Board Members & Committees
Roslyn Alic-Batson, MSM, CPPB
President, Ad Hoc: Best Practices Conference Co-Chair
Ms. Roslyn Alic-Batson has been employed by Miami-Dade County for 27 years. Currently she works in the Internal Services Department, Strategic Procurement Services Division. Roslyn has a distinct track record of diverse community involvement. She Chaired for two terms of the Section for Women in Public Administration of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and served as a board member. She is the chairperson of the Miramar Cultural Arts Center Citizens Advisory Committee, Past President and Corresponding Secretary for the South Florida Chapter of ASPA, a member of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and a past president of the Grenada Cultural Association of South Florida, past director on the Ancient Spanish Monastery Foundation Board of Directors. Roslyn is also a member of the Miramar Democratic Club and a Democratic Executive Committee Member for Broward County. Roslyn also has an interest in politics and has worked on over 30 political campaigns over the years. Ms. Alic-Batson received her High School Diploma from North Miami Beach Senior High School, an Associate in Arts Degree in Business Administration from Miami-Dade Community College, a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Management from Florida International University and a Master’s of Science in Management Degree from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. Roslyn also hold the designation of Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB). She shares her life with her two daughters Darcy and Jovana, her grandchildren Ava and Chase and her life partner Glenn Joseph.
Evelyn Rodriguez-Plesa
President – Elect
Evelyn Rodriguez-Plesa earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Florida International University in July 2020. In general, her research interests include government contracting, socio-economic equity, local government administration, public management, and policy analysis. Evelyn has 9 years of practitioner experience working in local government and currently serves as the Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Sunny Isles Beach. She previously served 8 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, and was deployed under Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa from 2006-2007. She is the current Media Coordinator, Immediate Past Chair, and a founding member of ASPA’s Section on Procurement and Contract Management and Board Member for ASPA’s South Florida Chapter. In addition, she has taught several public administration courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels as an adjunct instructor for Florida International University (FIU), Morehead State University (MSU), and University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS). Currently, she teaches Public Procurement Processes, Ethics and Law at UIS.
Isidoro Lopez
Immediate Past President
Isidoro R. Lopez has built a reputation as a high energy public administrator and an effective problem solver, providing oversight for some of the County's toughest projects during his 11-year career with Miami-Dade County government. Recruited as Customer Service Representative 2 for Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department in 2006, Mr. Lopez was entrenched in the eleventh largest Water and Sewer utility in the United States and third largest in the State of Florida. In early 2014, Mr. Lopez was appointed to work under Director Bill Johnson and his administration overseeing the affairs of the Director’s office. He maintained the Water and Sewer Department’s leadership informed of the daily challenges associated with the Water and Wastewater operations and Customer Service initiatives. In late 2014, Mr. Lopez took on a position as the Architectural/Engineering ( A/E) Professional Services Manager and has undertaken the procurement and contractual drafting task of processing and meeting the consent decree's goals set to expire in the year 2027, including but not limited to, the largest Capital Improvement budget weighing in at a measured 13.5 billion dollars. Mr. Lopez holds a number of memberships in national and international organizations at the state, national and international level, including American Society of Public Administration (ASPA), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International City/Council Management Association (ICMA) and National Institute of Governmental Purchasing's (NIGP) The Institute for Public Procurement. Mr. Lopez is a native of Miami, Florida and holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Florida International University as well as a Juris Doctorate Degree of Law from Nova Southeastern University and an LL.M. degree in International Commercial Arbitration from the University of Miami. Mr. Lopez is honored and privileged to serve on the board of ASPA South Florida Chapter and assist the organization in its growth and local notoriety amongst South Florida's Public Administration professionals.
