South Florida Executive Leadership Council (ELC)

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.

Engaged and committed leadership volunteers working nationwide are vital to achieving this mission. Executive Leadership Councils are integral in raising funds, growing new relationships, and advancing Autism Speaks’ mission objectives. Council members are high-caliber leadership volunteers who partner with staff to move the Autism Speaks’ mission forward.

Purpose

The Executive Leadership Council aims to advance Autism Speaks' mission and income goals in key markets nationwide. Aligned with the organization's nationwide business plan, the ELC allows members to lead revenue-generating initiatives and partner on priority programs and advocacy efforts.

The ELC structure allows volunteer leaders to collaborate on key initiatives and support staff in identifying, recruiting, and cultivating community influencers. ELC members serve as representatives of Autism Speaks at the market level and play a key role in connecting Autism Speaks to new individual and corporate relationships.

Members are influential leaders who possess diverse skill sets, experience, and perspectives, and are strongly committed to the mission of Autism Speaks and the autism community. ELC members reflect the professional, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the market in which they serve. With this diversity as a foundation, the ELC provides strategic counsel and support to ensure the broad reach and success of the mission-delivery and fundraising efforts of Autism Speaks.

Current members:

Jorge Alvarez, SVP & Private Financial Advisor at Truist
Elicia Bennett, Founder at NIKKOBE Ed Consulting
Marianela Brown, Realtor at The Keyes Company
Eduardo Cora, CEO at Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition Center
Laura Denoux, VP & CDO at Holy Cross Health
Jackie Fernandez Farah, Owner at Jackie Ohh Events
Michelle Haast, Realtor at The Keyes Company
*Albert Lopez, CEO of the Americas at BDO
Susan Machado, Retired from American Airlines
Major Daniel Morgalo, Assistant Chief at Miami Beach Police Department
Mey-Ling Perez, SVP - Managing Director Brickell Private Banking & Wealth Management at First Horizon
Mariela Quintanilla, Sr. Communication Strategist at FPL
Aimee Schmalzle, Group Director Product Technology at Ryder
Stephanie Seltzer, VP Regional Marketing Manager at Fifth Third Bank
Cristina Sorondo, Brand and Marketing Consultant
Armando Ureña, Senior Partner, Managing Director at Ureña Wealth Management Group, Snowden Lane Partners
**Milton Vescovacci, Shareholder at Gunster

**Autism Speaks South Florida Area ELC Chair
*Autism Speaks South Florida Area ELC Chair Emeritus

Click here if you are interested in joining the South Florida Executive Leadership Council.