Thursday, October 30, 2014

Barreto elected chairman of Wildlife Foundation of Florida

Miami businessman Rodney Barreto is the new chairman of the Wildlife Foundation of Florida (WFF). Barreto succeeds outgoing chairman Ken Haddad at the helm of the citizen-support organization of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

"I am honored to move into my new role as the Foundation's chairman," Barreto said. "I vow to work with our conservation partners to keep the organization moving forward as a leader in promoting and supporting fish and wildlife conservation in Florida."

The new chairman has a distinguished career of community service as well as success in the business field.

He has served on the WFF board for 3 years, most recently as its vice chairman. In addition, he served as a commissioner with the FWC for 10 years, including seven terms as its chairman.

Barreto is president and CEO of Barreto Group, Inc., a diversified company specializing in corporate and public affairs consulting and real estate investment. He is also the founding partner of Floridian Partners, LLC, with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Tallahassee. Floridian Partners operates at all levels of government and is never more than two degrees away from accessing a key decision-maker on any given client matter, whether that client needs to impact proposed state legislation, a local or state agency regulation, local government ordinance, the state budget, or a local or state RFP opportunity.

Rodney Barreto is widely known for his involvement in the community where he grew up. He was chairman of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee in both 2010 and 2007. He was also chairman of the 76th annual U.S. Conference of Mayors, as well as its 62nd annual conference, both held in Miami.

He is a board member for U.S. Century Bank, one of the fastest-growing and best-capitalized community banks in Florida. Additionally, he is a member of the Florida Council of 100 and sits on the boards of the Baptist Hospital Health Foundation and Goodwill Industries of South Florida.
Barreto expressed excitement about the WFF's new "I Do" campaign - a statewide effort to encourage people to show their support of fish and wildlife conservation by purchasing a fishing license.

"Working with our conservation partners, we are determined to educate people about the tremendous economic value of a $17 fishing license to our state's fish and wildlife resources," he said. "Our goal is to sell 200,000 additional licenses in two years, with the proceeds going directly to building boat ramps, fishery research, habitat programs and much more."

More information about the Wildlife Foundation of Florida is available at www.wildlifefoundationofflorida.com.

Media contact: Tim O'Neil, 850-212-5454, TONeil@WildlifeFlorida.org