami Chamber members participate in committees that directly relate to their business or pursue goals of personal interest. Committee involvement is rewarding for established and young professional alike.

The Chamber’s committees and council are organized in eight areas: Governmental Affairs, Industry Growth, International Business, Leadership Group, Marketing & Membership, Military Affairs Council, Sports Council, Urban/Community Growth. Committees meet throughout the year to achieve the Goals set annually by the membership and unveiled at the annual meeting.

View 2023-2024 Committee Goals

Governmental Affairs

The Governmental Affairs Group is charged with government relations and promotion of the public policy positions of our local, state and federal branches of government.

It also cultivates and strengthens relationships between the Chamber’s membership and elected and appointed officials across all levels of government -- this includes the hosting of various initiatives and programs in Miami, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. In addition, the Governmental Affairs Group works in conjunction with the Chamber’s substantive committees for the development of its Legislative Package.

Chair

Giovanni Castro

Public Policy Manager, Uber

Committees

Governmental Affairs

Industry Growth

The Chamber’s Industry Growth Group features committees designed to support the findings of One Community One Goal. The Group provides programming, education and issues management to support business development and job growth in Greater Miami.

By engaging in one or more of this Group’s committees, Greater Miami Chamber members gain a deeper understanding of pressing economic and business issues facing our community’s most critical industries. Additionally, those participating can contribute to the public dialogue to help the Chamber develop programming that fosters enhanced business and industry development.

Chair

El pagnier Kay "EK" Hudson

Senior Vice President, Human Resources , Florida International University

Committees

International Business

The International Business Committee serves as the resource center to identify, examine and foster the range of global business issues and opportunities that are of interest to the community, local businesses, business organizations and higher education institutions. To achieve these objectives, our aim is to strengthen relationships with multinational businesses, local international organizations, Consular Corps and Trade representatives, bi-national chambers and visiting dignitaries and businesses as well as providing Chamber members with the international pulse and up-to-date market opportunities. By working with local, state, federal and international officials and economic development agencies, the Committee will be able to identify and seek solutions to global business issues that affect Florida.

Chair

Alejandra Collarte

Principal, Collarte & Associates, LLC

Committees

International Business

Leadership Group

The Committees under the Leadership Programs Group of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce include Leadership Miami® and Senior Executive Orientation®. Both committees are responsible for reviewing program benchmarks and initiating and implementing new and innovative ideas and current trends. Membership is by invitation only.

The programs serviced by these committees provide today’s leaders with a forum to discuss the issues our community faces and affords businesses the opportunity to cultivate the community’s future leaders and professional workforce.

Chair

Ashaki Bronson-Marcellus

Vice President, Business Relationship Manager, BankUnited

Committees

Military Affairs Council

The Military Affairs Council is led by appointed leadership that is well connected to and has a good understanding of the military community in the South Florida region. The council may include a larger group of selected individuals which only meet when critical matters arise for the Miami Chamber to vet or take a position on. In such cases, the selected individuals come together to react, consult or deliberate. Past issues the Chamber has taken leadership on include advocating for reduction of service-member upfront rent, toll costs and HOA background check waiting period. Council leadership is a member of the Board of Directors and will have the same transitioning process as that of committee leadership. Council leadership and selected participants have discretion to administrate meetings. The Board of Directors must approve issue undertaking and action plans before the council can move forward on them. Opinions and findings of the council are reported back to the Board of Directors and the corresponding Miami Chamber council manager.

Chair

Don Slesnick

Honorary Consul, Consulate of Australia

Committees

Military Affairs Council

Sports Council

The Sports Council is led by appointed leadership connected to the sports industry in the South Florida community and includes a larger group of selected influential individuals. Council members only meet when critical matters arise for the Miami Chamber to vet or take a position on. In such cases, the selected individuals come together to react, consult or deliberate. Past issues the Chamber has taken leadership on include securing the Miami Heat franchise, securing the Florida Marlins franchise and creation of The Orange Bowl Committee. Council leadership is a member of the Board of Directors and will have the same transitioning process as that of committee leadership. Council leadership and selected participants have discretion to administrate meetings. The Board of Directors must approve issue undertaking and action plans before the council can move forward on them. Opinions and findings of the council are reported back to the Board of Directors and the corresponding Miami Chamber council manager.

Chair

Bob Fitzsimmons

Partner, Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell P.A.

Committees

Sports

Urban/Community Growth

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Urban/Community Growth Group addresses broad-based businesses issues that enhance the region, including complex urban issues, matters of civic pride and professional business development. Participants experience personal and professional growth by developing a deeper understanding of complex community issues and an appreciation for the difference direct involvement can make in their resolution.