Alice Ancona

SVP & COO, World Trade Center Miami

As Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Alice Ancona will oversee WTCM operations, events and programs and be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the organization. She brings more than 20 years of experience to the WTCM. Her experience and leadership have been focused on developing and delivering international trade programs and trade missions, economic development, advocacy and cultivating new revenue generating services and solutions.

Prior to joining the WTCM, Ms. Ancona headed the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s international efforts and was the primary advocate for international trade, logistics and investment policies with a focus on reducing barriers to trade, promoting efforts to expand market access, export facilitation, trade agreements and expanded development of Florida’s trade infrastructure. She was responsible for increasing global trade opportunities for Florida to include implementing programs that foster trade and investment as well as serving as a vital facilitator to international stakeholders, foreign agencies and representatives, elected officials, member companies and state and federal agencies.

Prior to joining the Florida Chamber, Ms. Ancona led the governmental affairs division of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce where she directed the policy agenda on a wide range of issues, including trade, infrastructure investment, transportation, and workforce development. She has been part of successful campaigns to win congressional passage of trade agreements with key Florida trading partners to include: Colombia FTA, DR-CAFTA, Panama FTA, Chile FTA, KORUS and worked on efforts to secure the Free Trade Areas of the Americas.

Ms. Ancona has served on various steering committees for Florida’s transportation planning efforts, she is currently Vice Chair of the South Florida District Export Council, member of the Florida International
Trade Partnership, Board Member of the Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium, recipient of the 2014 International Women’s Day Award from World Trade Center Miami, named 2015 Person of the Year by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc., and recipient of the 2016 Women of Distinction Award by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce

Robert Barceló

Gerente Principal, Desarrollo Comercial, Port Everglades

Roberto Barceló fue designado Gerente de Desarrollo (Carga) Comercial para Port Everglades el 9 de Junio de 2014. Él aporta una abundancia de conocimientos diversos en el área de transporte marítimo a su cargo para contribuir en sus esfuerzos de desarrollar nuevos negocios a través de Port Everglades.

Más recientemente, el Sr. Barceló desempeño el cargo de Gerente Comercial para Isabella Shipping. Durante su larga trayectoria, ha desempeñado funciones en cargos administrativos similares en áreas comercial y operacional de varias empresas de transporte marítimo regional y multinacional del sur de la Florida.

Originalmente de La Habana, Cuba, el Sr. Barceló inmigró a Estados Unidos en 1969, junto con su familia. Desde ese entonces su hogar ha sido el Sur de la Florida.

Sr. Barceló recibió Diploma en Administración de Negocios de la universidad de Miami-Dade. Actualmente es miembro de varias organizaciones involucradas en la comunidad de transporte y logística internacional/nacional del Sur de la Florida, incluyendo Miembro de Junta Directiva de Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Assoc (FCBF) y United Fresh Produce Association.

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Senior Business Development Manager: Robert Barceló
Port Everglades

Robert Barceló was appointed Business (Cargo) Development Manager for Port Everglades on June 9, 2014. He brings diverse ocean carrier knowledge to his endeavor of further developing business thru Port Everglades.

Port Everglades enjoys the benefits of generating revenues of more than $170.7 million in FY2021. As well as distinction of being top container port in Florida. During (FY) 2021, the port handled 1,053 million TEUS. Port Everglades is among the world’s top 3 cruise ports, moving an average of 3.9 million passengers annually.

Mr. Barcelo most recently served as Commercial Manager for Isabella Shipping. He has held similar commercial and operational managerial positions with various South Florida regional and multi-national carriers.

Originally from Habana, Cuba, Robert immigrated to the US along with his family in 1969; he has been a South Florida dweller since.

Mr. Barcelo received an Associated Degree in Business Management from Miami-Dade College. He is currently an active participant in various organizations involved in South Florida’s international/domestic transportation and logistics community, including the Florida Custom Brokers & Forwarders Association Board of Directors and the United Fresh Produce Association International Advisory Board. 

