Carlos Garcia’s professional experience includes providing governmental affairs, business development, public relations, community outreach, and project management support in the public and private sectors, including education, utilities, transportation, and economic development. As a Business Development Advisor for the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA), Carlos manages the agency’s Business Incentive Program. He is responsible for recruiting new-to-market companies and supporting the current ecosystem to increase high-wage jobs and help ensure a soft landing for companies looking to establish their headquarters or expand to the Miami Downtown area. Before joining the Miami DDA, Carlos was a sub-consultant for the Florida Department of Transportation Districts Six and Four. He assisted in developing communications and outreach plans, created and distributed collateral materials, and coordinated and conducted public meetings and special events for transportation-related projects. Carlos also served as a sub-consultant for the Florida Power and Light Storm-Secure Underground Pilot Program, providing communication and outreach support, data management, planning, and scheduling duties associated with overhead and underground power line construction projects. Additionally, Carlos held several positions with Miami Dade County Public Schools, first as an SBE Contract Compliance Manager for the Office of Economic Opportunity, where he was responsible for improving business and economic development opportunities for small and minority/women-owned businesses by conducting community outreach events, public speaking engagements, and managing certifications for the Small Business Enterprise Program, and would later be promoted to the Office of Communications where he was responsible for managing the access to public records and School Board meetings and agenda materials, posted/announced meetings in compliance with Florida’s Government-In-The-Sunshine Law, and assisted callers and visitors in identifying appropriate staff to address particular issues. Carlos is a graduate of Miami-Dade College with a Bachelor’s in Supervision and Management, a graduate of St. Thomas University with a Master’s in Management, and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Ethical Leadership at St. Thomas University.
