Arts & Business Council of Miami
MEET THE BOARD & TEAM
Mission
Since 1985, the Arts & Business Council of Miami has led the movement to strengthen Miami’s arts and culture sector by connecting artists, arts organizations, businesses, philanthropists, and civic leaders. As Miami’s leading organization at the intersection of the arts and business, we build organizational capacity through leadership, strategic partnerships, professional development, and innovative solutions that inspire investment in the arts.
We advance Miami’s economic vitality, cultural excellence, and position as a global center for arts, business, and culture. We believe the arts are a catalyst for innovation and economic growth. They strengthen businesses, energize local economies, and enrich the quality of life for everyone in our community.
Vision
The Arts & Business Council of Miami is creating a future where the arts are recognized as a driving force for economic growth, innovation, and community vitality. We see a Miami where artists, arts organizations, businesses, philanthropists, and civic leaders work together to strengthen the region’s global reputation as an international center for arts, business, and culture.
Together, we are creating a resilient creative ecosystem where creativity powers economic opportunity, vibrant neighborhoods, global cultural exchange, and an exceptional quality of life. Together, we are creating a future where the arts, business, and community thrive.
History
Since 1985, the Arts & Business Council of Miami has been at the forefront of strengthening Miami’s arts and culture sector by fostering high-impact partnerships between the arts, business, philanthropy, and community leaders. As Miami’s leading organization at the intersection of the arts and business, we have developed innovative programs that strengthen arts organizations, empower artists and creative entrepreneurs, and demonstrate the vital role the arts play in our region’s economic and cultural success.
Today, we serve more than 500 arts organizations, artists, arts professionals, and creative entrepreneurs each year through executive consulting, leadership development, audience engagement initiatives, professional workshops, forums, pro bono legal services, and curated networking opportunities. Through this work, we build organizational capacity, promote long-term sustainability, and create meaningful connections that strengthen Miami’s creative ecosystem. Since our founding, the value of our programs and services has exceeded $20 million, reflecting our enduring investment in the growth and success of Miami’s arts and cultural community.
North Star
The Arts & Business Council of Miami is the trusted connector that empowers Miami’s creative ecosystem. Our North Star is building meaningful connections that make the arts accessible and relevant to everyone. We design innovative programs that expand audiences, strengthen leadership, foster collaboration, build organizational capacity, and inspire investment in the arts.
Our superpower is bringing people together to create opportunities that strengthen Miami’s arts and culture community.
Community Engagement & Access
The Arts & Business Council of Miami believes the arts are for everyone. We are committed to expanding access to meaningful creative experiences and ensuring that artists, arts organizations, businesses, and community members have opportunities to participate, collaborate, and thrive.
We cultivate a community where individuals of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, abilities, and generations are welcomed, respected, and encouraged to contribute. We recognize that Miami’s strength lies in the creativity, experiences, and cultural richness of its people. We are committed to conducting our work with integrity, respect, collaboration, and transparency. By bringing together artists, businesses, philanthropists, educators, civic leaders, and community partners, we strengthen Miami’s creative economy and help ensure that every resident has the opportunity to experience and benefit from the arts.
We believe creativity is a powerful force for connection, innovation, and community, and together we are building a stronger Miami where the arts, business, and community thrive together.
Board Members
PAMELA FUENTES-BERTI
Board Chair
Dean, Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade & Transportation · Miami Dade College
With a career spanning economic development, education, and public and private sector leadership, Pamela Fuertes Berti brings a strong commitment to building connections between business, education, and community.
As Board Chair of Arts Biz Miami, Pamela brings her expertise in economic development, relationship-building, strategic leadership, and cross-sector collaboration to help guide the organization’s vision and advance its mission. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections between Miami’s arts and business communities and championing the role of creativity in a thriving local economy.
KIM HILLS
Board Secretary
Director of Community Engagement & Communications, Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, brand development, and strategic leadership, Kim Hill is a results-driven marketing professional passionate about connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. She currently leads a talented team focused on positioning Downtown Miami as a premier destination and catalyst for South Florida’s economy, spanning arts, culture, entertainment, finance, and technology.
