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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA

GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION

CASE NO.:

DR. SUSAN EPSTEIN GARCIA;

ELIZABETH RAMSAY;

DR. A.J. KREIDER; DR. IRENE

LIPOF; DR. ANNETTE GIBSON;

SARAH GARMAN; DR. MARIE

ETIENNE; and DR. ROSANY

ALVAREZ,

Plaintiffs,

v.

THE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE, FLORIDA,

Defendant.

______________________________________/

COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

COME NOW, Plaintiffs, DR. SUSAN EPSTEIN GARCIA, ELIZABETH RAMSAY,

DR. A.J. KREIDER, DR. IRENE LIPOF, DR. ANNETTE GIBSON, SARAH GARMAN, DR.

MARIE ETIENNE, and DR. ROSANY ALVAREZ (hereinafter “Plaintiffs”), by and through the

undersigned counsel, and file this Complaint against Defendant THE DISTRICT BOARD OF

TRUSTEES OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE, FLORIDA (hereinafter “Board,” “Trustees” or

“Board of Trustees”), alleging as follows:

1. Miami Dade College (hereinafter “MDC” or the “College”) is the largest

institution of higher education in the country, with eight campuses located throughout Miami-

Dade County. The College has a vital mission within the local community:

The mission of Miami Dade College is to change lives through the opportunity of

education. As democracy’s college, MDC provides high quality teaching and

learning experiences that are accessible and affordable to meet the needs of our

diverse students and prepare them to be responsible global citizens and successful

Filing # 93417483 E-Filed 07/31/2019 08:01:45 AM

2019-022673-CA-01

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lifelong learners. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic,

cultural and civic beacon in our community.

Exhibit 1 at 1 (March 21, 2019 Presidential Search Committee Meeting Minutes).

2. Plaintiffs bring this critical suit because the mission of the College is at stake as a

result of Defendant’s arbitrary and capricious actions in violating the established, transparent

search process for the College’s next President, which was subject to strictly enforced procedures

and the Florida Sunshine Law, Chapter 286, Florida Statutes (hereinafter “Florida Sunshine

Law”).

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

3. This is an action seeking equitable relief and declaratory relief pursuant to

Chapter 86, Florida Statutes. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Fla. Stat. §§ 26.012(c) and

86.011.

4. The actions and violations of due process complained of herein occurred in Miami-

Dade County, Florida.

5. All conditions precedent to bringing this action have been performed, excused or

waived.

6. Venue is appropriate in Miami-Dade County, Florida as the cause of action accrued

in Miami-Dade County. Fla. Stat. § 47.011. All of the College’s eight campuses are located in the

County. The Board of Trustees violated the law in the County.

PARTIES

7. Plaintiff Dr. Susan Epstein Garcia is a Professor of Music at MDC’s New World

School of the Arts.

8. Plaintiff Elizabeth Ramsay is an English professor at MDC and a leader of the

faculty. She teaches students for whom English is not their first language.

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9. Plaintiff Dr. A.J. Kreider is a Philosophy Professor. He teaches courses that include

the study of ethics.

10. Plaintiff Dr. Irene Lipof is a retired 48-year Education and Social Science Professor

at the College, former Dean, and former student of the College.

11. Plaintiff Dr. Annette Gibson is a retired MDC Nursing Professor who prepared

students to become nurses in the community.

12. Plaintiff Sarah Garman is a Humanities Professor at MDC. Plaintiff Garman was a

member of the Presidential Search Committee who expended numerous hours in searching and

screening for qualified applicants, all under the Florida Sunshine Law.

13. Plaintiff Dr. Marie Etienne is a Professor at MDC Benjamín León School of Nursing

at the Medical Campus. Plaintiff Etienne was a member of the Presidential Search Committee who

expended numerous hours in searching and screening for qualified applicants, all under the Florida

Sunshine Law.

14. Plaintiff Dr. Rosany Alvarez is a Mathematics Professor at MDC. Plaintiff Alvarez

was a member of the Presidential Search Committee who expended numerous hours in searching

and screening for qualified applicants, all under the Florida Sunshine Law.

15. Defendant THE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MIAMI DADE

COLLEGE, FLORIDA is the board of trustees that governs the College. Fla. Stat. §§ 1001.60(3),

1001.63-64. The Board is comprised of seven (7) members. Fla. Stat. § 1001.61(1). The Board has

“all powers and duties of a body corporate, including the power to . . . sue or be sued, [and] to plead

and be impleaded in all courts of law or equity.” Fla. Stat. § 1001.63. The longstanding members of

the Board are Bernie Navarro and Benjamín León III. The remaining five (5) members, who were

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recently appointed, are: Marcell Felipe, Carlos Migoya, Dr. Anay Abraham, Michael Bileca, and

Nicole Washington.

