List of 20 items.

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  Adrian Alfonso ‘98 | *Board Chairman, Executive Committee Member

  A tax principal in the public accounting firm of Kaufman Rossin.  He has more than 20 years of experience providing accounting, business advisory, and tax services to clients, including corporations, high net worth individuals, and family‐owned corporate and partnership entities. He specializes in providing professional services to high‐net‐worth families and real estate investment entities.  He received his Executive Master of Science in Taxation and a Bachelor's in Accounting from Florida International University. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and past president of the Cuban American Certified Public Accountants Association.  He has served on the CCHS Alumni Executive Committee and was appointed twice by Governor Rick Scott as Chairman for the Early Learning Coalition of Miami/Dade & Monroe. 
• 

  Robert Grillo '87 | *Technology Committee Chairman, Executive Committee Member

  Robert Grillo is Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Florida International University. Robert has been a leader in the I.T. industry for more than 20 years. His passion for leading FIU’s Division of Information Technology is fueled by a commitment to delivering the most innovative technological advancements to the university community. Robert has fostered partnerships and collaborations with local organizations and businesses to bring technologies to the South Florida community, with particular emphasis on STEM programs. Robert has a B.A. from Florida International University and a Masters in Finance from Nova Southeastern University. Robert has received several awards and recognitions, one of them being 2018 HITEC (Hispanic IT Executive Council) Top 100 winner. He graduated from Columbus in 1987 and his son Alejandro is a 2020 alumnus as well.
• 

  Thomas Kruczek | *Executive Committee Member

  Following an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Trustees announced that Mr. Thomas Kruczek would be appointed Columbus' second president.
  
  With a thirty-plus year career that has successfully encompassed higher education and the business world, Tom is a proven leader and mentor with extensive experience in management, strategic planning, finance, and marketing. In addition to serving as the President of Notre Dame College for the last five years, Tom led South Florida based Lynn University’s College of Business & Management as Dean and served as the Executive Director for the Center for Entrepreneurship at both Syracuse University and Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. A strong fundraiser and networker, Tom has played a central role in the funding and establishment of numerous programs and facilities at four colleges that he has served, including a role in the $15 million College of Business building at Lynn and establishing the Caring Hearts Fund for students faced with financial emergencies at Notre Dame.
• 

  Jose Muñoz '90 | *Building & Grounds Committee Chairman, Executive Committee Member

  Jose Muñoz is the CEO of BCC Engineering one of the largest Transportation and Civil Engineering firms in the Southeast United States and Puerto Rico. He has over 30 years’ experience in the engineering and construction industry and his firm has been responsible for the design of many of the largest infrastructure projects in Florida, including the SR-826/ SR-836 Dolphin-Palmetto Interchange. He graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in several states and General Contractor. Jose was one of the early founders of the Columbus STEM program and has continued to support it ever since. He is continually focused on the future of the engineering industry and is dedicated to promoting careers in STEM and engineering at the high school and college levels. Jose graduated from Columbus in 1990 and his son Max will graduate this year, Class of 2022.

• Ray Abadin '77

  Ramón Abadín is a trial lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator. He has handled cases in state and federal courts. He has tried more than 35 cases to verdict, including cases in Florida and other states. Ramón has represented individuals and multinational corporations in high-stakes litigation. His experience includes handling complex commercial and tort matters, including those involving significant insurance components.

   

  Ramón is among the most prominent members of the greater Miami and Florida legal communities, having served as a past President of The Florida Bar -- the 3rd largest bar association in the United States, and as a past President of the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA). He was inducted into the prestigious American College of Trial Attorneys in 2015. (Membership is limited to 1% of practicing trial attorneys.) Ramón's numerous awards include The Florida Bar’s G. Kirk Haas Humanitarian Award, the Haitian Lawyers Association Significant Contribution Award, and CABA’s Passing of the Leadership Mentoring Award. He is rated AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5.0 by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™. Ramón also serves as a mediator and arbitrator. He has mediated complex tort and business disputes, including those involving insurance coverage issues. As an arbitrator, he offers well-reasoned decisions that are based on the record evidence and are consistent with the law and precedent.