Kim brings to Arts Biz Miami deep expertise in marketing strategy, brand development, audience engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. As a board member, Kim contributes her strategic marketing expertise and commitment to building partnerships that elevate Miami’s creative ecosystem.
MARIE TOROSSIAN
Board Treasurer
Founder, The Profit Lab
Marie Torossian specializes in helping entrepreneurs and organizations achieve sustainable growth through financial clarity, strategic planning, and scalable systems. Marie is passionate about helping organizations build the financial foundation and strategic systems needed to turn vision into sustainable impact and meaningful growth.
As a Board Director, Marie brings her expertise in financial management, business strategy, and organizational sustainability to support the organization’s long-term growth and financial stewardship. She provides a valuable business and financial perspective as Arts Biz Miami works to strengthen Miami’s creative ecosystem and expand collaboration between the arts and business communities.
MEREDETH McKISSICK
Board Co-Treasurer
CPA
Meredeth McKissick brings over 25 years of expertise in accounting, auditing, internal controls, and tax, with a focus on both domestic and international sectors. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers before transitioning to Westinghouse Electrical Supply Company as a tax manager. Meredeth contributes her knowledge of financial strategy, accountability, and organizational stewardship, helping Arts Biz Miami strengthen its foundation and advance connections between Miami’s arts and business communities.
AMY GALPIN
Board Director
Executive Director and Chief Curator,
Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at Miami-Dade College
Dr. Amy Galpin is an art historian and curator specializing in modern and contemporary art of the Americas, with particular expertise in the intersections between Latin American and U.S. art. She holds a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Illinois-Chicago and has held curatorial leadership positions at museums across the country.
As a Board Director, Amy brings her expertise in curatorial practice, arts leadership, cultural institutions, and contemporary art, along with a deep understanding of Miami’s creative ecosystem. Her perspective strengthens Arts Biz Miami’s work to connect the arts and business communities and advance a vibrant, inclusive cultural sector.
BRUCE LEVINE
Board Director
Production Executive, Gold Entertainment Media Group
Prior to his career in entertainment, Bruce served as a leader of the Put Something Back Project at Dade Legal Aid, where he focused on connecting volunteer attorneys with nonprofit organizations and community members in need of legal services. During his time at Dade Legal Aid, Bruce worked closely with Arts Biz Miami to coordinate referrals for the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) and Patent Pro Bono Project, helping expand access to pro bono legal resources for artists and creative organizations.
As a Board Director, Bruce brings expertise in legal services, nonprofit partnerships, community engagement, and access to resources for the arts. His understanding of the legal challenges facing artists and cultural organizations, combined with his experience building partnerships across sectors, supports Arts Biz Miami’s efforts to connect the creative community with the resources and expertise it needs to thrive.
ANNETTE MALKIN
Board Director
Principal & Founder, Culturewise Collective
Annette Malkin is the Principal and Founder of Culturewise Collective, a minority-owned, female-led agency of communicators, marketers, designers, and content creators focused on helping organizations bring purpose-driven ideas to life. Through Culturewise Collective, she works with small-to-mid-size companies and nonprofit organizations to develop brand identities and communication strategies that connect authentically with the communities they serve.
As a Board Director, Annette brings expertise in brand strategy, communications, multicultural marketing, and community-centered storytelling. Her perspective helps strengthen the organization’s ability to communicate the value of the arts, engage diverse audiences, and build meaningful connections between the creative and business communities.
JOHN COPELAND
Board Director
Director of Arts & Culture Tourism,
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
John he develops and implements cultural tourism programs that expand global awareness of Miami’s diverse arts and cultural assets. Previous work has included service with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.
As a Board Director, John brings his expertise in cultural tourism, arts administration, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. His work connecting Miami’s cultural offerings with visitors and the broader economy provides valuable insight into the role of arts and culture in strengthening the region’s identity, tourism industry, and economic vitality.
MONTY TRAINER
Board Director
President, Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, Inc.
Monty Trainer is a longtime Miami civic and cultural leader whose contributions have helped shape the city’s arts, culture, and community landscape for more than five decades. After moving to Miami in 1968, he founded Monty’s Raw Bar & Marina in Coconut Grove, which became a beloved local institution and gathering place. Monty also played a significant role in Miami’s broader civic development, including efforts to establish the Miami Arena and bring major international events to the city.