16. As the governing body of a leading and acclaimed institution of higher learning

within the Florida State College system, Defendant Board is bound by the ethics rules of the Florida

Department of Education. Under the Board of Trustees Code of Ethics, Defendant must “bear in

mind that the primary function of the Board is to establish policies for governance of the

institution,” and must “consider the viewpoint of citizens, organizations and businesses in the

district with respect to establishing policy on current college operations and proposed future

developments.” Further, Trustees are required to “protect the mission of student learning . . . and the

long-term interests of the College.” Importantly, Trustees are to “base decisions on what is best for

the College and not on special interests.” Florida Department of Education, Role & Responsibility

of a Trustee, http://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/trustees/role-responsibility-

of-a-trustee.stml (last visited Jul. 30, 2019).

17. Plaintiffs’ rights are being violated by the Board’s arbitrary and capricious actions

with respect to the nationwide search for MDC’s next President, the chief executive officer of the

College under Section 1001.65, Florida Statutes.

18. Plaintiffs seek immediate declaratory and injunctive relief to protect their rights. The

College’s educational mission, reputation, independence, transparency, legitimacy and community

role are at stake.

FACTS

19. Plaintiffs Dr. Susan Epstein Garcia, Elizabeth Ramsay, Dr. A.J. Kreider, Dr. Irene

Lipof, Dr. Annette Gibson, Sarah Garman, Dr. Marie Etienne, and Dr. Rosany Alvarez are or

were members of the MDC community and are stakeholders in the critical Presidential search

http://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/trustees/role-responsibility-of-a-trustee.stml

http://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/trustees/role-responsibility-of-a-trustee.stml

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process abruptly and recklessly abandoned by the Defendant Board of Trustees that is at issue

before this Court.

20. Plaintiffs are current and former outstanding MDC Professors. They are pillars of

the local community, and champions of the College “to achieve excellence and to provide access to

undergraduate education,” “to ensure superior commitment to teaching and learning,” and to “meet

the demand of communities by aligning certification and degree programs with local and regional

workforce needs,” as enshrined in the Florida Constitution. Fla. Const. art. IX, § 8.

21. Plaintiffs Sarah Garman, Dr. Marie Etienne, and Dr. Rosany Alvarez all were

selected and served as members of the Presidential Search Committee.

22. For decades, Miami Dade College has been a model of higher education and an

“economic, cultural and civic beacon” in the local community. Ex. 1 at 1.

23. Nearly 60 years ago, the College began operations with its first day of classes.

Known at the time as Dade County Junior College, the institution was open to any county resident

who had graduated from high school. The College was the first racially integrated junior college in

the state of Florida.

24. In the nearly six decades since it opened its doors, the College has become a diverse,

exceptional and world-renowned institution of higher learning. According to its website:

We are “Democracy’s College.” This is a title that we do not take lightly. It is the

essence of our institution and drives the core work of our mission. MDC was

founded in 1960 to serve all students in Miami-Dade County – to provide higher

education to those who would not otherwise have that opportunity.

MDC has eight campuses strategically located throughout Miami-Dade County, and

offers more than 300 programs and pathways in certificate, associate and

baccalaureate programs. We serve the underserved. MDC enrolls and graduates

more minority students than any college or university in the United States.

Additionally, we grant more associate degrees than any other institution in the

nation.

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Miami Dade College, Presidential Search – About the Institution,

https://www.mdc.edu/presidential-search/about.aspx (last visited Jul. 30, 2019).

25. Since 1995, Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón (hereinafter “President Padrón” or “Dr. Padrón”)

has served as the College’s President and chief executive officer. In his nearly 25 years in the role,

President Padrón has become an iconic and leading figure in American higher education. He has

been recognized throughout the world for elevating the College to a position as one of the best and

most recognized U.S. colleges and universities. According to the MDC website:

Dr. Padrón’s pace setting work at Miami Dade College has been hailed as a model

of innovation in higher education. He is credited with engineering a culture of

success that has produced impressive results in student access, retention, graduation,

and overall achievement. MDC enrolls and graduates more minorities than any other

institution in the United States, including the largest numbers of Hispanics and

African-Americans. Under Dr. Padrón’s leadership, Miami Dade College has

received national recognition for its longstanding involvement with its urban

community, its catalytic effect for social and economic change, and the marked

difference the College has made in student access and success through pace-setting

initiatives.

Miami Dade College, Leadership, https://www.mdc.edu/about/leadership/president-bio.aspx (last

visited Jul. 30, 2019).

26. On or around February 1, 2019, President Padrón announced his plan to retire from

his position as MDC President in August 2019.