Glenn C. Joseph , MBA, MPA
Treasurer, Fiscal Policy Committee Chair
Glenn C. Joseph , MBA, MPA is Vice President/Director for Munro & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in government and public relations, political consulting and management. He has an extensive background in the Aviation Industry where he has worked extensively over the past twenty-five years in different capacities for; Eastern Airlines, Pan American Airways, Carnival Airlines, Flamingo Air International, Ltd., InterIsland Airways, Ltd., Sky King, Ltd., and Air Jamaica Holdings, Inc. He has also worked for eleven years in the Travel Industry. He has an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Business Administration, International Relations, and Public Administration and an MPA from Walden University. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Walden University. He did some graduate work at City University of New York in Management Information Systems, Financial Accounting, and Industrial Relations. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Financial Accounting from University of New Haven and an Associate of Arts degree from New York City College. Was a past president and currently serves on the board of ASPA South Florida Chapter. Glenn Joseph resides in Miramar, Florida.
Kaila Witkowski
Corresponding Secretary, Ad Hoc: Newsletter Chait
Kaila Witkowski is a Ph.D. Candidate at Florida International University. Her research focuses on using mixed-method techniques to improve government action and policy outcomes responding to stigmatized health issues such as opioid abuse and HIV. Using methods such as network analysis, PhotoVoice, and plan quality assessment, she has recently completed projects on engaging long term HIV survivors in the policymaking process and improving cross-sector collaborations focused on the opioid epidemic. She is currently a Co-Pi on a national study assessing the impacts of COVID-19 and opioid abuse on first responders funded by Ohio State’s Drug Enforcement Center.
Angela Miller, MPA
Recording Secretary, Membership Chapter Development Committee Chair
Recently received a MSW from Florida International University and will be pursuing a MPA during the Fall 2016 semester. In obtaining this Master of Social Work degree she will able to mentor and empower upcoming social service staff desiring to work in either the public or private sector. She has been employed with Miami Dade County’s Community Action and Human Services Department for over 20 years. As an active ASPA member she was recently awarded the Special President’s Award during the Annual ASPA Awards Banquet. Her professional interests involve advocating for social service needs in the community and empowering underserved residents. She has also served over 10 years as a volunteer on the Financial Stability Impact Council with United Way. This organization has provided and continues to provide needed funding resources for a number of community based organizations serving disadvantaged residents of Miami Dade County.
Vernice Estorcien, MPA
Student Representative, Scholarship Committee Chair
Vernise Estorcien is a first-generation Ph.D. Candidate in Public Affairs at Florida International University (FIU). Given Vernise personal and familial experiences, she is particularly interested in examining how police mentoring programs can assist delinquent children academically and behaviorally. Her focus is on the individual and organizational determinants of successful police mentoring. Vernise is currently a Student Representative for the Section for Women in Public Administration (SWPA) and the Past-President of the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, the national honor society for Public Affairs and Administration that recognizes outstanding scholarship and accomplishment. Vernise relocated from Nassau, The Bahamas, to the United States in 2013. Since relocating to the United States, she received her Associate Degree from Valencia College and her Bachelor's in Public Administration, Master's in Public Administration, and a Certificate in Leadership Studies from Florida International University. In addition to Vernise experience, she has many other professional and service accomplishments. She received the college (School of International and Public Affairs, SIPA) Academic Excellence Award and Service Excellence Award. Vernise has also received the Section for Women in Public Administration (SWPA), National Conference Scholarship, the Diversity Scholarship to attend the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research at the University of Michigan, the American Society for Public Administration, Wallace O. Keene Conference Scholarship, and most recently, the ASPA South Florida Chapter's Dr. Ray DeArrigunaga Memorial Scholarship Award.
Sharon McIntyre, PhD
Board Member (2023)
I have been an active member of the ASPA South Florida chapter for numerous years. I know the groundbreaking initiatives that ASPA South Florida organizes. The ASPA South Florida chapter challenges themselves to embrace new perspectives. I want to be an integral part of the unique perspectives and initiatives that ASPA put forth for their membership and the community. I am always interested in learning. Some of the board duties at ASPA South Florida will provide a rewarding intellectual challenge and an opportunity to learn from my peers. Volunteering and helping with the detailed organization of events has taught me more about working with others and commitment than any other group activities. The opportunity will also help me gain insight into an organization with a different structure than the company where I currently work. The most important reason I would like to be on the ASPA South Florida Board is that it allows me to give back. The ASPA South Florida Board will provide an excellent opportunity to positively affect change with the ASPA initiatives at both the national and local levels. As a member of the ASPA South Florida Board, I would support causes that I am passionate about while working with others with the same passion.