Ivan Barrios

President/CEO, World Trade Center Miami

Mr. Barrios most  recently worked as Vice President for International Trade Development & TEAM Florida missions at Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state of Florida’s official economic development agency. He managed a statewide team of trade specialists that assisted Florida companies to export their products and services overseas. In addition, he organized 28 Governor led trade missions to 22 countries from 1999–2015. Special project included organizing conference sessions and networking events during the

Prior to his work with Enterprise Florida, Ivan worked for the World Trade Center Miami from 1989-1999. During that time, Ivan was the Vice President of the World Trade Center Miami where he was involved with managing activities of the Florida International Bankers Association and the Florida Trade Data Center. In addition, he was involved creating the Air Cargo Americas Show and the Americas Food & Beverage Show.

Ivan serves on the Enterprise Florida’s Florida Trade Partnership Alliance, South Florida District Export Council, and a member of the board of the Miami-Dade International Trade Consortium and has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami.

Estela Cachoua

Executive Director, United States – Mexico Chamber of Commerce Inter-American Chapter

Estela is a recognized as an international business development executive, trusted strategic advisor and team leader with an exceptional ability to bring solutions and new ideas to clients, understanding the underlying issues or strategy to match up the best approach or creative ideas, who builds mutually rewarding relationships by partnering closely with the clients to fully understand their objectives to design strategies that deliver desired results.

She has a history of success in key roles, always focused on the creation and development of new business and/or client relationships with many local and multinationals clients, including Treasury Management, Corporate and Global Banking. Estela served as Senior Sales Manager for Global Institutional Sales at HSBC Bank, reporting directly to the Regional Head of Sales.

Most recently Estela joined the United States – Mexico Chamber of Commerce Inter-American Chapter as Executive Director based in Miami.

Estela is an eternal learner with analytical approach to understand the underlying issues or strategy to match up the best solution or idea for the clients or the company and she brings a unique blend of sales, business development, marketing, and financial services industry experience for the Latin America region.

Estela has a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the Banking and Business School in Mexico and a master’s degree in Public Image Communications, from the School of Corporate Communications, Diploma on International Business Administration from ITAM and a Leadership Development Program and a Digital Transformation and Innovation Program from IESE Business School NYC Campus.

Estela also served as Marketing Chair for HSBC’s Employee Resource Group, Balance Florida Chapter to advocate for diversity and inclusion and volunteers as a mentor in Vital Voices Miami and World Vision to advocate for gender equality and children’s education.

Jonathan Chait Auerbach

Consul General of Mexico in Miami, Florida

Jonathan Chait obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Latin American Studies from San Diego State University with a specialization in diplomatic studies from the Institute Matías Romero of Diplomacy in Mexico City and a Master degree in International Studies from the Diplomatic School of Spain. Mr. Chait went on to complete post graduate studies in Cultural Management and Policies from the Autonomous University of Mexico and the Organization of the Ibero-American States (OEI).

Mr. Chait joined the Mexican Foreign Service in 1998. He’s been assigned to various posts during his career, beginning with his first assignment with the Chief of Staff Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. His overseas assignments include the Head of the Promotion and Investment Department within the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso.

In January 2004, Mr. Chait was appointed Director of Cultural Affairs at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco, and in March of 2009 he was appointed Deputy Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco, California. From the summer of 2011 to September 2013, he was appointed as Consul in Charge of the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas, Texas. In September 2013 he was assigned as Deputy General Director for North America at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City. During the last year, he’s been the Head of for Congressional Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. Since June 2019, Mr. Jonathan Chait Auerbach, has been appointed as new Consul General of Mexico in Miami, Florida.

Joe Chi

President, CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States)

Born in Cuba of Chinese ancestry, traveling the world continuously since 1970 and having lived in Miami, Florida, USA for over 60 years, he is in a perfect position to act a bridge between the commercial, diplomatic and cultural worlds of the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. Besides working on an honorary basis in many diplomatic and cultural areas, he has extensive commercial experience in Latin America, Europe and Asia where he has conducted business for over 40 years.