27. This led to the Board of Trustees establishing an exhaustive and complex search

process to find a candidate to fill Dr. Padron’s vacancy and to lead the College successfully into the

future. This search process was to meet all legal requirements, including, but not limited to, full

transparency mandated under the Florida Sunshine Law.

28. Pursuant to Section 1001.64(19), Florida Statutes, the Board appoints the College

President. The Board also has the power to appoint a search committee for the appointment process.

Fla. Stat. § 1001.64(19).

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29. On or around March 19, 2019, a Presidential Search Committee (hereinafter the

“Committee”) was appointed. In doing so, Defendant delegated the search and selection of the final

pool of qualified candidates for the College’s next President to the Committee. Members of the

Board of Trustees were entitled to observe and to monitor the entire selection and screening process.

30. On March 21, 2019, the Presidential Search Committee convened for the first time.

The 17-member Committee included Mr. Bernie Navarro, Chair of the Defendant Board and also of

the Committee, and members of the community and the College, including students, MDC

professors and support staff, the President and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce,

the President and CEO of the Miami Foundation, and the President of the United Way of Miami-

Dade County. The 17 members are outstanding members of the community: Bernie Navarro; Dr.

Malou Harrison; Sarah Garman; Dr. Marie Etienne; Dr. Rosany Alvarez; Peter Davila; Carolina

Mendoza; Bettie Thompson; J. Ernie Diaz; Al Salas; Roberto Martinez, Esquire; Al Dotson, Jr.,

Esquire; Louis Wolfson; Jose Mas; Javier Soto; Alfred Sanchez; and Maria C. Alonso.

31. Committee and Board of Trustees Chair Navarro was quoted as discussing the

importance of the search for the next President as follows: “We need someone who understands a

large and complex institution as Miami Dade College with 165,000 students, eight campuses which

can be a university anywhere in the United States.” Corbin Bolies, Presidential Search Committee

Meets for First Time Amid Board Changes, The Reporter, Mar. 29, 2019,

https://www.mdcthereporter.com/presidential-search-committee-meets-for-first-time-amid-board-

changes/.

32. At the Committee’s first meeting, there was also recognition that the Committee’s

Presidential search process legally had to be “open and transparent.” Exhibit 1 at Page 5-2 (March

21, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes). Committee Chair Navarro steadfastly enforced the integrity

https://www.mdcthereporter.com/presidential-search-committee-meets-for-first-time-amid-board-changes/

https://www.mdcthereporter.com/presidential-search-committee-meets-for-first-time-amid-board-changes/

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of the Presidential Search Committee during the entire process. In fact, the longest standing

Trustees, Chair Bernie Navarro and Benjamín León, were steadfast advocates for a legal and

transparent search process.

33. The March 21, 2019 Committee meeting began the complex and time-intensive

process for selection of the College’s next President. The process established by Defendant included

the Board’s retention of Diversified Search, a nationally recognized firm to support the Committee’s

search and selection processes. Diversified has successfully conducted other presidential searches

for institutions of higher education. The Board established an announced timeline and deadlines for

the expansive nationwide search process. At the end of the process, the Committee was to select

four qualified finalists from which the Defendant was to appoint the College’s next President by in

or around the end of July 2019.

34. From March 2019 through July 2019, the Committee met continuously to diligently

complete its prescribed tasks in accordance with the law. During this time, the Committee worked

with Diversified Search for multiple levels of screening and interviews. About 500 potential

candidates inquired or were contacted, and over 50 applied. Countless hours were expended in the

search process by its 17 highly respected and dedicated members.

35. Throughout the search process, the Committee, the public, the College community,

and Plaintiffs were assured of the legitimacy of the Defendant’s established process for selecting the

next MDC President.

36. The April 25, 2019 Committee minutes reflect a discussion between Committee

Chair Navarro and Committee member Jose Mas regarding deadlines for the submission of

candidate applications. According to the minutes:

Mr. Mas stated that setting a deadline handcuffs them, so why implement a deadline

when at the end of the day when the committee makes a recommendation to the

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Board and the Board doesn’t like the recommendation, its members will do

whatever they want anyway. Therefore, in theory a deadline is not a real deadline.

He added, that the Board could hire a candidate outside of their purview. Defendant

and Committee Chair Navarro responded, no it couldn’t.

Exhibit 2 at Page 2 (April 25, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes).

37. The May 30, 2019 Committee minutes reflect the following:

Chair Navarro ensured Presidential Search Committee members that their work was

not in vain; a message was made clear to stakeholders and applicants that this is an

important open and transparent process. He reviewed the amount of work he has put

forth in this effort. He thanked members for their hard work, and noted that at the

Defendant Board meeting, the motions put forth to change the criteria for candidates

did not pass. New Board members wanted the changes to enlarge the candidate pool.