Rina R. Gomez, BBA, MPA, PHR, SHRM-CP
Board Member (2023), Program Development Committee Chair
Rina Gomez graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1999 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2002. Ms. Gomez holds a Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and is a Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional. Mrs. Gomez is a public service professional with a background in human resources and has worked with Miami-Dade County’s Human Resources Department since she became a public servant in 2000. Since 2002 Mrs. Gomez has held an academic position at Florida International University teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, such as Personnel Skills for Administrators, Values, Ethics and Conflict Resolution, Exploring Leadership: Yourself, Your Organizations and your Communities and the Integrative Seminar. Mrs. Gomez has also been a member of ASPA’s South Florida Chapter since 2006, is a former member of ASPA’s Board of Directors and Chair of the History and By-Laws Committee. Mrs. Gomez’s bi-cultural background, and focus on community collaboration, has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities. Mrs. Gomez strives to motivate her staff and students to serve the community as each and all have a pivotal role in enhancing the constituent’s quality of life.
Charles D. Scurr, Ph.D.
Board Member (2023)
Charles Scurr has had an extensive and distinguished career in the public sector. He has served in executive leadership positions at the municipal, county, Federal and university levels. Dr. Scurr retired from active public service in 2018 and currently does occasional adjunct teaching, consulting, mentoring and volunteering. He is currently working on a leadership book in conjunction with a number of his colleagues whom have all gone on to become City Managers and leaders.
Dr. Scurr served as City Manager of the City of South Miami, Florida, which received the “All-America City” award from the National Civic League, one of the highest and most prestigious honors a city can receive. He also served as the first City Manager of the Village of Palmetto Bay, Florida, the “Village of Parks”. He also served as Executive Assistant (Chief of Staff) for Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami. Professor Scurr has also taught for several decades as an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Florida International University and served as an Associate Vice President at the University responsible for Campus Master Planning.
Mr. Scurr served as President of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committees for Super Bowl XXIII and Super Bowl XXIX and as Managing Director of the National Football League Youth Education Town. He was the Executive Vice President for the Lipton International Tennis Championship (the Miami Open).
His last professional appointment was as the Executive Director of the Citizen’s Independent Transportation Trust, which is responsible for the funding and oversight of all major public transportation programs in Miami-Dade County and its 34 municipalities. He also served, early in his career, with the Urban Mass Transportation Administration in Washington, DC and Atlanta, Georgia and with the Miami-Dade Transportation Administration.
Terry Murphy, PhD
Board Member (2023), Chapter & Membership Development Committee
Terry Murphy currently works for Office the Inspector General of Miami-Dade County monitoring contracting activities of major county departments, including Aviation, Internal Services, Transit, and the Jackson Health System. Murphy developed extensive knowledge of procurement practices and policies while serving as legislative director and policy advisor to several County Commissioners. During his public service career, Murphy earned a Masters’ in Public Administration and a Doctorate in Public Affairs from Florida International University. Murphy has served in various leadership roles with the American Society for Public Administ
These are the changes and edits to the Officers page. Take off Melissa Dynan and Carolyn Francis-Royer. Kaila Witkowski moves to Corresponding Secretary from Student Representative her photo you already have, her bio is below. For Angela remove information about membership chairman. Isidoro moves to Immediate Past President; Roslyn moves to President. Below is the information for new officer’s page.
