September 2025 Trustee Luncheon featuring Nonprofit NOVO Awards

Raymond Rodriguez-Torres is a highly accomplished executive, bestselling author, and renowned TEDx speaker. Born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in Miami, Florida, Raymond’s life was shaped by a powerful quote he encountered at age nine: “God’s gift to you is who you are; your gift to Him is who you become.” This guiding principle has fueled his success in both his professional career and philanthropic endeavors.

Raymond currently serves as President & Co-CEO of ALC Home Health in Miami, Florida which provides HiTech nursing services to adults and children in home and in the Miami Dade School District. He has launched and commercialized new therapeutics including orphan drugs in: Oncology, Cardiology and Thrombosis, Solid Organ Transplant, Infectious Diseases, Women’s & Maternal Health and Immunology. He has specifically managed the following major brands: Avastin® Lovenox® Tamiflu® Actonel® Boniva® Rocehphin® Kytril® Cellcept® Nasacort AQ® Allegra & Allegra D® Makena® Herceptin® Lucentis® Rituxan®

In addition to his professional success, Raymond is a prolific author, known for his bestselling book Why Not Me? which ranked #4 on Amazon’s Top 100 Hot New Releases. The Spanish version, Por Qué No Yo?, held the #1 spot for two weeks in the non-fiction category. He donates 100% of the proceeds from his books to pediatric cancer research and charities.

Raymond’s greatest passion stems from his role as Chairman of the Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation, founded in memory of his daughter Bella, who passed away at the age of 10 after a courageous battle with cancer. Under Raymond’s leadership, the foundation has raised millions of dollars for childhood cancer research and supports families in 37 countries.

Raymond holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Oral Roberts University, where he graduated with honors and received the prestigious “Outstanding Master’s of Management Student Award.” In 2022, Univision recognized him as one of the most influential Hispanic leaders in the U.S., and in 2023, he was honored as one of “Florida’s Heroes” by Governor Ron DeSantis. 

In 2024, Raymond’s TEDx talk: Tragedy To Triumph; Live Like Bella finished ranked #2 in the world on YouTube in views. Beyond his career and charitable work, Raymond is a Licensed Master United States Coast Guard Captain & US Merchant Marine. Captain Raymond blends his leadership in the C-suite suite with his love for the sea. He serves as a maritime consultant and enjoys spending his free time boating and fishing with his family. His story is one of leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. 

Eric Poms was officially announced as the fifth Chief Executive Officer of the Orange Bowl Committee (OBC) on May 4, 2006. Poms recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary with the OBC and has more than 30 years of managerial and operational experience in collegiate athletics.

Poms spearheaded the OBC’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff, which began in 2014-15. Prior to the CFP’s expansion in 2024, the original plan was for the OBC to host eight traditional Capital One Orange Bowl games featuring the ACC Champion versus a top-rated team from the Big Ten, SEC, or Notre Dame and four semifinals in a 12-year period—all over the New Year’s holiday weekend.

Under his leadership, the OBC celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2008-09 and twice hosted two BCS Bowl games in the same season (the Orange Bowl and the BCS National Championship: 2008 – 2009; 2012 – 2013).

Poms has been with the Committee since 1993, serving as Chief Operating Officer prior to moving into his current position. A Miami Killian High School and University of Florida graduate, Poms sets the strategic vision for the organization, working closely with the Orange Bowl Committee’s volunteer leadership