The Search Committee will remain on the current path as it is wrong to change

things midstream and transparency will continue. Committee Member Javier Soto

thanked Defendant and Committee Chair Navarro and noted that it would have been

a disservice if the motions had passed. Committee Member Peter Davila agreed with

Mr. Soto and as a representative of the support staff and employees of the College,

he expected no less from Trustees and expects the presidential search to be

transparent.

Exhibit 3 at Page 2 (May 30, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes).

38. On June 19 and 20, 2019, the Committee conducted two days of video interviews

with seven semi-finalists. Based on these interviews—and after nearly 500 hundred inquiries,

months of screening, and a significant amount of time and effort by the members of the College

community and the local community who devoted the time to this arduous but momentous

process—the Committee selected four qualified finalists for the position of College President. As

the minutes reflect:

[Committee member] Mr. Jose Mas replied that he was initially concerned with the

qualification guidelines for candidates and explained why. He concluded by saying

that now that he had been involved in such a detailed process, he is convinced that

the interviews have yielded some very high-quality candidates, who can lead Miami

Dade College to an even greater level. He concluded his remarks by stating that the

Search Committee had done a good job and the community should feel very

comfortable with the process. The Chair agreed and noted that all State colleges

throughout Florida are led by people who have the same qualifications listed in the

search’s job description.

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Exhibit 4 at Pages 2-3 (June 19-20, 2019 Committee Meeting Minutes).

39. On July 22 and 23, 2019, the four finalists toured several MDC campuses.

Culminating the months-long search process, each finalist made a presentation to the College

community on his or her vision for the institution.

40. On July 24, 2019, the four finalists selected by the Committee under the established

process took part in on-campus interviews with the members of the Board.

41. On the afternoon of July 24, 2019, members of the public and the College

community convened for the Board’s vote—the publicized and well-known conclusion to the

established selection process for the next MDC President. The vote was publicly advertised and

subject to the Florida Sunshine Law as required by law.

42. Rather than follow the established procedures, a majority of the Board members

voted to stop the established selection process.

43. The Board also voted to keep one of the four finalists selected by the Committee in

the running for President. In doing so, the Board legitimized the validity and success of its

established process and the Committee’s work, adding to the arbitrariness of its action. The

Committee’s work and the process was effective enough to select one highly qualified finalist, but

was rejected in all other respects.

44. The Board has violated the heralded selection process it put in place. In doing so,

Defendant has acted arbitrarily and capriciously, thereby violating Plaintiffs’ procedural due process

rights.

45. In addition, on July 28, 2019, one of Defendant’s member Trustees, Marcell Felipe,

appeared on the CBS4 television station on Jim DeFede’s “Facing South Florida” show. As further

evidence of the arbitrary and capricious nature of Defendant’s actions, when Trustee Felipe was

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asked about why the months-long search process had been abandoned, he made the following

statement: “You want me to jump in bed at the last minute, at least take me to dinner, give me some

wine, and let’s see where it leads.” Jim DeFede, Facing South Florida: Selecting a New Miami

Dade College President, CBS Miami, Jul. 28, 2019, https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/07/28/facing-

south-florida-selecting-a-new-miami-dade-college-president/.

46. Through its actions, Defendant has delegitimized the selection of MDC’s highest

leader and chief executive officer, to the detriment of the MDC students, faculty, staff and

community. It has stained the national reputation of MDC.

47. The Board’s actions are capricious and arbitrary.

48. The Presidential search process was good enough to yield one highly qualified

candidate, but is no longer good enough to identify additional candidates. The Presidential search

process was good enough to have been trusted for four months, but now all 17 Presidential Search

Committee members have been dismissed. The Presidential search process was good enough to

trust these 17 outstanding stakeholders to act as the official screening team, but now the Board of

Trustees has made itself the sole screening body. The professional search firm was good enough to

be paid with tax dollars to identify acceptable candidates, but now the same firm is at risk of being

fired. All of this was done at the last minute when the “rules of the game” were arbitrarily and

capriciously changed.

COUNT I – DECLARATORY JUDGMENT

Plaintiffs reallege paragraphs 1-48 above.

49. Article I, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution provides that no person shall be

deprived “of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” “A property interest may be

created by statute, ordinance or contract, Bishop v. Wood, 426 U.S. 341, (1976) as well as by

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policies and practices of an institution which supports claims of entitlement. Perry v.

Sinderman [Sindermann], 408 U.S. 593, (1972).” Metro. Dade County v. Sokolowski, 439 So.2d

932, 934 (Fla. 3d DCA 1983).