   

  Ramon is a 1977 graduate of Christopher Columbus High School. His two sons, Michael (class of 2009) and David (class of 2011), also graduated from our school.
• 

  John Adams '82

  A leading strategic consultant in the area of construction and development, John Adams is the Managing Director of Strategic Redevelopment Group, a development company specializing in acquisition and redevelopment of commercial and investment grade real estate. Recently,  John and SRG have been involved in projects including Dixie Belle Shops (Pinecrest), Miami Seaquarium Dolphin Harbor & Penguin Encounter, and SeaVee Boat manufacturing facility (Medley).  John attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and received a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University's School of Engineering.  In 2016, he helped to start the Internship Program at Columbus and has since hosted over 100 students.  John was a 3-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball) at Columbus and is a member of the Columbus Athletic Hall of Fame.
• 

  Albert Barthelemy '91

  Albert J. Barthelemy is a 1991 graduate of Christopher Columbus High School. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management from Florida International University’s School of Engineering, has completed graduate course work at the University of Miami, and is a licensed State of Florida General
  Contractor.
  
  Throughout his 30-year professional career and as President of Form
  Construction Group, he has been the principal in charge of several award-winning projects, with primary emphasis on mid to high-rise shell construction, encompassing the structural erection of 5 out of the top 20 tallest buildings in the State of Florida. The Estates at Acqualina, the 830 Brickell Office Building, the Muse Residences, and the Ritz - Carlton in Sunny Isles just to highlight a few. In addition, Albert has notable project development collaboration in Panama, the
  Bahamas and Haiti.
  
  In the summer of 2022, Albert and John Lynskey ‘78 worked closely together in both establishing and with the assistance of other notable alumni, financially funding the inception of the Fred Foyo Memorial Scholarship Fund at Columbus.
  
  Albert has served on FIU’s President’s Council since 2014. He is married to Gloria Barthelemy. They have two children; Kate, a student at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, and Andrew, currently attending St. Louis Catholic school and looking forward to being a future Explorer, Class of 2031.
• 

  James Bernhardt

  Graduated from University of Florida’s School of Business in 1964 where Jim was also a starting linebacker and defensive captain his senior year. From 1965-2010, Jim ran a State Farm franchise. This private business ownership allowed for time to pursue a passion for coaching. Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s he coached football, basketball and baseball at Boys and Girls Clubs, Coral Gables and South Miami Khoury leagues and Epiphany Elementary. Currently, with the assistance of his daughter, Jill, manages Bernhardt Property Management.  
  
  

  In the 1990’s, Columbus was going to stop the 9th grade baseball program. Jim attained permission from the school to continue the program. He coached and ran program for one year and it is still running strong today. During this time, Br Angelo, Columbus Principal, stated the school’s administrative structure will be changing. Part of this change was to incorporate a board of directors. In 1998, Br Angelo asked Jim to help start the board and to serve as chair of the new executive board which he did for the first three years.  Served as past chair of the Boys and Girls Club Executive Board of Miami-dade. April 24th 1993,  admitted as an affiliated member of the Marist Brothers of the Province of Esopus.
• 

  Pat Call | Academic Committee Chairman

  Pat Call has served Christopher Columbus High School for over 40 years as a teacher, administrator, and guidance counselor.  The Massachusetts native, started her career at Columbus in 1977 when she started as an Advanced Biology Teacher and subsequently became the Science Department Chairperson.  Serving as Academic Dean from 1992 to 2013, her leadership enabled the school to implement a more comprehensive program of studies and start a dual enrollment partnership with Florida International University.  Pat holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Education in Counseling from Fitchburg State University and has earned post graduate credits at Nova Southeastern University.   She is a proud member of the Columbus Hall of Fame.
• 

  Cristina Capote

  Cristina Capote is the principal of St. Brendan Catholic Elementary School. She graduated from FIU with a bachelor’s degree in education and continued her studies at Nova Southeastern University where she earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She began her career in 2000, working for the Miami Dade County Public Schools and then in 2003 returned to the Catholic school system as a teacher at St. Brendan Elementary School. Shortly thereafter, in 2007, she became the Assistant Principal of the school. Her role as AP prepared her to assume the position of Principal in 2013. Under her many years of stewardship St. Brendan Elementary has grown to become one of the largest Elementary school’s in the Archdiocese of Miami. With academics remaining as one of her primary focuses, she has integrated technology at the center of all classrooms to promote a more engaging method of teaching and learning. In 2021, she led the school into achieving STREAM Certification from the Florida Catholic Conference.
• 