Organizationally, he and his team have through his deep belief in collaboration and alliances transformed Camacol, the Latin Chamber of Commerce into the largest alliance of Hispanic chambers in the United States.

Internationally, through synergistic collaborations, Joe Chi has transformed CAMACOL into the world’s largest Alliance of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce involving over 350 Hispanic and Portuguese Chambers from 5 continents.

Jennifer (Jen) Diaz

President and Founder of Diaz Trade Law

Jen is a Chambers ranked, Board Certified International Attorney specializing in customs and international trade.

For more than 15 years, Jen has provided legal advice and customized training on import and export compliance to industry, with a strong record of success in mitigating federal administrative enforcement actions. Jen has received many accolades from the legal community, including being recognized by “Super Lawyers” as a Top International Attorney, having an AV rating of “Superb,” and serving as President of the Organization of Women in International Trade (2018-2019).

A frequent media commentator, Jen has authored book chapters for The Florida Bar and the American Bar Association, numerous Bloomberg Law articles and other leading publications. Jen is Editor of “Customs & International Trade Law” a blog recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as being an important part of the legal historical record.

Fernanda Figueiredo

Director, International Strategic Initiatives, Enterprise Florida, Inc.

Ms. Figueiredo assists the SVP of the International Trade & Development Division with strategic projects and is responsible for Governor-led or Secretary of Commerce-led International Missions, high-profile special events, and other internal events beneficial to the international development of Florida.

Mrs. Figueiredo has previously worked as a Trade Manager for Enterprise Florida, providing export counseling to Florida companies interested in expanding sales internationally. She has developed strategic relationships with Florida economic development organizations, investment “multiplier” organizations, and other potential sources of investment leads. She represents EFI and the state of Florida at investment meetings, seminars, missions, and trade shows, supporting the development and execution of events and programs to promote Florida’s international advantages. Before joining Enterprise Florida, Mrs. Figueiredo worked for the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an International Trade & Business Development Specialist for the Economic & Commercial Affairs Office of the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami.

Alex King

Executive Director, Panama City Port Authority

In his current role, he
supports a dynamic team that oversees every aspect of day-to-day port operations, and long-term strategic planning of the Port. Alex also leads industrial and business development efforts to attract new cargo commodities and services through the Port.

Alex has twenty-one years of transportation and logistics experience. After obtaining his
Bachelor’s degree in Logisticsfrom Auburn University in 2001, Alex began his professional career with Rail Management Corporation in Panama City, Florida. His career progressed from operations management responsibilities to the regional director role for the gulf region of a large, short line holding company. Alex transitioned from the rail industry to the seaport industry in 2011. He has served ten years with the Panama City Port Authority.

Alex and his wife, Laura, reside in Panama City, Florida with their two daughters. They all enjoy boating, fishing, challenging rounds of golf, and cheering on their SEC football teams, Auburn and Alabama respectively.

Manuel (Manny) A. Mencia

President & CEO, MAM International Consultants

 MAM International Consultants a firm that specializes in advisory services for companies and economic development organizations engaged in international business.

Mr. Mencia served as Sr. Vice President of the International Trade and Development unit of Enterprise Florida, Inc. from 1997 to 2021. During that period, he was responsible for planning and implementing the State of Florida’s export promotion and foreign direct investment recruitment programs.

The International Trade and Development unit is headquartered in Miami and maintains offices in six Florida cities as well as fourteen countries around the world.

In 2000, Export Magazine and the Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED) conferred their Gold Award to EFI’s Division of International Trade, as the best statewide export development organization in the country. In 2001, EFI received the prestigious Presidential E-Award for Export Development in its first year of eligibility. In 2009, EFI’s ITD unit received the President’s E Star Award for Export Promotion Excellence, our nation’s highest trade development honor.

Mr. Mencia joined Enterprise Florida in 1996. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of World Marketing at The Miami Dade Beacon Council, between 1992 and 1996.

