DeSantis Appoints New Leaders to Miami-Dade's Children’s Trust Board

DeSantis Appoints New Leaders to Miami-Dade's Children’s Trust Board

The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County is set to welcome fresh faces to its Board of Directors, thanks to recent appointments by Governor Ron DeSantis. Three new members have been added to the team, and one incumbent will continue her service, guiding the Trust’s mission to enhance the lives of youth across the community.

The newly appointed members are Benjamin Nussbaum, Miriam Soler Ramos, and Luis Suarez. Nussbaum, the Chief Financial Officer of Key Biscayne, is no stranger to community engagement, serving as the staff liaison for the Key Biscayne Police and Fire Pension Board. His impressive credentials include a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in taxation from Nova Southeastern University. Notably, he received recognition as one of the “40 Under 40” by the South Florida Business Journal in 2023, highlighting his active role in the community.

Meet the New Appointments

Miriam Soler Ramos enriches the Board with her extensive legal background as a partner at Holland & Knight. Her past experience includes serving as a prosecutor and City Attorney for Coral Gables, where she made significant state-level political contributions after joining her current firm in January 2023. Soler Ramos graduated from the University of Miami with a Juris Doctor and degrees in communications and political science.

Then there’s Luis Suarez, another key player in this new lineup. A co-founder of Heise Suarez Melville P.A., Suarez brings a wealth of experience in various litigation fields and has previously been a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. He holds a Juris Doctor from Villanova University, an MBA in finance from George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

Continuing her valuable work on the Board is Clara Laura Ospina, a psychologist and Director of Internship Training in Psychology at Jackson Health Systems. Ospina, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University, has a strong commitment to mental health and is recognized for her active membership in the American Psychological Association.

A Focus on Children’s Welfare

The Children’s Trust is a special taxing district established in 2002 with a clear intent: to fund programs aimed at children’s health, safety, and development. The Board plays a vital role in steering policy-making, strategic investments, budget approvals, and fostering accountability and transparency within the organization.

In addition, the Trust has benefitted from the expertise of Cathy Burgos, who was appointed Chief Community Services Officer by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in February 2024. With over 20 years of leadership in the Juvenile Services Department, Burgos has made significant strides in empowering at-risk youth and families, having been recognized for reducing juvenile arrests in Miami-Dade by over 80% over two decades. Her acclaimed contributions include pioneering programs aimed at juvenile justice prevention and community support.

As the Children’s Trust embarks on this new chapter with a revamped Board, the importance of dedicated leadership in improving the welfare of children cannot be overstated. Miami-Dade is fortunate to have these committed professionals at the helm, working diligently to uplift the community’s youth.

To learn more about these appointments, visit Florida Politics, or explore the Trust’s initiatives at The Children’s Trust.