50. In establishing a selection process and by delegating the search and selection of

final candidates to the Presidential Search Committee, Defendant created a property interest in

Plaintiffs, who are stakeholders in the process.

51. By summarily and shockingly abandoning the months-long selection process for

the College’s next President in the eleventh hour, Defendant arbitrarily and capriciously violated

its established process. Defendant recognized that the process worked as intended by selecting a

finalist candidate from the pool of the Committee to keep in the running, underscoring the

arbitrariness and capriciousness of Defendant’s actions. Defendant cannot establish a process,

follow the process through to the last day, then arbitrarily disregard the process that met its

intended goals after the expenditure of taxpayer dollars, and ignore the rights, time, and energy

of various stakeholders, including Plaintiffs (who include three members of the Presidential

Search Committee).

52. Plaintiffs seek a declaration that the Board’s abandonment of the established

selection process violated their individual rights to procedural due process under Article I,

Section 9 of the Florida Constitution because it unlawfully, arbitrarily and capriciously

disregarded the rules legitimately and effectively put in place by Defendant. These rules were

further honored and committed to by the pledge of the Defendant’s Chair.

53. Defendant Board of Trustees has now embarked on a Star Chamber mission. It has

abandoned the entire Presidential Search Committee process and has now delegated to itself the

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changing of minimum qualifications, the firing of the search firm, and the elimination of

stakeholder involvement so that it can act as the sole search and screening mechanism.

54. Plaintiffs have a bona fide, actual, present practical need for a declaratory relief,

based on the present and ascertainable controversy caused by Defendant’s arbitrary, capricious and

unlawful actions.

55. Plaintiffs’ due process rights are at stake, and Plaintiffs are entitled to a declaration

from this Court on these critical issues. The future of Miami Dade College is at risk.

56. All adverse and antagonistic interests at issue are properly before this Court by

proper process.

57. The Defendant Board’s actions, including by and through its Chair, created by

contract, and/or policy and/or practice a property right in the Plaintiffs so that the Presidential

Search Committee process could not be changed without due process of law.

58. The paramount interests in this case are properly before this Court.

COUNT II – INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

Plaintiffs reallege paragraphs 1-58 above.

59. Fla. Stat. § 26.012(3) gives the circuit courts of this state jurisdiction and the power

to issue injunctions.

60. Injunctive relief is necessary in this case to require the Defendant Board of Trustees

to timely complete its established Presidential selection process that has been arbitrarily and

capriciously disregarded. The Defendant Board must select from one of the four qualified

candidates as it promised and was bound to do.

61. Further, Defendant District Board of Trustees cannot be allowed to abandon the

entire search process, stakeholders, and transparency that it had legally established.

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62. Plaintiffs’ clear legal rights to procedural due process have been violated.

63. Plaintiffs have demonstrated irreparable injury and harm in the form of a violation

of their constitutional due process rights, including by Defendant’s permanent disbanding of the

Presidential Search Committee, the cancellation of the current search process, and the unilateral

delegation of all search functions to itself.

64. Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law.

65. Additionally, the granting of a mandatory injunction is proper where it will not

disserve the public interest. Shaw v. Tampa Elec. Co., 949 So. 2d 1066, 1069 (Fla. 2d DCA

2007); Fla. E. Coast Ry. Co. v. Taylor, 56 Fla. 788, 47 So. 345, 346 (1908) (stating that

individual rights must in some cases “yield to the paramount rights of the general public”). In

this case, a mandatory injunction will only further and serve the public interest, by ensuring that

the many public stakeholders involved in the exhaustive and extensive search for the next MDC

President over the past four months are given the legitimate conclusion to the fair selection

process they deserve—a process created by the actions of the Defendant Board establishing a

property right in Plaintiffs by policy, practice, and/or contract.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs prays for relief and judgment as follows:

1. To declare that Defendant violated Plaintiffs’ due process rights under Article I,

Section 9 of the Florida Constitution in arbitrarily and capriciously violating its own

established process for selection of the next MDC President;

2. To issue a mandatory injunction ordering the Board to complete the very selection

process it established;

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3. To issue a mandatory injunction ordering that the initial search process be fully

adhered to, honored, and not abandoned; and

4. To grant such other relief as this Court deems appropriate.

Dated: July 31, 2019

Respectfully Submitted,

PHILLIPS, RICHARD & RIND, P.A.