Seraphin Bernard, MPA
Board Member (2022), Marketing & Communications Committee Chair
Seraphin Bernard, MPA is a Special Administrator with the Budget and Finance Bureau of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. He previously worked in a number of different capacities with Miami-Dade Transit Department. Because of Mr. Bernard’s experience conducting outreach throughout the County, he was tapped by the Miami-Dade County Manager’s office to work on the Building Better Communities Bond Program in 2004. He was the North Central coordinator for the public education campaign, which won the County a National Association of Counties award. Mr. Bernard also worked as Central Coordinator for the People’s Transportation Plan referendum campaign, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2002. Mr. Bernard is actively involved in the civic life of the community. He is a member and past President of the Miami chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Mr. Bernard holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and master's degree in Public Administration from Florida International University.
Benjamin Paley
Board Member (2023)
Ben has been a member of the ASPA for three years. Currently, he works as the Social Justice Fellow at Temple Beth Sholom. In that capacity, he helps organize events and network with outside organizations. He also assists the synagogue lay leadership with legislative analysis and community organizing. As a board member of the South Florida Chapter of the ASPA, he would help organize events and networkers with experts from across the public administration field so that members could learn about different areas of the profession of which they may not be familiar. He also wants to learn and grow as a new professional in public administration. Ben graduated with a Master of Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University.
Dr. Jean M. Pierre
Board Member (2022), Ad Hoc: Fundraising Committee Chair
Dr. Jean M. Pierre was born and raised in Haiti where he graduated from Institution Saint Louis de Gonzague High school. He attended and graduated from Universite Sainte Anne in Nova Scotia, Canada (1982-1984 Associate degree), the State University of New York College at Old Westbury (1984-1985 Bachelor degree in Management and Finance), Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1987-1989 Master degree in Public Policy and Management), Florida Atlantic University (2011 - 2016 Ph.D. in Public Administration). Dr. Pierre is on the adjunct faculty pool at Florida Atlantic University and he teaches public administration courses. He is the Managing Principal at Haitian American Research Company, an advisory consulting firm. Dr. Pierre's research interest are politics, elections, government, non-governmental organizations, and economic development. Since 2008, Dr. Pierre participated in numerous political campaigns in South Florida. Dr. Pierre is a member of various organizations such as The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Dr. Pierre is married to Martine N. Pierre (R.N.; MSN Nursing Education). They have three children attending college in Florida. Dr. Pierre can be reached at jpierr68@gmail.com (business), jpierr68@icloud.com (personal), jpierr68@fau.edu (education).
Jorene Jameson, Ph.D.
Board Member (2022)
Jorene Jameson, Ph.D. was recently appointed as the Development Director for the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University. In her position, Dr. Jameson is responsible for securing additional financial resources for the College of Education in the furtherance of its mission to provide quality undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of education and provide programs that serve broader community needs. Dr. Jameson received a BA in Political Science from East Stroudsburg State University in Pennsylvania, a Master's degree in public administration from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in public administration from Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Jameson is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Prior to entering the Ph.D. program at FAU in 2013, Dr. Jameson served as the President and CEO of the Broward Education Foundation in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She has also held executive positions in the nonprofit sector with the YMCA, Girl Scouts and Public Television. In the government sector, Dr. Jameson held leadership positions in state and local government in the state of Delaware. Dr. Jameson and her husband, James Wylie reside in Deerfield Beach.
Bill Solomon
Board Member (2022), By-Laws and Chapter Development Chair
Bill is recognized as a hands-on manager whose focus is results-driven. He always gets the job done. His hard work and dedication to the County and to his staff was proven in his daily work environment. His ASPA involvement at the local chapter level, as a two-time Past President, the regional level as President of SECoPA and at the national level serving on the ASPA National Council is a strong indication of how Bill gets involved. He has also served as the Co-Chair for the Southeastern Conference for Public Administration, SECoPA 2012 conference and Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee for SECoPA 2017. Bill currently serves as a senior advisor to the President of SECoPA.
