Miami Chamber Hires Vice President For Advocacy

By Tom Harlan
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce has added an advocacy director, completing its mission to fill its senior team with experts from the private and public sectors.

Rana Brown joined the chamber’s staff Monday as vice president for advocacy after working in intergovernmental affairs for Miami-Dade County. In her new role, Ms. Brown is to direct the advocacy group with Tony Villamil, the chamber’s lead volunteer for advocacy and CEO of Washington Economics Group.

Ms. Brown is to oversee the chamber’s position on local, state and federal advocacy and ethics and evaluate elected officials on issues related to business, said Barry Johnson, the chamber’s executive vice president of marketing and communications.

In addition, she is to give the chamber a stronger role in politics by establishing contact with politicians and informing members of political issues.

Ms. Brown was chosen because she has extensive experience in local politics and has a background working with the Legislature in Tallahassee, Mr. Johnson said.

In August, officials said the chamber’s mission is to work with businesses, politicians and members to promote interests around the world and bring value and international exposure to members.

In the past three months, the chamber has added vice presidents for membership services, economic development and government advocacy.

Maria Acosta, a former corporate executive with more than 20 years of experience in finance and marketing, was hired in August as vice president of membership services and marketing.

Maria Masvidal-Visser, former CEO of a public-relations company, was hired in August as vice president of international economic development to lead international growth initiatives for the chamber.

The addition of Ms. Brown rounds out the senior team, Mr. Johnson said.

"We are delighted to have her as part of our team," he said. "Her experience will bring benefit to all members on matters of advocacy."