He acquired extensive international trade expertise, having served in various executive positions at the Florida Department of Commerce between 1977 and 1991.

Mr. Mencia is a former President of SIDO (State International Development Organizations), the national organization of State Trade Development Agencies, having served two terms in 2010-2012 and 2016-2017. Between 2016-2017, he also co-chaired the International Committee of the Council of State Governments and serves on the board of the Florida Export Finance Corporation, World Trade Center-Miami, FIU’s ’s CIBER Center and the Florida District Export Council.

In 1990, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce selected Mr. Mencia as Government Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year. In 2003, the International Business Council of South Florida named him International Businessman of the Year. In 2010, he was awarded the International Achievement Award, Florida’s most prestigious award for lifetime achievement for international business, by the World Trade Center Miami and in 2016 he was elected to the Florida Customs Broker & Freight Forwarders Assoc, Hall of Fame..

In 2017, King Phillip VI of Spain awarded Mr. Mencia the Order of Isabella the Catholic, for his contributions in promoting ties between Spain and the United States.

In January 2021, President Jair Bolsonaro awarded Mr. Mencia the National Order of the Southern Cross Rank Official, one of the most important distinctions that Brazil offers to foreign nationals.

Mr. Mencia obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University in Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas University in Political Science.

Patrick Misiewicz

Managing Director, Polrydian Group

Patrick is a international strategy and business consultant focusing at bridging Central European and Latin American supply chains capabilities in a cohesive economic corridor program. Currently he is the chairman of Polish Floridian Business Group, a consortium project between Polish industrial and business organizations, that focuses on soft landing accelerator program for Polish enterprises looking into building new supply chains between Poland and Florida. He is also a economic development and policy activist advising Central Industrial Cluster of Poland, L'Université Saint Dominique d'Afrique de l'Ouest, and Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington D.C.

Additionally, he works at Coldwell Banker Realty, facilitating clients in residential and commercial real estate in South Florida market.

At a spare time he serves at the board of directors of World Affairs Council of Miami, brining current affairs closer to South Florida community.

Patrick has a BA in International Economic Relations from University of Gdańsk, Poland, Hogeschool Inholland Diemen, Netherlands, and Kyungpook National University Daegu, South Korea; Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Florida International University, and Public Policy certification from Georgetown University.

Alexia Núñez

Consul for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Consulate General of Mexico

A career diplomat, since August 2021, Alexia Núñez is the Consul for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami. Her current responsibilities include promotion of trade and tourism; as well as advancing the work of Mexican entrepreneurs in Florida. From 2014-2021, she served at the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, as Consul for Community Affairs, where she worked to facilitate the integration and empowerment of the Mexican community in the tri-state area.

She is a member of the Mexican Foreign Service and has previously worked in the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) and as an analyst for European Affairs at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University and a BA in International Affairs from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM).

Eric K. Olafson, Esq.

Director, Global Trade & Business Development, PortMiami

Como Director Asociado de Comercio Global de PortMiami, el Sr. Eric Olafson desarrolla y supervisa estrategias para promover uno de los principales puertos de contenedores en el Estado de Florida, incluyendo la promoción de la inversión de mil millones de dólares para el puerto en infraestructura. También dirige los esfuerzos para incrementar el comercio bilateral y desarrollar negocios vía Neo-Panamax. En su capacidad, es responsable de administrar las iniciativas de transbordo, carga aérea / marítima y FTZ 281 del puerto.

El Sr. Eric Olafson tiene un amplio espectro de experiencia en administración pública y administración de negocios, y ha servido al gobierno del Condado de Miami-Dade por más de 15 años.

Antes de su nombramiento como Director Asociado en PortMiami, el Sr. Olafson ocupó varios cargos ejecutivos en el gobierno del condado de Miami-Dade, incluyendo el Subdirector de la Oficina de Asuntos Intergubernamentales del Condado de Miami-Dade, donde fue responsable de ejecutar la agenda legislativa federal del Condado de Miami-Dade incluyendo el establecimiento y gestión de la oficina del condado de Washington DC. El Sr. Olafson también ha trabajado como Asesor Legislativo del senador estadounidense Byron Dorgan de Dakota del Norte. Eric comenzó su carrera trabajando como personal en la Cámara de Representantes de Florida y luego trabajó durante cinco años en el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos, en la división de inmigración.