Bill has taught courses on public administration as an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University from 1999-2013. Until his retirement after 37 years in May 2016, with Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, Bill was responsible for maintaining a $37 million capital inventory, green initiatives, revenue-generating Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) and procurement of capital equipment. Bill’s management responsibility also included the procurement of all goods and services for special events and in times of natural disasters for the Department. He has completed degrees including a Master’s in Public Administration, Masters of Science in Public Health and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami. Bill has dedicated his life to the public service; his career spans over the past 37 years. He has served on the board of the South Florida Chapter for many years and is now a Past President twice of the South Florida Chapter. He has been an active ASPA member for the past 40 years. Bill is also involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 10 in Miami, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He coordinates volunteer projects with Eagle Scout candidates. Bill has served on the board of Congregation Dor Chadash and will become the Executive Vice President in July 2020.
Thomas “Tom” Hotz
Board Member (2022), Podcast Chair
Thomas Hotz received his M.P.A. with a specialization in Health Policy & Management from New York University Wagner School of Public Service. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate in the D.B.A. Program with specialization in Human Resources at Northcentral University. His career encompasses 30 years in New York State (NYS) and New York City (NYC) Government. He has worked as a Senior Investigator and Team Leader with NYS Department of Health's Office of Professional Medical Conduct, and completed a two year Administrative Fellowship with Administration during his 15 years there. He has also served as Ass't to the Program Director of Operations and Recruitment with NYC Dept of Homeless Services (NYC DHS), Disciplinary Coordinator with the Office of Child Support Enforcement under NYC Human Resources Administration, and Training Supervisor/Coordinator with the HIV-AIDS Services Administration. He is the recipient of a NYS Dept of Health Commissioners Recognition Award as well as Civilian Recognition Award for Exceptional Service in the Public Interest from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and has received both Group Achievement Awards and a Mayoral Commendation for his work in Recruitment & Selection with NYC DHS.
Roslyn Alic-Batson, MSM, CPPB
President, Ad Hoc: Best Practices Conference Co-Chair
Ms. Roslyn Alic-Batson has been employed by Miami-Dade County for 27 years. Currently she works in the Internal Services Department, Strategic Procurement Services Division. Roslyn has a distinct track record of diverse community involvement. She Chaired for two terms of the Section for Women in Public Administration of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and served as a board member. She is the chairperson of the Miramar Cultural Arts Center Citizens Advisory Committee, Past President and Corresponding Secretary for the South Florida Chapter of ASPA, a member of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and a past president of the Grenada Cultural Association of South Florida, past director on the Ancient Spanish Monastery Foundation Board of Directors. Roslyn is also a member of the Miramar Democratic Club and a Democratic Executive Committee Member for Broward County. Roslyn also has an interest in politics and has worked on over 30 political campaigns over the years. Ms. Alic-Batson received her High School Diploma from North Miami Beach Senior High School, an Associate in Arts Degree in Business Administration from Miami-Dade Community College, a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Management from Florida International University and a Master’s of Science in Management Degree from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. Roslyn also hold the designation of Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB). She shares her life with her two daughters Darcy and Jovana, her grandchildren Ava and Chase and her life partner Glenn Joseph.
Agatha Caraballo, Director and Associate Teaching Professor
Co-Chair Best Practices Committee | Chair Advisory Committee
acarabal@fiu.edu
Rina R. Gomez, BBA, MPA, PHR, SHRM-CP
Board Member (2023), Program Development Committee Chair
Rina Gomez graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1999 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2002. Ms. Gomez holds a Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and is a Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional. Mrs. Gomez is a public service professional with a background in human resources and has worked with Miami-Dade County’s Human Resources Department since she became a public servant in 2000. Since 2002 Mrs. Gomez has held an academic position at Florida International University teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, such as Personnel Skills for Administrators, Values, Ethics and Conflict Resolution, Exploring Leadership: Yourself, Your Organizations and your Communities and the Integrative Seminar. Mrs. Gomez has also been a member of ASPA’s South Florida Chapter since 2006, is a former member of ASPA’s Board of Directors and Chair of the History and By-Laws Committee. Mrs. Gomez’s bi-cultural background, and focus on community collaboration, has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities. Mrs. Gomez strives to motivate her staff and students to serve the community as each and all have a pivotal role in enhancing the constituent’s quality of life.