9360 SW 72 Street, Suite 283

Miami, Florida 33173

Telephone: (305) 412-8322

Facsimile: (305) 412-8299

Email: [email protected]



By: /s/ Christina S. Gornail

Kathleen M. Phillips

Florida Bar No. 287873

Christina S. Gornail


Lucia Piva


The mission of Miami Dade College is to change lives through the opportunity of education. As democracy’s college, MDC provides high quality teaching and learning experiences that are accessible and

affordable to meet the needs of our diverse students and prepare them to be responsible global citizens and successful

lifelong learners. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic beacon in our community.

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETING

JAMES K. BATTEN COMMUNITY ROOM

ROOM 2106, WOLFSON CAMPUS

MARCH 21, 2019

2:00 P.M.

MINUTES

PRESENT

Committee Members Mr. Bernie Navarro, Miami Dade College Board Chairman

Rosany Alvarez, Professor, MDC School of Education

Mr. Peter Davila, Chair, MDC Support Staff Council

Mr. Ernie Diaz, EVP, Head of U.S. Distribution & Wealth, TD Bank (By Teleconference)

Mr. Al Dotson, Managing Partner, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod

Marie Etienne, Professor, MDC Benjamin Leon School of Nursing

Sarah Garman, Professor, MDC North Campus

Dr. Malou Harrison, President, MDC North & IAC campuses

Mr. Roberto Martinez, Partner, Colson, Hicks, Eidson

Mr. Jorge Mas, Chief Executive Officer, MasTec

Ms. Carolina Mendoza, MDC SGA President, Wolfson Campus

Mr. Al Salas, President, Koning Restaurants International

Mr. Alfred Sanchez, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Javier Soto, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Miami Foundation

Ms. Bettie Thompson, Retired Vice Provost, MDC Human Resources

Mr. Louis Wolfson, President, Venture W. Corporation

Staff Mr. George Andrews, MDC Chief of Staff

Ms. Iliana Castillo-Frick, MDC Vice Provost, Human Resources

Mr. Juan Mendieta, MDC Director of Communications

Exhibit 1

Minutes for February 1, 2019 Meeting PAGE 5-2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Lifelong learners. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic beacon in our community.

The March 21, 2019 Miami Dade College (MDC) Presidential Search Committee Meeting was called

to order at 2:04 P.M. by Board of Trustees Chairman and Presidential Search Committee Chair

Bernie Navarro. Chair Navarro called for a moment of silent reflection and then thanked everyone for

participating in the search process for the next President of Miami Dade College. He advised the

Committee that the meeting would be conducted according to Florida’s Sunshine Laws. Chair

Navarro provided a brief introduction of himself and spoke of his professional experience, connection

to Miami Dade College, and volunteer work in the community. Each member was introduced by Chair

Navarro and each provided his/her professional experience, education, connection to MDC, and

volunteer work. Chair Navarro introduced Chief of Staff, George Andrews; Vice Provost of Human

Resources, Iliana Castillo-Frick; and Director of Communications, Juan Mendieta and noted that they

would be providing support to the Committee during the search.

Chair Navarro then asked the Committee to review the items in Tab 2 in the Committee Meeting Packet

and noted that the section provides the job description, experience, and qualifications that are being

sought in potential candidates.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Senior Legal Counsel Carol Licko of Hogan Lovells was introduced by Chair Navarro. Ms. Licko

thanked everyone for participating in the search process. She informed the Committee of the

rules/regulations that each member must follow to stay in compliance with Florida’s Sunshine and

Public Records Laws, which are a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to

the public records of governmental bodies in Florida. She reviewed the Public Records Law and stated

that once applicants apply, their information – excluding social security numbers and other personal

information, becomes a public record. She commented that it is important to remember that this will

be an open and transparent process. Members are not allowed to talk about the process or applicants

with each other outside of the meetings. Ms. Licko answered questions regarding the Sunshine and

Public Records laws, e-mails, with whom conversations can be held as well as the confidentiality of

applicants.

DIVERSIFIED SEARCH

Chair Navarro introduced Managing Directors John Mestepey and Dr. Kim Morrisson of Diversified

Search and noted that this firm will be assisting the Committee in the search for presidential

candidates. Mr. Mestepey noted that he is honored to be selected and participate in this process. He

provided his professional experience as well as that of Dr. Morrisson. Mr. Mestepey reviewed in detail

the profile that has been approved by MDC Board and the role Diversified will play during the search.

The Search Committee’s timeline and deadlines were reviewed. Dr. Morrisson informed the

Committee of what was learned from College employees, staff, faculty as well as students during

discussions about what qualities, characteristics, and skills they want to see in the new president as

well as the challenges that person will face and expectations of the new president. She stated that

ultimately, the search will be narrowed down to 8-10 people, who will be interviewed by the

Committee. Of those eight candidates, four to five will be recommended to MDC’s Board of Trustees

Exhibit 1

Minutes for February 1, 2019 Meeting PAGE 5-3

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




for further review. The search should be concluded by the end of Summer. The Committee was

informed that a candidate’s information and corresponding curriculum vitae will be accessible

through a common website/portal that committee members will have access to 24 hours a day. Mr.