As a Board Director, Monty brings decades of civic leadership, arts advocacy, community relationships, and institutional knowledge. His longstanding commitment to artists and cultural organizations strengthens Arts Biz Miami’s work to champion the arts as an essential part of Miami’s identity and economic vitality.
MATTHEW ANDERSON
Board Director
Executive Director, Mosaic Miami
Matt brings extensive nonprofit leadership and board experience to Arts Biz Miami. He has previously served as Chair of the Board of Directors of Mosaic Miami and on the boards of organizations including United Way, Ayiti CommunityTrust, Seraphic Fire, the Foundation for New Education Initiatives, and Miami Jewish Health Foundation. His community leadership has also included roles with The Beacon Council, the Posse Foundation, Florida International University, the Lowe Art Museum, and the Wolfsonian-FIU.
As a Board Director, Matt brings expertise in nonprofit leadership, board governance, community engagement, fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration. His broad experience across Miami’s civic, business, philanthropic, and cultural communities strengthens Arts Biz Miami’s ability to build partnerships and advance the role of the arts in creating a more connected and equitable Miami.
MARIA CARLA CHICUéN
Board Director
Associate Executive Director and Chief Strategy & Collaboration Officer,
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
María Carla is a community and education leader dedicated to expanding opportunity, fostering community development, and creating spaces that inspire belonging. Born in Cuba, she came to the United States as a high school student, an experience that shaped her commitment to helping underserved youth reach their full potential. Before joining Miami Dade College, María Carla served as the founding Executive Director of CasaCuba at Florida International University. She has secured more than $36 million in philanthropic funding from government agencies, corporations, foundations, and private donors to support education and cultural initiatives.
As a board member, María Carla brings expertise in fundraising, education, cultural initiatives, and community engagement, helping strengthen connections between Miami’s arts, business, and civic communities.
JOSE GONZALEZ
Board Director
Vice President, USI Insurance Services, LLC
Jose brings more than 17 years of experience in insurance and employee benefits. He advises CEOs, CFOs, and human resources leaders on benefits strategy, financial planning, compliance, carrier negotiations, and effective employee communications.
As a Board Director, Jose brings expertise in business strategy, financial planning, risk management, organizational leadership, and community engagement. He is committed to strengthening connections between Miami’s business and cultural communities and supporting organizations that contribute to the region’s quality of life and economic vitality.
MARIA BUDET
Board Director
Chief External Affairs Officer,
Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works
Maria Budet brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, helping organizations and brands inspire engagement, differentiate themselves, and drive meaningful growth. Her career spans Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, consumer brands, and startups, with experience working across Miami and international markets including Madrid.
As a Board Director, Maria brings expertise in marketing strategy, communications, brand development, partnership building, and collaborative leadership. Her cross-sector perspective strengthens Arts Biz Miami’s ability to communicate the value of the arts, engage diverse audiences, and build connections between the creative and business communities.
DALE EDWARDS
Board Director
Vice President of Marketing,
Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts
Dale harnesses decades of experience in performing arts marketing, communications, and arts administration. A graduate of Ohio University and Brooklyn College’s MFA program in Theatre Management, Dale spent much of his career in New York City working with leading cultural organizations including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Disney Theatrical Productions, Manhattan Theatre Club, SpotCo Advertising, and The Metropolitan Opera.
As a Board Director, Dale brings his expertise in arts marketing, audience engagement, communications, cultural leadership, and organizational resilience. His extensive experience across performing arts organizations provides valuable insight into strengthening the connection between Miami’s creative sector, audiences, and business community.Dale is committed to advancing the visibility, sustainability, and impact of the arts in Miami.
KRISTA OLDFIELD
Board Director
Global Board Member, Hedge Fund Association &
Finance Advisory Council Chair,
Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Krista is an executive in the global institutional investment industry, working at the intersection ofcapital, connectivity, and long-term value creation across international markets. Her experience spansinvestor relations, fundraising, and strategic positioning, aligning diverse stakeholders to drivesustainable growth.