Terry Murphy, PhD
Board Member (2023), Chapter & Membership Development Committee
Terry Murphy currently works for Office the Inspector General of Miami-Dade County monitoring contracting activities of major county departments, including Aviation, Internal Services, Transit, and the Jackson Health System. Murphy developed extensive knowledge of procurement practices and policies while serving as legislative director and policy advisor to several County Commissioners. During his public service career, Murphy earned a Masters’ in Public Administration and a Doctorate in Public Affairs from Florida International University. Murphy has served in various leadership roles with the American Society for Public Administ
These are the changes and edits to the Officers page. Take off Melissa Dynan and Carolyn Francis-Royer. Kaila Witkowski moves to Corresponding Secretary from Student Representative her photo you already have, her bio is below. For Angela remove information about membership chairman. Isidoro moves to Immediate Past President; Roslyn moves to President. Below is the information for new officer’s page.
Glenn C. Joseph , MBA, MPA
Treasurer, Fiscal Policy Committee Chair
Glenn C. Joseph , MBA, MPA is Vice President/Director for Munro & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in government and public relations, political consulting and management. He has an extensive background in the Aviation Industry where he has worked extensively over the past twenty-five years in different capacities for; Eastern Airlines, Pan American Airways, Carnival Airlines, Flamingo Air International, Ltd., InterIsland Airways, Ltd., Sky King, Ltd., and Air Jamaica Holdings, Inc. He has also worked for eleven years in the Travel Industry. He has an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Business Administration, International Relations, and Public Administration and an MPA from Walden University. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Walden University. He did some graduate work at City University of New York in Management Information Systems, Financial Accounting, and Industrial Relations. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Financial Accounting from University of New Haven and an Associate of Arts degree from New York City College. Was a past president and currently serves on the board of ASPA South Florida Chapter. Glenn Joseph resides in Miramar, Florida.
Kaila Witkowski
Corresponding Secretary, Ad Hoc: Newsletter Chait
Kaila Witkowski is a Ph.D. Candidate at Florida International University. Her research focuses on using mixed-method techniques to improve government action and policy outcomes responding to stigmatized health issues such as opioid abuse and HIV. Using methods such as network analysis, PhotoVoice, and plan quality assessment, she has recently completed projects on engaging long term HIV survivors in the policymaking process and improving cross-sector collaborations focused on the opioid epidemic. She is currently a Co-Pi on a national study assessing the impacts of COVID-19 and opioid abuse on first responders funded by Ohio State’s Drug Enforcement Center.
Angela Miller, MPA
Recording Secretary, Membership Chapter Development Committee Chair
Recently received a MSW from Florida International University and will be pursuing a MPA during the Fall 2016 semester. In obtaining this Master of Social Work degree she will able to mentor and empower upcoming social service staff desiring to work in either the public or private sector. She has been employed with Miami Dade County’s Community Action and Human Services Department for over 20 years. As an active ASPA member she was recently awarded the Special President’s Award during the Annual ASPA Awards Banquet. Her professional interests involve advocating for social service needs in the community and empowering underserved residents. She has also served over 10 years as a volunteer on the Financial Stability Impact Council with United Way. This organization has provided and continues to provide needed funding resources for a number of community based organizations serving disadvantaged residents of Miami Dade County.