  Michael Carricarte '86

  Michael Carricarte is a highly regarded seasoned veteran in the insurance industry with more than 30 years of experience in the Latin American and Caribbean Market.   Michael and his family founded Amedex Insurance Company along with its medical network USA Medical Services, which generated more than $300 million in medical premiums and serviced over 1 million clients in 42 countries. When these companies were sold to Bupa Worldwide, Michael stayed on board supervising the transition and also led Pan-American Life Insurance's International Major Private Client Division as President.  Today, Michael  is the President and CEO of the new and robust AMEDEX ASSURANCE COMPANY which focuses on Term Life Insurance, combined with first level service and advanced technology.  Michael is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Owner/President Management Program.  
• 

  Nelson Fonseca '91

  President of Cirion Technologies’ Data Center business, Nelson Fonseca is a global executive and active investor with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the data center, information technology, cybersecurity, and telecommunications industries. Before Cirion, he was the CEO of Cyxtera Technologies, a global data center and interconnection services provider, and served as a Partner at Medina Capital, a private equity firm investing in innovative digital infrastructure and cybersecurity companies. Previously, Fonseca served in positions of increasing seniority, including President and Chief Operating Officer, at Terremark, a leading global provider of data center and managed services. He began his professional career as an engineer and innovator in the wireless network division at Nortel Networks and developed critical business relationships for Telcordia Technologies, formerly Bell Communications Research. 
  
  

  Fonseca is active in promoting philanthropic efforts in the areas of education and entrepreneurship. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Barry University, the Board of Directors of Christopher Columbus High School, the President’s Council at Florida International University, and previously served on the Board of eMerge Americas. He received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Barry University and his Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami. 
• 

  Cesar Llano ‘81

  Cesar Llano graduated from Columbus in 1981 and received his undergraduate and master degrees in architecture from Tulane University. He has a career in real estate investments that spans over thirty years that includes acquisitions, financing, development and construction. He currently serves as Director of Capital Asset Improvements for COFE Properties, LLC. Prior to COFE he served on the executive team of two major residential real estate developers. He has served as a Board Member of the Latin Builders Association and Committee Member of The Builders Association of South Florida; two prominent local building industry organizations. He is also a former Board Member of the Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority. Cesar is married to his wife Vivian and has three children; Vivianne, Andrea and Cesar ‘17.      
• 

  Daniel Llerena '01 | Finance Committee Chairman

  Daniel Llerena is currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Forward Science. Forward Science is a privately held MedTech company based in Houston, Texas.
  
  

  Forward Science was founded in 2012 with the goal of innovating technology to change more lives. Being completely vertically integrated, Forward Science designs develops, manufactures, commercializes, and supports its products in-house, ensuring the highest quality of standards coupled with superior service. Forward Science has quickly evolved into the industry leader for providing oral healthcare products worldwide. In addition to his finance and accounting duties, Daniel's responsibilities at Forward Science include human resources oversight and business development; as well as, assisting the engineering team on research and development projects. Prior to joining Forward Science, he spent over 10 in public accounting, during which time he worked at the "Big 4" accounting firms, specializing in the healthcare industry.
  
  Daniel graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in '01 and attended the University of Florida where he received his master’s degree in accounting.
• 

  Juan Carlos Mas '84

  Juan Carlos "J.C." Mas is the chairman of The Mas Group, which invests in infrastructure, real estate, and healthcare, offering capital funding and strategic advice. He founded Synergy Rents, a fast-growing construction equipment rental company, and owns several Bobcat dealerships in Florida. As president of Florida RE Holdings, he has developed various real estate properties across multiple states.
  
  

  Mr. Mas serves on the board of CareCloud and has been involved in various companies, including Neff Corporation, where he led its growth and sales. He also played key roles at MasTec, transforming it from a family-owned business to a major publicly traded company.
  
  

  Civically active, Mr. Mas has served on numerous boards, including Nicklaus Children's Hospital, and founded Empower Farms to support individuals with disabilities. He is a University of Miami graduate, where he earned his law degree, and lives in Coral Gables, Florida, with his wife and two sons.
• 

  Anthony Petisco '00

  Anthony F. Petisco is a First Vice President and Financial Advisory Branch Manager for the Wells Fargo Advisors, Coral Gables (Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company). He has been helping clients in the financial industry for the last 23 years and received his B.A. in Political Science from Florida International University in 2003. Anthony currently serves on the Miami Dade Community Council 10 board.  He has previously served on the Columbus High School Alumni Association Executive Committee and is a former Vice-Chairman of the Miami Dade Community Council 12. Anthony graduated from Columbus in 2000.

