The Florida Council of 100, a leading business organization dedicated to promoting economic growth and prosperity in Florida, is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Simas to the position of President of the Florida Council of 100.  Michael has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the Council since January.  Bob Ward will remain as CEO until his retirement, having recently notified the board of his intentions to step down as President & CEO after more than seven years of service to the Council and 37 years to the state, effective December 31, 2023.  

Michael brings to the role over 20 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors.  Prior to joining the Council of 100, he served as Executive Vice President of the Partnership for New York City, where he led efforts to promote economic growth and job creation in the city.  Simas has had a long career as a senior advisor to CEOs, developing and executing groundbreaking business initiatives in collaboration with global, federal, state, and local leaders.

“We are grateful that Michael, like many Americans, has decided to bring his talents and business acumen to the most successful state in the country,” said Eric Silagy, Chairman of the Florida Council of 100.  “He will be a tremendous asset not only to the Council of 100, but to Florida overall as we find new ways to propel the state to even greater heights.”

“The Council of 100 has a long history of driving positive outcomes for our state and its residents by developing thoughtful, business driven public policy,” said Sen. George LeMieux, Vice Chairman of the Florida Council of 100.  “Michael is an expert in this space, and we look forward to his contributions to continue this legacy as our new President.”

“We are thrilled to have Michael Simas as our new President.  His experience and expertise in convening private sector leadership to promote economic growth and prosperity make him the perfect candidate to lead the Council,” said Bob Ward, Florida Council of 100 CEO.

“I am honored to be appointed as the President of the Florida Council of 100.  I look forward to working with the business leaders of the state to drive economic development and create opportunities for all Floridians,” said Mr. Simas.

The Florida Council of 100 is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of business leaders committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people of our state. First established in 1961 by Governor Farris Bryant, for more than six decades, the Council has been charged with providing advice on key policy issues from the business community’s perspective to Florida’s elected leaders and government officials across the political and ideological spectrum. Today, the Florida Council of 100 represents more than 140 businesses that employ over 1.3 million people throughout Florida.