As a Board Director, Krista brings her expertise in capital strategy, investor relations, economic development, strategic positioning, and cross-sector leadership. Her perspective helps strengthen the organization’s ability to build connections between Miami’s creative and business communities and demonstrate the value of arts and culture as drivers of economic opportunity.
JAMES WOOLLEY
Board Director
Executive Director of the Miami Film Festival
James Woolley brings nearly two decades of experience leading and managing major film festivals across the globe, with expertise spanning festival management, programming, marketing, audience development, and box office operations. His career has taken him from Sydney to San Francisco, giving him a broad international perspective on the film industry and the role cultural events play in connecting communities and audiences.
As a Board Director, James brings expertise in arts administration, cultural programming, marketing, audience engagement, and event management. His perspective strengthens Arts Biz Miami’s ability to support the creative sector and highlight the role of arts and culture in Miami’s cultural identity and economic vitality.
Staff Members
RENEE PESCI
Executive Director
Renee is driven by innovation, creativity, & collaboration. As Executive Director, she will work with our leadership team to plan, direct and implement operations and activities in support of our goals and mission. She will spearhead all our fundraising initiatives to help us achieve philanthropic objectives. She values connecting with people and cultivating connections that create empowered partnerships.
ORLANDO TAQUECHEL
Artburst Spanish Language Editor
Orlando Taquechel has been a dance writer and researcher for over 45 years, with his first review published in August 1980. His articles have been published in Cuba, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. He is also a professor, choreographer, and artistic director. Orlando graduated with a degree in Architecture, a BFA in Theater and Drama, and an MBA. He is the recipient of the Medal to the Merit of Dance CIAD in July 2009 and the “Criticism and Culture of Ballet” Life Achievement Award at the XIX IBFM in September 2014. He’s the author of “Metodología para la Crítica de Ballet,” “Definición de la Escuela Cubana de Ballet” and “La danza en Miami (1998-2017): las reseñas cuentan su historia.” He is the Spanish-language Editor as well as the dance critic for ArtBurst.
MICHELLE SOLOMON
Artburst Miami Editor
Editor-in-Chief and Arts & Theater Writer/Critic, Artburst Miami
Michelle F. Solomon is an accomplished arts journalist, editor, and media professional with decades of experience covering and amplifying the arts. As editor of Artburst, she oversees freelance arts journalists and content assignments while contributing arts features that spotlight Miami’s vibrant cultural community. hrough Artburst, she helps elevate the visibility of Miami’s artists, cultural organizations, performances, and creative experiences, connecting audiences with the people and stories shaping South Florida’s cultural landscape.Michelle holds degrees from Emerson College and SUNY Albany/Empire State College. Her work has received recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Rabkin Foundation, among others.
HEAVEN JONES
Outreach Manager
Heaven is a graduate of Florida A & M University. Driven by communication, knowledge, and community her career trajectory started with internships and work experience while in college. As part of REACH THC, Tallahassee’s hub for empowering creators and entrepreneurs, she managed a portfolio ranging from student entrepreneurs to government associations in the tech and business industries. She strategically coordinated marketing campaigns that attracted large audiences for successful in-person and virtual events. In addition to producing events, she helped create solid student-to-program relations, which later assisted in developing her online podcast. Her work with the nonprofit Children campaign provided her with leadership skills and experience in changing complex social problems through media advocacy in public education, and community activism. Heaven is best known for her passion for collaboration and creativity. She values connecting with people and cultivating partnerships that create long-lasting, meaningful relationships.
REZIA HAYES
Marketing Manager
Rezia Hayes is not your average Marketing Manager; she's a multifaceted creative force with a deep-rooted love for the arts and an unquenchable thirst for innovation. With a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from the illustrious Howard University, Rezia brings a unique blend of analytical acumen and artistic sensibility to her role. It's this fusion of artistry and data-driven insights that fuels her excitement as she embarks on her role as a Marketing Manager with the Arts & Business Council of Miami. Rezia's mission is clear: to elevate the Arts & Business Council's brand to new heights. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she's on a quest to boost brand awareness andfortify brand identity. Her vision transcends conventional marketing; it's about creating experiences that resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.