Seraphin Bernard, MPA
Board Member (2022), Marketing & Communications Committee Chair
Seraphin Bernard, MPA is a Special Administrator with the Budget and Finance Bureau of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. He previously worked in a number of different capacities with Miami-Dade Transit Department. Because of Mr. Bernard’s experience conducting outreach throughout the County, he was tapped by the Miami-Dade County Manager’s office to work on the Building Better Communities Bond Program in 2004. He was the North Central coordinator for the public education campaign, which won the County a National Association of Counties award. Mr. Bernard also worked as Central Coordinator for the People’s Transportation Plan referendum campaign, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2002. Mr. Bernard is actively involved in the civic life of the community. He is a member and past President of the Miami chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Mr. Bernard holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and master's degree in Public Administration from Florida International University.
Dr. Jean M. Pierre
Board Member (2022), Ad Hoc: Fundraising Committee Chair
Dr. Jean M. Pierre was born and raised in Haiti where he graduated from Institution Saint Louis de Gonzague High school. He attended and graduated from Universite Sainte Anne in Nova Scotia, Canada (1982-1984 Associate degree), the State University of New York College at Old Westbury (1984-1985 Bachelor degree in Management and Finance), Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1987-1989 Master degree in Public Policy and Management), Florida Atlantic University (2011 - 2016 Ph.D. in Public Administration). Dr. Pierre is on the adjunct faculty pool at Florida Atlantic University and he teaches public administration courses. He is the Managing Principal at Haitian American Research Company, an advisory consulting firm. Dr. Pierre's research interest are politics, elections, government, non-governmental organizations, and economic development. Since 2008, Dr. Pierre participated in numerous political campaigns in South Florida. Dr. Pierre is a member of various organizations such as The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Dr. Pierre is married to Martine N. Pierre (R.N.; MSN Nursing Education). They have three children attending college in Florida. Dr. Pierre can be reached at jpierr68@gmail.com (business), jpierr68@icloud.com (personal), jpierr68@fau.edu (education).
Bill Solomon
Board Member (2022), By-Laws and Chapter Development Chair
Bill is recognized as a hands-on manager whose focus is results-driven. He always gets the job done. His hard work and dedication to the County and to his staff was proven in his daily work environment. His ASPA involvement at the local chapter level, as a two-time Past President, the regional level as President of SECoPA and at the national level serving on the ASPA National Council is a strong indication of how Bill gets involved. He has also served as the Co-Chair for the Southeastern Conference for Public Administration, SECoPA 2012 conference and Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee for SECoPA 2017. Bill currently serves as a senior advisor to the President of SECoPA.
Bill has taught courses on public administration as an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University from 1999-2013. Until his retirement after 37 years in May 2016, with Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, Bill was responsible for maintaining a $37 million capital inventory, green initiatives, revenue-generating Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) and procurement of capital equipment. Bill’s management responsibility also included the procurement of all goods and services for special events and in times of natural disasters for the Department. He has completed degrees including a Master’s in Public Administration, Masters of Science in Public Health and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami. Bill has dedicated his life to the public service; his career spans over the past 37 years. He has served on the board of the South Florida Chapter for many years and is now a Past President twice of the South Florida Chapter. He has been an active ASPA member for the past 40 years. Bill is also involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 10 in Miami, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He coordinates volunteer projects with Eagle Scout candidates. Bill has served on the board of Congregation Dor Chadash and will become the Executive Vice President in July 2020.
Thomas “Tom” Hotz
Board Member (2022), Podcast Chair
Thomas Hotz received his M.P.A. with a specialization in Health Policy & Management from New York University Wagner School of Public Service. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate in the D.B.A. Program with specialization in Human Resources at Northcentral University. His career encompasses 30 years in New York State (NYS) and New York City (NYC) Government. He has worked as a Senior Investigator and Team Leader with NYS Department of Health's Office of Professional Medical Conduct, and completed a two year Administrative Fellowship with Administration during his 15 years there. He has also served as Ass't to the Program Director of Operations and Recruitment with NYC Dept of Homeless Services (NYC DHS), Disciplinary Coordinator with the Office of Child Support Enforcement under NYC Human Resources Administration, and Training Supervisor/Coordinator with the HIV-AIDS Services Administration. He is the recipient of a NYS Dept of Health Commissioners Recognition Award as well as Civilian Recognition Award for Exceptional Service in the Public Interest from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and has received both Group Achievement Awards and a Mayoral Commendation for his work in Recruitment & Selection with NYC DHS.
