Rodrick Miller

Rodrick T. Miller has emerged as one of the nation’s foremost economic development leaders respected globally for his ability to maneuver complex political and business environments, crafting strategies and structuring deals that provide long-term value to communities and investors. Over the course of his  career, he has refined his skills as an economist, negotiator, policy expert, and corporate strategist,  working in more than 10 countries to secure over $6B in private investment and 50,000 new jobs for communities he has represented. He firmly believes sustained economic development growth is only achievable through an approach which is people-centered, leverages assets to add distinct value, and encourages strategic capital flows to create new opportunities.  

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Miami-Dade County’s official economic development organization, The Beacon Council, Miller is focused on attracting and retaining companies that create high value jobs and actively invest in the community. Miller champions Miami’s unique advantages as a diverse, global business destination. Collaborating with key stakeholders in both the private and public sectors. Miller leverages the market’s competitive strengths to deliver strategic, sustainable solutions and create opportunities that drive long-term economic prosperity and inclusive growth for Miami’s residents and businesses.   

Experienced in leading economic recovery efforts in challenged markets across the country, Miller has led economic development organizations in New Orleans, Detroit and, most recently, Puerto Rico, where he served as Chief Executive Officer of Invest Puerto Rico. In each of these roles, Miller focused on enhancing competitiveness, providing prescriptive solutions to fix market challenges, building more inclusive economies, and attracting catalytic high-value private investment. The solutions he led encompass real estate and infrastructure, small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, capital access, project finance, foreign direct investment and trade, and more.   

Miller holds a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from St. Augustine’s College. As a Fulbright Fellow he also earned a Graduate Diploma in Finance from the Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM) in Mexico. A scholar practitioner, he has been a featured speaker to organizations such as Google, AIG, and the World Bank, and has lectured at Harvard University, Arizona State University, The University of Michigan, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Miller has received numerous accolades and awards, and advised various federal agencies on economic policy including the Federal Reserve Board, the Economic Development Administration, and the White House. He is presently a board member of the New Growth Innovation Network, the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Board, New Corp (CDFI), Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, and St. Augustine’s University.  

Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Miller enjoys playing the piano, reading, and spending time with his family.

President and CEO, Beacon Council.