Miami, April 5, 2023 – Miami Dade College (MDC) Foundation announces the appointment of six new board members and a new slate of officers beginning their term this month. Carlos Fernandez-Guzman, CEO of Pacific National Bank, was elected chairman of the Board and Jorge A. Plasencia, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Republica Havas, was named vice chair.
“We are deeply grateful to every director who has passionately served on the board of Miami Dade College. Working together with College President Madeline Pumariega and the Board of Trustees we continue to transform lives through education,” said Carlos Fernandez-Guzman. “Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in philanthropy will help us fulfill our mission of raising essential private funds for student scholarships, STEM education, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, workforce training, and other programs that elevate our community and beyond.”
The new board members are Caroline O’Connor, President of Business Operations for the Miami Marlins; Jay Pelham, President of Kaufman Rossin Wealth and Kaufman Rossin Insurance Services; Daniel Peña-Giraldi, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Stambul, School of Whales and King Goose Hospitality; Pablo Pino, Market President South Florida for TD Bank; and Robin Zeigler, Founder and CEO of Mural Real Estate.
“Caring and committed board members are the cornerstone of the Miami Dade College Foundation, providing strategic guidance and unwavering support to ensure that students have access to the resources they need,” said Nelson Hincapie, MDC Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer.
About Miami Dade College Foundation
Founded in 1965, Miami Dade College Foundation raises essential private funds to support scholarships, academic programs and support services so that MDC students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. MDC Foundation also supports world-class arts and cultural programming at MDC that enriches the community. In 2020-21, MDC Foundation distributed $30.5 million to benefit the students and programs of MDC. Known as Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. MDC is the nation’s most diverse institution of higher education with an enrollment of more than 100,000 students and more than two million alumni. It is also the nation’s top producer of Associate in Arts and Science degrees, and awards more degrees to minorities than any other college or university in the country. For more information visit www.mdcfoundation.com.