Executive Structure
Membership on the Executive Committee is limited to the chair and subcommittee chairs. The role of the Executive Committee is:
- to steer the direction of the council by monitoring and managing its initiatives
- to assist the chair in establishing the objectives and goals of the council for each academic year
- to support the chair by representing the President’s Council and FIU at community events
Chair: Jennifer Olmedo-Rodriguez
The Chair is selected by the university president for a term not to exceed three years. The chair of the council serves as the lead representative of the board before the university community. The chair shall have the responsibility of selecting the chairpersons of the individual committees, presiding over the strategic direction of the council and determining the frequency of meetings. Furthermore, by virtue of this position, the chair is an ex-officio member of the FIU Foundation Board of Directors.
Immediate Past Chair: Sergio Abreu
Director of Regional Manager External Affairs, TECO Energy, Inc.
Award & Recognition Committee
Chair: Erik Valderrama
President, CDC Group Inc.
The Outstanding Faculty Award of $15,000, a product of council dues, is a significant component of the council’s interaction with the university community and is bestowed annually upon a distinguished member of FIU’s faculty. This committee, along with members of the FIU faculty, is responsible for recommending which of the nominees is to receive this distinct honor. Members review, evaluate, and come to a consensus on the recommended award recipient and finalists. The award is conferred at the Annual Faculty Convocation Ceremony hosted each Fall semester.
Advocacy Committee
Chair: Giovanni Castro
US South Region State & Local Policy Manager, Amazon
The committee focuses on the university’s state and local priorities and works with the FIU Office of Governmental Affairs in gathering support to advocate for legislative priorities approved by FIU’s Board of Trustees. This committee supports FIU in D.C. in representing FIU’s interests before Congress and assists with managing the university’s presence in the nation's capital.
Programming Committee

Chair: Monique Catoggio
CEO, Monique Catoggio, LLC -- Illumined Life Leadership
The Programming Committee is responsible for strategizing special and strategic events for the President’s Council. This committee works closely with the Community Relations team to ensure that the Council’s programming offers opportunities for members to network and get the most out of their membership. Learn more about upcoming events.