Javier Alberto Soto
President and CEO
Javier Alberto Soto is the President and CEO of The Miami Foundation, a nonprofit that has helped hundreds of individuals, families and corporations deepen the impact they make with philanthropy.
A key asset Javier brings is his extensive knowledge and relationships across all of Miami and in federal, state and local government. Throughout his career he has worked on a wide range of public policy issues. This is important as the Foundation is more often being called on to bring together diverse groups to tackle significant issues in our community. Prior to joining the Foundation, Javier served as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Dutko Worldwide, a multi-disciplinary public affairs firm.
He spent much of his career in the public sector as a litigator in the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office, the County’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs where he was responsible for the development and advocacy of the County’s state and federal legislative agenda and then Chief of Staff to former County Mayor Alex Penelas. It was as Chief of Staff that he oversaw operations, including policy development and media strategy. Upon completion of Mayor Penelas’ term in office, Javier was the Transition Chairman for Mayor Carlos Alvarez.
Javier graduated cum laude in History and Political Science from Florida State University and earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
Charisse Grant
Senior Vice President for Programs
Charisse Grant is the Senior Vice President for Programs. She leads the Foundation’s grantmaking and leadership development programs. Charisse joined the Foundation in 1995 and has extensive community and nonprofit knowledge and experience helping donors and national funders achieve their philanthropic goals. Before joining the Foundation, she was a reporter for the Miami Herald newspaper covering a range of issues and graduated from the University of Missouri. She is a member of Leadership Florida Class XXIX, is an International Women’s Forum Fellow, served on the board of the Children’s Trust and the City of Miami Bond Oversight Board and worked as a volunteer teacher in southern Africa.
C. Emily Gresham
Vice President for Development
Emily Gresham is the Vice President for Development. She leads all development and donor services functions at the Foundation. Prior to joining The Miami Foundation, Emily was with the University of Miami for nearly eight years where she last oversaw undergraduate fundraising, external affairs and community relations. She also played a key role in the success of the Momentum Campaign that raised $1.4 billion. Emily graduated cum laude from Hunter College in New York City and earned an MBA from the University of Miami. Emily currently serves on the Boards of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, the Miami Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the College Assistance Program. She has also served as a Board member of the Coral Gables Community Foundation and a volunteer mentor for City Year.
Nancy Jones
Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications
Nancy Jones is the Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications. She leads the Foundation’s efforts to increase levels of civic engagement; influence policy on issues of importance to the Foundation and communication strategy. Nancy is a South Florida native, returning to her hometown four years ago after living in St. Louis, Washington DC and Key West. She has more than ten years executive experience in the field and serves on several boards and committees for organizations including the Council on Foundations, National Urban Fellows and the Knight Foundation. Nancy speaks frequently on Miami’s civic health and on social media.
Development
Janell Benzaquen
Development Officer
Janell Benzaquen is a Development Officer. In this role, she serves as personal advisor to our philanthropists assisting them with research, grant recommendations and Fund management. She is also responsible for coordinating and maintaining relationships with Fundholders and prospective donors. Janell received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida International University.
Julie Bindbeutel
Development Officer
Julie Bindbeutel is a Development Officer. Julie is responsible for providing a high level of customer service for the Foundation’s Fundholders and Donors, assisting with research, grant recommendations and Fund management. She is also responsible for maintaining the Foundation’s relationships with Professional Advisors. Julie moved to Miami from St. Louis after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Loyola University of New Orleans. In her previous positions, Julie has gained years of experience in the nonprofit field specializing in donor relations.
Michelle Huttenhoff
Development Assistant
Michelle Huttenhoff is the Development Assistant. Michelle processes all donor acknowledgements, assists philanthropists with information about their Fund and provides administrative support for the Foundation. She received her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Education from the University of Miami. During her time at the University of Miami, Michelle participated in various service projects through the school’s Alternative Spring Break program and was actively involved with Best Buddies and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Programs
Betty Alonso
Director of Programs
Betty Alonso is the Director of Programs. She leads community initiatives with local and national foundations which increase the Foundation’s impact in the issues of child abuse, youth who turn 18 and are forced out of the foster care system, populations with physical and mental needs and HIV prevention. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and a Masters in Human Resource Development. She chairs Grassroots Grantmakers, is an advisor to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation childhood obesity initiative, is a member of the county’s Community Based Organizations Advisory Board. Betty is a graduate of Leadership Miami and is a Southeastern Council of Foundations Hull Fellow.
Marianne Maduro
Senior Program Officer
Marianne Maduro is the Senior Program Officer. She is responsible for leading the Foundation’s grant programs and ensuring that grantmaking is aligned with the Foundation’s goal of building a stronger community through leadership and philanthropy. Prior to joining The Miami Foundation she served as the Corporate Social Responsibility Market Specialist for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties at Bank of America. Marianne, a Miami native, received her bachelor degree in Sociology from Florida International University.
Pamela Cirimele
Program Assistant
Pamela Cirimele is the Program Assistant. She assists with all aspects of the request for proposal process. Pamela reviews grant proposals and conducts related follow-up as well as ensuring grantee compliance. Pamela is from New York City and has spent the last 14 years in Miami. She is currently attending Florida International University completing her degree in communications.
Public Affairs and Communications
Maryam Laguna
Communications Officer
Maryam Laguna is the Communications Officer. She responsible for the Foundation's communication strategies and activities. She also supports many public affairs initiatives, including the Engaged Youth program. Prior to joining the Foundation, Maryam worked at City Year Miami. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters in Public Policy and a Bachelors of Arts degree. She is on the Executive Committee of the Y Young Professional Board, an active member of the University of Florida Alumni Assoication, and Florida Blue Key.
Jay Lundy
Public Affairs Officer
Jay Lundy is the Public Affairs Officer. He is responsible for many of the public affairs and public policy initiatives of the organization, including its efforts to improve civic engagement and leadership in Miami. Prior to joining The Foundation, Jay worked as a Regional Finance Director for Kendrick Meek's US Senate campaign and as a middle and high school teacher with Teach for America in New York City. Jay graduated from Harvard with a BA in Government. He serves on the Advisory Board at his alma mater, Saint Edward's School in Vero Beach, FL, and is an active member of the Harvard Alumni Association.
Finance
James Benezra
Senior Accountant
James Benezra is the Senior Accountant. He is responsible for Investment and bank reconciliations and analysis as well as general ledger accountability. Prior to joining the Foundation, James worked as a fiscal accountant for several years with nonprofit corporations in Miami. He graduated from Strayer University with a Masters degree in Accounting.
Casey Dachs
Finance Associate
Casey Dachs is the Finance Assoicate. She is responsible for working with our fiscal sponsorship and fiscal agency Fundholders. Casey attended the University of Central Florida where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. While in school, she served on the Financial Management Association’s Event Committee, and was a finance intern for the Orlando Health Foundation. Casey has volunteered with the Children’s Bereavement Center and Junior Achievement. She was also instrumental in organizing the Toby Dachs Spin-a-Thon for four years, helping to raise $80,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Administration
Nancy Granja
Executive Assistant to the President
Office Administrator
Nancy Granja is the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO and Office Administrator. In this role, she assists the President and CEO with the Board of Trustees and ensures excellent customer service and a smooth, dynamic office environment. Prior to the Foundation, Nancy worked at Korn/Ferry International and American Airlines.