Mestepey informed the Committee of the three sources – ads, those whom the search firm will contact

personally, and nominations – they will utilize to reach potential candidates. Dr. Morrisson explained

how questions will be created for candidates. Also discussed was the compensation package for the

new president.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Ms. Castillo-Frick spoke of the portal that Committee members will have access to so that they can

review the applicants’ packages that are submitted for review. She stated that it is the role of members

to review all information and narrow the search to eight–10 candidates, and then they will recommend

four to five candidates to the Board of Trustees. Also reviewed were questions that can/cannot be

asked of candidates. Committee members were reminded that all comments at the meetings are a part

of public records.

Discussed among members were the priorities of the College and how they should be best matched to

the qualities of candidates to fulfill the MDC’s mission. The Committee members agreed that the

position of College President at Miami Dade College is more than a full-time job; it’s a 24 hours-a-

day experience for someone who believes passionately about transforming students’ lives through

education..

Chair Navarro concluded the meeting by explaining to the Committee the role that current MDC

President, Dr. Eduardo Padrón, will take on once he steps down.

There being no further business, Chairman Bernie Navarro adjourned the meeting at 4:24 P.M.

_______________________________

Chairman

Exhibit 1



lifelong learners. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic beacon in our community.

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETING

JAMES K. BATTEN COMMUNITY ROOM

ROOM 2106, WOLFSON CAMPUS

APRIL 25, 2019

3:30 P.M.

MINUTES

PRESENT

Committee Members Mr. Bernie Navarro, Miami Dade College Board Chairman

Ms. Maria C. Alonso, United Way of Miami-Dade County (By Teleconference)

Rosany Alvarez, Professor, MDC School of Education

Mr. Peter Davila, Chair, MDC Support Staff Council

Mr. Ernie Diaz, EVP, Head of U.S. Distribution & Wealth, TD Bank

Mr. Al Dotson, Managing Partner, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod

Marie Etienne, Professor, MDC Benjamin Leon School of Nursing

Sarah Garman, Professor, MDC North Campus

Dr. Malou Harrison, President, MDC North & IAC campuses

Mr. Roberto Martinez, Partner, Colson, Hicks, Eidson

Mr. Jorge Mas, Chief Executive Officer, MasTec

Ms. Carolina Mendoza, MDC SGA President, Wolfson Campus

Mr. Al Salas, President, Koning Restaurants International

Mr. Alfred Sanchez, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Javier Soto, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Miami Foundation

Ms. Bettie Thompson, Retired Vice Provost, MDC Human Resources

Mr. Louis Wolfson, President, Venture W. Corporation

Support Staff Mr. George Andrews, MDC Chief of Staff

Ms. Iliana Castillo-Frick, MDC Vice Provost, Human Resources

Mr. Juan Mendieta, MDC Director of Communications

Exhibit 2

Minutes for April 25, 2019 Meeting PAGE 2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




The April 25, 2019 Miami Dade College (MDC) Presidential Search Committee Meeting was called

to order at 3:40 P.M. by Board of Trustees Chairman Bernie Navarro. He called for a moment of

silent reflection. Chair Navarro reviewed the progress that has been made to date in the Miami Dade

College Presidential Search, including the development of the presidential profile; outreach to the

College’s constituents to receive feedback on what attributes/traits community members feel are most

important for the position; and communications with more than 300 potential candidates. The

Chairman noted that the search firm the College retained to assist with the search, Diversified Search,

had whittled down the list to three categories: active candidates, candidates no longer under

consideration, and those candidates who don’t meet the minimum requirements. He noted that there

are currently five active and qualified candidates.

DIVERSIFIED SEARCH/APPLICATION DEADLINES

Chair Navarro asked Managing Directors John Mestepey and Dr. Kim Morrisson of Diversified

Search to provide an update on their efforts. Dr. Morrisson advised the Committee that a website has

been created which Search Committee members can utilize to review the applications/CV’s of

candidates and the weekly updates provided by Diversified. She also spoke of the challenges created

by the Sunshine Law and that potential candidates may not consider applying because they fear being

exposed by the very public process. Mr. Mestepey noted that some CV’s are more than 100 pages and

rather than print them and bring them to meetings, they will be posted on the website for Committee

members to view. Chair Navarro asked if all application information is published on the website. Mr.

Mestepey replied yes. In addition, Dr. Morrisson reviewed why some applications have cover letters

and others do not and where all the information is stored.