• Martin Pico '87 | Development Committee Chairman

  Martin Pico is a Principal of MMG Equity Partners, a family-owned real estate investment, management, and development company focused on the acquisition and long-term ownership, management, and development of shopping centers and commercial properties. Today MMG owns or has an interest in over 2,000,000 square feet of commercial real estate.

   

  Mr. Pico has been involved in real estate investment and development for over 30 years and is involved in numerous areas of the business including acquisition, due diligence, management, construction, and development.

   

  Mr. Pico is a graduate of the University of Miami with a BBA in Accounting as well as a JD and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is also a graduate of Christopher Columbus High School class of 1987.

   

  Mr. Pico is a member of numerous professional, civic, and charitable organizations and a graduate of Leadership Miami.
• 

  Rafael Roca '88 | Marketing Committee Chairman

  Rafael J. Roca is the Division President for D.R. Horton’s Southeast Florida Division and just recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary with the company. DR Horton (DHI on the NYSE) is the largest publicly traded homebuilder in the country for 21 consecutive years. Rafael has climbed the corporate ladder and filled various roles throughout his career in Southeast Florida division.  The area Rafael covers is Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin County.

   

  Rafael is the immediate past president of the Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) as well a long-standing member of the Builder’s Association of South Florida (BASF).  He will soon be joining the Board of directors for the Latin Builder’s Association (LBA) which he has been a member of for over 20 years. Rafael has been named one of Southeast Florida Business Journal’s Top 250 Real Estate Power Leaders for nine consecutive years.

   

  Born in Miami and raised along with two brothers and two sisters to Cuban-born parents, he learned early that hard work is the only way to move ahead.  He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1988, where he currently serves on the School Board, before that he spent 11 years on the Alumni Association Committee of which 6 of those years he served as President. He attended Florida International University’s School of Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Construction Management in 1995 while maintaining a full time job at the time.  Upon graduation Rafael went on to get his Certified General Contractor’s license, where he has been the qualifier for DR Horton since his early years with the Company.

   

  Rafael has been happily married since 1996 to his lovely wife Elena and together they have five wonderful children, three boys (all of which have since graduated from Christopher Columbus High School) and two girls (which both have attended Lourdes Academy) and four grandchildren. Rafael’s passions include boating in the Keys, skiing in Vail or just enjoying a good glass of wine.  But most importantly for him, it’s about spending time with his family and closest friends that he cherishes most.
• 

  Danny Rodriguez '08

  Danny Rodriguez is the Cofounder and President of BLUE Missions, a non-profit organization that connects rural communities to clean water and sanitation while inspiring a generation of global citizens through service-driven travel. After traveling to the Dominican Republic to work on a water project as a 16 year-old student at CCHS, Danny felt a calling to do more to address the global water crisis. During his time at FIU, where he obtained a BBA specializing in Finance and International Business, Danny co-founded BLUE Missions in 2010, which has provided clean water and sanitation to over 30,000 people across 130 rural communities throughout Latin America. Over 2,500 high school and college students have traveled with BLUE Missions to assist in the construction of these projects opening their eyes to great needs that exist on our planet and helping them realize the power they have to change the world. Since its inception, BLUE Missions has raised over $5,000,000 to advance their mission of ending the global water and sanitation crisis in our lifetime. Danny graduated from Columbus in 2008.
• 

  Mario Sueiras '91

  A Class of ’91 graduate, Mario Sueiras has worked as an insurance professional for over 25 years. Since 2008, he has owned and operated the first GEICO Local Office in the Miami market. Before working in the Insurance industry, Mario attended the University of Central Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education.

   

  Mario was a teacher for Miami-Dade County Public Schools while simultaneously obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University and receiving his 2-20 P&C Florida Insurance License. After a few years of teaching, Mario changed course when he had an opportunity to work at a small business in premium finance where his primary role was servicing accounts and establishing new business.

   

  Additionally, as an entrepreneur, he owned and operated a business financing industrial equipment. Mario worked in premium finance until he was appointed to represent GEICO Insurance in Miami.

   

  Mario is married to Sandra and has two children, Sofia and Mario E. ’24. He is also a proud uncle to three additional CCHS Alumni (Anthony Lopez, Max & Alex Gonzalez-Brito).