El Sr. Eric Olafson es miembro de una serie de organizaciones marítimas, empresariales y de desarrollo económico a nivel nacional e internacional, incluyendo: Consejo de Puertos de Florida; El Consejo de Beacon; El Departamento de Comercio Distrito Consejo de Exportación; Asociación Internacional de Transporte Frigorífico; Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes del Gran Miami; Cámara de Comercio del Gran Miami; La Asociación de Agencias Aduanales y Corredores de Aduanas de Florida, la Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias, la Coalición de Pasarelas de América y Corredores de Comercio y el Club de Propulsores de Miami.

Educación:
Colegio de Leyes de la Universidad de Miami
Graduado en 2004
Universidad de Minnesota-Ciudades gemelas
BA, Suma Cum Laude, Historia de América Latina, Español, Graduado en 1990
Fluido en Español

Gonzalo Padron

Director of Marketing & Business Development – Latin America, Port Tampa Bay

Gonzalo Padron joined Port Tampa Bay as director of marketing and business development for Latin America in August 2014.

Prior to joining the port’s executive team, Padron was manager of strategic customers at DHL Global Forwarding. Padron has a strong background in international trade data analysis and account management. His previous roles include business development manager for maritime at Datamyne Inc. and maritime regional manager at PIERS.

Padron began his industry career extensively traveling the Caribbean and Latin America as a senior account executive for ocean carriers Tecmarine Lines and Seaboard Marine.

Javier Perez- Palencia

President & CEO, World Travel Expo | Miami

Javier has 25 years of experience in the North American market. He is currently the President and CEO of World Travel Expo, WTE Miami, an international travel and tourism expo hosted by Miami International Airport. He is also presiding over the Interamerican Alliance, holding Igape USA, the promoter arm of the Galician government for the internationalization of Galician companies abroad.

In his previous stage Javier directed the Official Spain-United States Chamber of Commerce, and has been board director of Mexico-US Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has become an important business link between companies in the United States market.

Javier began his professional career in the US in 1997 at Siemens ICN, at its headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, within the Internet Business Unit and the corporate Strategy and Communications department as Marketing Manager.

In 2001 he moved to Miami. At the well-known BTL agency, Levitan & Palencia, he was responsible for projects for firms such as International Finance Bank, OHL, BTS, TOUS, Telefónica, Pollo Campero, and Only Sustainable, among others.

Javier is an executive MBA from the Instituto de Empresa and has a degree from ESIC and Florida Atlantic University in Business Administration.

Mike Rubin

President/CEO, Florida Ports Council (FPC)

The Florida Ports Council (FPC) provides leadership, advocacy, and information on seaport-related issues before the Legislative and Executive Branches of State and Federal Government.

Mr. Rubin also served as the Assistant Secretary for the State’s Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development program – a statutory local government/state government partnership with the purpose of investing in port transportation or port facilities projects that will improve the movement and intermodal transportation of cargo or passengers in commerce and trade that will support the interest, purposes and requirements of ports located in Florida.

Mr. Rubin has over twenty years of experience in the creation and development of state economic development and international trade policy – including the creation of Enterprise Florida, international export promotion programs, and seaport development financing legislation.

Prior to joining the Florida Ports Council, Mr. Rubin was on staff at the Florida House of Representatives for approximately 10 years, where he served as staff director and staff attorney for the House Commerce and Economic Development Committees.

Mr. Rubin received a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from Rollins College, and a Juris Doctorate with honors from the Florida State University Law School. Mr. Rubin currently resides in Tallahassee, where he and his wife Brenda raised twin boys.

