Joe Fernandez to Assume Role as Search for Permanent CEO Underway

MIAMI — September 23, 2019 — The Miami Foundation, the leading philanthropic organization uniting donors and causes to improve the quality of life in Greater Miami, announced today that Foundation trustee, Joe Fernandez, CFP^®, will serve as interim president and CEO beginning September 30^th, in addition to his full time responsibilities at BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

The appointment comes as The Miami Foundation’s current chief executive, Javier Alberto Soto, concludes his 90-day transition after announcing in July that he will leave to become the new president at The Denver Foundation.

“Joe has been instrumental on our board for the past six years and has shown extraordinary commitment to the organization and its mission,” said Foundation board of trustees chair and Greenberg Traurig shareholder, Richard Giusto. “He brings both extensive knowledge of managing wealth management firms and, as a Miami native, understands our broader community and the Foundation’s role in improving everyone’s quality of life. He is the perfect steward for the organization during this transition.”

Joe Fernandez

Joe Fernandez is a regional president of BNY Mellon Wealth Management and has 30 years of advising successful families across generations. While he takes on this additional role, Joe will maintain his high level of dedication to ensure uninterrupted service for his clients, with the full support and resources of BNY Mellon’s Miami office.

Joe Fernandez is a past member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors and has served in board leadership positions with Baptist Hospital Foundation, U-Aspire and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. In his six-year tenure with The Miami Foundation board, he has chaired the development and programs committees, and currently serves as board vice chair and chair of the search committee for the new CEO.

“To lead this enormously important organization during this time of transition is an honor,” shared Fernandez. “The Foundation has assembled an incredible team of professionals who are qualified and passionate about serving our donors and our more than 700 nonprofit grantees and partners.”

In August, the Foundation hired executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to lead the search for a full-time president and CEO. Visit MiamiFoundation.org/CEOSearch for details on the process and submitting an application.

About The Miami Foundation: The Miami Foundation partners with donors to champion their causes and improve local quality of life. Since 1967, we’ve done this by taking leadership on civic issues, investing in our community and nurturing philanthropy. Thanks to our more than 1,000 donors, we currently manage close to $350 million in assets and have made $350 million in grants that create opportunities for residents, make Miami-Dade County more resilient and foster home-grown creativity. MiamiFoundation.org.

Featured photo by Robert Holmes.