Vernice Estorcien, MPA
Student Representative, Scholarship Committee Chair
Vernise Estorcien is a first-generation Ph.D. Candidate in Public Affairs at Florida International University (FIU). Given Vernise personal and familial experiences, she is particularly interested in examining how police mentoring programs can assist delinquent children academically and behaviorally. Her focus is on the individual and organizational determinants of successful police mentoring. Vernise is currently a Student Representative for the Section for Women in Public Administration (SWPA) and the Past-President of the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, the national honor society for Public Affairs and Administration that recognizes outstanding scholarship and accomplishment. Vernise relocated from Nassau, The Bahamas, to the United States in 2013. Since relocating to the United States, she received her Associate Degree from Valencia College and her Bachelor's in Public Administration, Master's in Public Administration, and a Certificate in Leadership Studies from Florida International University. In addition to Vernise experience, she has many other professional and service accomplishments. She received the college (School of International and Public Affairs, SIPA) Academic Excellence Award and Service Excellence Award. Vernise has also received the Section for Women in Public Administration (SWPA), National Conference Scholarship, the Diversity Scholarship to attend the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research at the University of Michigan, the American Society for Public Administration, Wallace O. Keene Conference Scholarship, and most recently, the ASPA South Florida Chapter's Dr. Ray DeArrigunaga Memorial Scholarship Award.
Allan Rosenbaum, PhD
National Liaison
Allan Rosenbaum is Professor of Public Administration and Director of the Institute for Public Management and Community Service and the Center for Democracy and Good Governance at
Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He previously served as Dean of the University's School of Public Affairs. Prior to that, he was on the faculties of the Universities of
Maryland, Connecticut and Wisconsin and held a research position at the University of Chicago. He has worked in national, state and local governments in the United States and has carried out numerous international projects for the United Nations, the US Agency for International Development, the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Agency and various
governments around the world. He is a past President of the American Society for Public Administration and has served as President of the International Association of Schools and
Institutes of Administration in Brussels, Belgium. He has been Visiting Distinguished Professor at several universities in Europe and China, currently serves on numerous journal editorial boards and is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Based on nomination by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and approval by it's Economic and Social Council, he was a member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration. Before assuming the Deanship at FIU, Professor Rosenbaum was actively involved in research and consulting activities with national, state and local government in the United States in the areas of higher education, employment and training policy, economic development, elementary and secondary education, social welfare and science and technology policy. More recently, he has written on governance reform, decentralization issues and legislative relations in various countries including Bolivia, Chile, China, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Ukraine. During the past 15 years, he has consulted, worked or spoken in over 80 countries around the world. He has had extensive experience working with the Ukrainian Parliament and as director or co-director of large USAID projects with numerous Latin American legislative bodies and local governments and with the Parliament and President in Sierra Leone. He has authored, co-authored or co-edited a number of publications for the United Nations, as well as prepared papers on issues of decentralization, democracy and civil society for major United Nations Conferences in Bucharest, Marrakech, New York, Windhoek, and Rio de Janeiro.
Emaline White
Chief of Staff
Nephtalie Dumornay
Director of Logistics
Nikki Asmoe
Director of Communications
Jeffrey Calco
Program Director
Arturo Bernal
Intergovernmental Representative
Agatha Caraballo, Director and Associate Teaching Professor
Co-Chair Best Practices Committee | Chair Advisory Committee
acarabal@fiu.edu
Miriam Singer, Executive Director
Jewish Community Center of Florida
Greg Harrison, City Manager
City of Pompano Beach
Sean Forman, PhD, Professor
Barry University
Kelvin Baker, Sr., Asst. City Manager
City of Miramar
Karyn Cunningham, Mayor
Village of Palmetto Bay
