The Florida Council of 100

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The Florida Council of 100

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The Florida Council of 100 is an exclusive network of business leaders who work together to enhance the economy and quality of life for all Floridians.

The Council engages this network to develop and implement solutions to the state’s biggest challenges.

10/06/2026

Florida has ranked #1 in higher education for 10 years running. The state's university system has over 430,000 students across 12 universities, building a deep talent base that — upon graduation — wants to stay here.

Eric Silagy, Chair of the Council's Foundation and a former member of the State University System's Board of Governors, speaks on the state's strong talent pipeline.

10/01/2026

Florida’s next chapter will be defined not just by the companies and talent we attract, but by what we build here.

In a new FORTUNE opinion piece, Florida Council of 100 President & CEO Michael Simas explores how Ken Griffin’s historic $3 billion gift to Carnegie Mellon University, including $2 billion to establish CMU Miami, can help strengthen the state’s ability to generate breakthrough research, grow new companies and create opportunities for generations of Floridians to come.

“Our ambition is to become the place where the next generation of great American companies is built. CMU Miami can help those companies take root and grow.”

Read Mike’s full piece at the link in bio.

09/30/2026

Ken Griffin’s historic $3 billion gift to establish a Carnegie Mellon University campus in Miami strengthens the Gold Coast’s position as a global center for talent, innovation and company growth.

This investment advances the vision behind our Beyond Sunshine roadmap: turning Florida’s regional strengths into globally competitive industries and higher-wage careers.

The Florida Council of 100 stands ready to mobilize its business leaders to help translate this investment into industry partnerships, new companies and pathways into high-demand careers for Floridians.

Read more at the link in our bio.

09/21/2026

Whitman Family Development, led by Florida Council of 100 member Matthew Whitman Lazenby, is working to tackle one of Florida's most pressing challenges: attainable housing for the workforce.

Through an innovative development at the Bal Harbour Shops, Matthew is working to bring high-quality housing designed by the architectural firm behind the Burj Khalifa and One World Trade Center, to help reduce barriers to affordability, long commutes, and traffic congestion.

Matthew discusses this, his family’s history in Miami, how he has seen the area change, and more, in an interview with Roberts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5Mt1OXeykY.

09/16/2026

Florida’s continued success depends on keeping opportunity and quality of life within reach for all Floridians.

Josh Kellam, CEO of The Garcia Companies and Membership Committee Chair of The Florida Council of 100, discusses how Council members are collaborating to address affordability while conserving Florida’s land, protecting clean water and strengthening communities across the state.

09/04/2026

The Florida Council of 100 convened a meeting of Tampa Bay-area members and their senior leaders with Jesper Møller Sørensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the United States, and Arthur Savage, Honorary Consul of Denmark for Central Florida, for a conversation focused on Florida and Tampa Bay’s innovation ecosystem and opportunities for greater collaboration.

We appreciate Ambassador Møller Sørensen and his team for their time. We look forward to continuing the conversation and exploring meaningful initiatives that expand opportunity for both the people of Florida and Denmark.

08/31/2026

Florida Trend’s inaugural Florida Trend ICON honors 60 individuals whose vision, leadership and lasting impact have helped build and shape Florida’s business landscape, including six Florida Council of 100 trailblazers.

Jeb Bush, Rita Case, the late Alfonso “Alfy” Fanjul, Judy Genshaft, the late Bob Graham and Tom James are recognized for their remarkable contributions to Florida’s business, government, education and civic landscape.

We celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have made across our state.

Read more: floridatrendicon.com

08/13/2026

Our annual Fellows program brings together proven researchers, analysts, communicators, and leaders to further their experience and the Council's work each summer.

This year's Fellows were four outstanding, young Florida leaders whose academic achievements, leadership experience, and commitment to public service reflect the next generation shaping our state.

Chloe Hutt is a Distinguished Scholar and University Scholar at the University of Florida pursuing Business Administration and an accelerated Master of International Business, with research focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on business, law, and emerging technology.

Renee Simeus is a senior at the University of South Florida pursuing dual degrees in philosophy and criminology. As President of the USF Ambassadors, she is dedicated to advancing leadership, civic engagement, and public service.

Jacob West is a recent Palm Beach Atlantic University graduate in politics with a minor in creative writing. A published author and community leader, he is passionate about public service and effective storytelling.

Rahil Zaveri is a rising senior at the University of Florida pursuing degrees in criminology and English. Through experience across all three branches of government and leadership in legal and policy organizations, he is helping advance conversations around Florida's future.

We congratulate Chloe, Renee, Jacob, and Rahil on completing The Florida Council of 100 Fellows Program and look forward to the impact they will make across our state.

07/30/2026

: Duke Energy Florida, led by FC100 member Melissa Seixas, is helping power the future of Florida’s workforce. The Duke Energy Foundation is investing $773,000 in 22 nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions strengthening STEM education across the state.

The grants expand hands-on learning and industry certifications that prepare students for high-demand careers, from line workers and power plant technicians to IT specialists. Recipients span county education foundations and university foundations statewide, including Florida A&M, Florida State, UCF, UF, and USF.

Under Seixas’ leadership, Duke Energy Florida continues to invest in the communities it serves, giving students pathways to skilled careers while building the talent pipeline Florida’s growing economy depends on.

Leadership like this reflects The Florida Council of 100’s commitment to make Florida a better place for all Floridians.

Read more: https://fc100.org/news/duke-energy-foundation-grants-773-000-to-support-florida-stem-education

07/28/2026

Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske shares how the Florida College System provides access to opportunity through 28 community colleges with open-door admissions, seamless pathways to four-year degrees, and a commitment to helping every student build skills, reach their goals, and prepare for the future.

Address

400 North Tampa Street
Tampa, FL
33602

Website

https://fc100.org/

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