C-Suite Miami Leadership Summit Highlights Public-Private Collaboration Driving Downtown’s Transformation

Executives from real estate, mobility, healthcare, and communications discussed leadership in times of change, as Miami Downtown emerges as a model for urban renewal and economic growth.

Collaboration between the private sector and public authorities is making a real difference in Downtown Miami. That feeling captured the spirit of the C-Suite Miami Leadership Summit, held on August 21 by Experience Club US in partnership with the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The event brought together dozens of executives in an environment defined by networking and forward-looking discussions on the future of South Florida’s economy.

The setting could not have been more symbolic. Downtown Miami is undergoing an unprecedented renewal, with 34 construction cranes currently in operation — more than in the entire state of California — and landmark projects such as the new Signature Bridge, that not only represents a new urban icon but also promises to reconnect communities and prepare the city for accelerated growth.

Against this backdrop, panelists shared complementary perspectives on how to lead in times of transformation. Patrick Goddard, CEO of Brightline, highlighted the strategic role of the high-speed rail system connecting Miami to Orlando. The project has already invested more than US$1 billion in the region, while strongly boosting real estate markets around its stations.

Another standout speaker was Russell Galbut, real estate legend and Managing Principal of Crescent Heights. Widely recognized as a key figure in Miami’s urban development, Galbut emphasized the importance of projects that integrate real estate with mobility, leisure, and community spaces, consolidating the city’s position as a global reference in urban living.

The institutional perspective came from Michaeljohn Green, Chief of Economic Development & Strategy at the Miami DDA, who presented the city’s repositioning strategy to establish Downtown as a hub for business and innovation. According to Green, the current transformation stems from the ability to align public policy, private investment, and talent attraction.

The program also addressed the human and cultural dimensions of leadership. Jaime Casado, CEO of Reto Health & Performance, spoke about health and technology as pillars for executive high performance, while Tina Elmowitz, Chief People Officer at RBB Communications, highlighted communication and people management as competitive advantages during times of organizational change.

“The C-Suite Miami Leadership Summit delivered both strategic content and an environment rich in connections, while reinforcing Downtown Miami’s role as a natural stage for discussions on the future of South Florida’s economy,” summarized Marcelo Goulart, CEO of Experience Club US.