The Chairman's Biography

 

Mario Artecona has been the Executive Director of the Miami Business Forum since 2003.  The Forum is an organization of corporate CEO's, Presidents and managing Partners of Miami's most prestigious and largest employers. The group's emphasis is on strengthening relationships between corporate and governmental agencies with a focus on more transparent and ethical government. Projects have included the passage of the General Obligation Bonds in Miami-Dade, improvements in the County's transportation infrastructure as well as spearheading efforts for higher efficiency and better business practices at the Miami-Dade Public Schools.  In addition to the governmental functions of the Forum, the organization has served as host to high ranking State and Federal governmental and corporate officials.

Before joining the Miami Business Forum, Artecona was Vice President at the Codina Group, a well established full service real estate development, construction, realty, and property management firm based in Coral Gables, Florida.  While at Codina, his responsibilities included all interaction between the company and government, encompassing land use issues, lobbying and permitting functions. Artecona worked at the firm for six years.

Prior to the Codina Group, Artecona was employed with Miami-Dade County for 10 years. His job included being Chief of Staff to a County Commissioner, Communications Specialist for the County Manager's Office as well as serving as Vice President for the Super Bowl Host Committee. Additionally, Artecona was assigned to the Miami-Dade Police Department for a year as Assistant Director for Budget and Administration.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Artecona has a long track record of community involvement, having served on various wide ranging civic boards. Currently he is the Chairman of the Miami-Dade Community Relations Board, an organization tasked with improving relations between Miami Dade's very diverse population groups. He is also the Chairman of the Development Committee of the Dade Community Foundation, as well as serving on the Miami-Dade County Schools Business Advisory Council, The Arts Funding Board, the Census Count Committee and others.  He is also a trustee member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Artecona was born and raised in Puerto Rico of Cuban parents. He lived there until 1982. He is a graduate of the George Washington University's Columbia School of Business and Government.   He is married to Sarah Nesbitt-Artecona, Vice-President for Budget and Finance at the University of Miami.  He is an avid golfer and passionate sports fan.

 

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