The University of Miami announced Friday the election of eight new members to the Board of Trustees, a group of accomplished business and community leaders, remarkable philanthropists and alumni who will provide thoughtful and engaging insight on the University’s current and future aspirations.
“Our new board members each possess unique perspectives due to their expertise that will benefit the University of Miami and its stewardship,” said Richard D. Fain, chair of the board. “We are pleased to bring them on board.”
Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., enters the second year of his term, leading the body responsible for governing one of the top private research institutions in the nation. Hilarie Bass and H.T. Smith remain vice chairs of the Board.
“I am delighted to welcome our distinguished new board members who have a special affinity with the University of Miami. They each bring unique talents and expertise that will help the University achieve its greatest aspirations,” said UM President Julio Frenk.
Alumni Trustees stepping down after completing three-year terms are Doyle N. Beneby and Michael J. Piechoski. Student Trustee Noor Joudi also stepped down after her one-year term.
New members elected to the one-year term include:
Adriana Cisneros Phelps de Griffin: chief executive officer and vice chairman of the Cisneros Group of Companies, a third-generation family-owned and operated business with a global footprint and operations in Latin America and the United States. Cisneros is co-chair of Endeavor Miami; director and executive committee board member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (International Emmys); and a trustee of the Paley Center for Media. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Cisneros now resides in Miami Beach.
Miguel B. “Mike” Fernandez: chairman of MBF Healthcare Partners, an industry-focused private equity firm dedicated to the healthcare sector. Through the Miguel B. Fernandez Family Foundation, Fernandez and his family have made significant contributions to education and health organizations in South Florida. He is a former UM Trustee who served in that capacity from 2005 to 2012.
Marcus Lemonis: chairman and chief executive officer of Camping World, the nation’s largest recreational vehicle (RV) and outdoor retailer, and Good Sam, the world’s largest RV owner’s organization. He is also the host of CNBC’s prime time show The Profit. A native of Beirut, Lebanon, Lemonis grew up in Miami, and now lives primarily in Chicago.
Jacquelyn R. “Jackie” Soffer: co-chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Turnberry Associates, an Aventura, Florida-based real estate conglomerate. Soffer oversees the company’s retail, hospitality and office divisions, including its globally-renowned Aventura Mall and its new 184-acre development, SoLē Mia, in partnership with LeFrak developers. In addition, she is actively involved in management and development of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Turnberry Isle Miami, Turnberry Ocean Club Residences, and JW Marriott Nashville.
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., BSC ’89: president and chief executive officer of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a national organization representing approximately 300,000 students attending 47 public, historically black colleges and universities in the United States. Taylor also serves on the boards of the Gallup organization, MillerCoors, and YMCA of the USA. He resides in Washington, D.C.
Ana VeigaMilton, BSEE ’87; JD ’93: president and chief executive officer of the José Milton Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting programs and organization in South Florida that improve quality of living, with a special focus on education, research, and access to healthcare. VeigaMilton also serves on many South Florida nonprofit boards including Zoo Miami Foundation and United Way of Miami-Dade.
Jonathan Vilma, BBA ’04: retired NFL player, currently a college football commentator and studio analyst for the ESPN network. As a UM student-athlete, Vilma was instrumental in helping the Miami Hurricanes win the 2001 NCAA National Championship. He created the Jonathan Vilma Foundation to assist with rebuilding efforts in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
Alessandria San Roman, A.B. ’15 (Student Trustee): current student at UM Law School; 2017-18 president-elect, Student Bar Association. She received a B.A. from UM in 2015, majoring in Political Science and Geography and Regional Studies. San Roman has been active during her years at the University, serving as Student Government president as an undergrad, and is currently secretary of the Student Bar Association and president-elect.
