Florida Governor Rick Scott recently appointed prominent mortgage investment banker Bernie Navarro to Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Board of Trustees. Navarro was officially sworn in March 18, 2014, by the Chief Circuit Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, the Honorable Bertila Soto.
MDC has a history of having dynamic and tireless Trustees who, in addition to being leaders in their respective industries, passionately help lead and represent the nation’s largest institution of higher education. Having led numerous civic and professional organizations, Navarro will bring a great wealth of company knowledge and experience to the Board.
Navarro currently serves as president of Benworth Capital Partners, a privately-held real estate investment headquartered in Coral Gables. He founded the firm in 2008 in response to the mortgage crisis with the aim to mitigate the risks that caused the crisis. His team established one of the most successful alternative and traditional lending entities in Florida. His previous career stops include finance and mortgage positions at Citibank, GMAC and JP Morgan Chase.
Most recently, Navarro served as president of the Latin Builders Association (LBA), the largest Hispanic construction and real estate professional association in the United States. For his numerous contributions, Navarro was named by the South Florida Business Journal as one of “40 Under 40,” recognizing the region’s best and brightest young business leaders.
With Navarro’s appointment, Gov. Scott also reappointed Trustees Helen Aguirre Ferré and Armando J. Bucelo Jr.
Navarro replaces Marielena A. Villamil, whose term ended. A former professor at the college, Villamil leaves MDC’s Board as a very devoted member. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Marielena A. Villamil who has served the College with distinction and dedication,” said Miami Dade College President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón. “She will always be a member of the MDC family and we wish her well.”
In addition to Ferré and Bucelo, Navarro joins Trustees Marili Cancio, Jose K. Fuentes, Benjamin León III and Armando J. Olivera.
Equal Housing Lender.