Carlos Ruiz

CEO & Founder, Roca Telecomunications SA DE CV

Since 2002 Carlos has developed an engineering firm grouping experts around main public and private oil & gas, power generation, water treatment, amount other areas such as PEMEX, CFE, ICA, Bufete Industrial: positioning the company as an important player in the domestic market.  Also, the company serves as an important trader for Martim infrastructure equipment with high technology from Asian and European manufacturers. 

Carlos has been an entrepreneur since 1985, as an investor and managing director for well established U.S. companies in Mexico for several key sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, offshore platforms and seaports.

With a degree in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Project Administration, Carlos has over 40 years experience in the sector.  Carlos resides with his family in Mexico City.  He is a father, golf enthusiast, and a dedicated runner.

Virginia Sanchez

Regional Director, Government Relations American Airlines

Chair of the Board, World Trade Center Miami

As Regional Director, Government Relations at AA, Virginia Sanchez is responsible for advocating and lobbying for legislative and regulatory measures in the areas of international trade and commerce, aviation, transportation, and other issues affecting the aviation industry. Prior to this position she was the Government Affairs Advisor for FedEx Express Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) region. Her experience in the private sector includes serving as Vice President of Public Policy and Corporate Relations for Diageo plc, where she led the Public Policy team based in Washington, D.C., managed the multicultural Corporate Relations agenda in North America and oversaw Corporate Relations activities for the Latin American & Caribbean.

Prior to joining Diageo, she was Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Miami-Dade County. An active participant in the South Florida community, she is the current chair of the World Trade Center Miami Board of Directors, a member of the President’s Council for Florida International University, and a member of the International Women’s Forum. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Beacon Council, Dress for Success, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University. Sanchez holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Florida. She is a graduate of the Senior Managers in Government Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Mark A. Trowbridge

President & CEO, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

Jose A. “TJ” Villamil IV

Senior Vice President, International Trade and Development, Enterprise Florida, Inc.

TJ Villamil is the Sr. Vice President of the International Trade and Development unit at Enterprise Florida, Inc. Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a not-for-profit public private partnership established in 1996 by Florida Governor Lawton Chiles to grow, diversify, and develop Florida’s economy.

The International Trade and Development (ITD) unit is headquartered in Miami and maintains offices/representation in six Florida cities as well as twenty cities around the world. EFI’s ITD division is widely considered one of the best statewide international economic development organizations in the United States. EFI’s ITD program focuses on 1) assisting Florida companies (most of which are manufacturers) in export sales and export promotion, 2) recruiting international companies to invest and grow in Florida (Foreign Direct Investment), and 3) supporting the Executive Office of the Governor of Florida on international business mission trips.

Mr. Villamil joined Enterprise Florida in 2021. Prior to this, TJ ran a boutique consulting practice with his wife, Christina, focused on supporting the needs of businesses expanding or relocating to Florida.

Mr. Villamil is very involved in the Florida business community. TJ is a proud member of the newly created Levan Center for Innovation community advisory board at Nova Southeastern University. TJ is also a Marketing & Communications Committee member for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and was appointed by Coral Gables Commissioner Michael Mena to serve on the Communications Committee for the City Beautiful. TJ is an immediate past local director for First Horizons bank, assisting in expanding the organization's presence in South Florida. TJ is also a member of SIDO (the State International Development Organizations industry group). Lastly, TJ has extensive international traveling experience with various organizations such as AIPAC Israel & Mosaic Taiwan building relationships and branding Florida (and Miami) as a place open and ready to do business.

TJ is a proud double graduate from the University of Florida, receiving his Masters in Entrepreneurship from the Hough Graduate School of Business (’13), and his undergraduate degree in Telecommunications – News from the College of Journalism and Communications (’12). TJ served as the Student Body President for UF from 2012-2013 to represent the 50,000-member student body of the Gator Nation. TJ also served as the Special Assistant to UF President Bernie Machen in 2014. TJ lives in Coral Gables, FL with his lovely wife Christina, their son JJ, and their goldendoodle Luna.TJ and his family enjoy spurring economic growth through consumption at their favorite restaurants around the great state of Florida.