Dr. Malou Harrison, President of North and InterAmerican campuses, asked to review the deadline

for applications to be submitted. After a brief discussion, the Committee initially determined to make

June 3, 2019 the cutoff date for applications to be submitted so that the search firm would have time

to vet candidates prior to the June 6th Slate Committee meeting when the Search Committee would

vote on which candidates to invite for interviews with the Committee. Jose Mas, Chief Executive

Officer of MasTec, asked if it were wise to have a complete cutoff date. Dr. Morrisson replied that

usually Diversified prefers not to as that allows a window of time for candidates who are on the fence,

but at the same time, some candidates need to be pushed off the fence and a deadline can do that. In

this case, it’s important to have a strong incentive for those candidates to move forward. Chair

Navarro asked what would work best. Mr. Mestepey replied that the challenge is the short time frame

in which the search is to be conducted and that the search is being conducted under the Sunshine

Laws, which has had a chilling effect on candidates who are not willing to expose their names too

early in the process or if at all to determine if they are competitive with other candidates. Normally

applicants can apply until it’s done, but in this situation by setting a firm date, it will trigger those on

the fence to move forward. Mr. Mas stated that setting a deadline handcuffs them, so why implement

a deadline when at the end of the day when the committee makes a recommendation to the Board and

the Board doesn’t like the recommendation, its members will do whatever they want anyway.

Therefore, in theory a deadline is not a real deadline. He added, that the Board could hire a candidate

outside of their purview. Chair Navarro responded, no it couldn’t. Mr. Mas asked why create a

Exhibit 2


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




deadline as a candidate will not submit his/her name on June 3, 2019 because he/she doesn’t want

his/her name in the public for two months before a decision is made at the end of July. Dr. Harrison

added that if a deadline is set, then it forces and incentivizes an individual to apply by a deadline and

then the process and timeline can be met by the Committee. Mr. Mas responded that the right

candidate will say: I will not apply because I will not have my name out there for two months and risk

my current position over 60 days; and instead will say, I’m going to fight this through in a week and

if I’m picked great and if I’m not, I will figure it out, but to have my name out there for two months

really exposes me. Chair Navarro stated the Mr. Mas brings up a good point that someone will not

want to have their name floating out there. Mr. Mestepey added that many don’t. Bettie Thompson,

MDC’s retired Associate Vice Provost of H.R., added that there comes a time when the candidates

need to make a decision when it comes to applying. She acknowledged all the considerations, but the

Committee has a job to do within the given timetable. If the Committee does not come up with a

satisfactory slate of candidates, the Board of Trustees can ask the Committee to reconvene. This

deadline will avoid confusion and possible issues. Chair Navarro replied that it is easier said than

done because a lot of people are not applying as a result of the scrutiny they may be under. Alfred

Sanchez, President and CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, also shared Mr. Mas’ concerns

and noted that the Committee should want to give candidates the latest possible date to put in their

names so that the time period between when it is announced and when a decision is made is truncated.

He asked Mr. Mas if that was his concern. Mr. Mas replied that his concern is, is the Committee

getting the best candidates. If there is a candidate who will not put his name out there for two months,

then why is the committee boxing in itself. The more added flexibility gives the Committee the

opportunity to find ultimately the best candidate. Maybe after June 3, no one applies, but if a

spectacular candidate shows up after June 3, the Committee shouldn’t reject him/her. The discussion

continued and Committee members considered how to reduce the time a candidate’s name could be

kept confidential so as not to jeopardize the candidate’s current employment. Mr. Mestepey suggested

providing the Search Firm an opportunity to review the applications of candidates who apply after

June 6th and forward the applications of any outstanding candidates to the Committee so that they

could be interviewed on June 19th or 20th. Roberto Martinez, Partner at Colson, Hicks, Eidson, asked

for clarification about how the search firm would know which type of candidates the Committee would

be interested in. Mr. Mestepey responded that he would be at the June 6th meeting when the Committee

discusses the best candidates’ attributes, and he would be able to use that information to screen any

candidate that applies after June 6th. Mr. Mestepey was asked how long the Diversified would need to

review a candidate’s credentials so that an absolute deadline could be established for when a

candidate could apply. Mr. Mestepey stated that 3 days would be sufficient. The Committee was

reminded that since there were only 2 days for interviews, the Search Firm would be limited in the

number of candidates it could recommend who applied after the June 6th meeting. After further

discussion, Ms. Thompson offered a motion to set June 14, 2019 at midnight as the absolute deadline

for candidates to apply and to allow Diversified the authority to forward the name of any exceptional

candidate to the Committee to be interviewed along with the candidates chosen by the Committee at

the June 6th meeting. The Chairman noted that the motion was seconded by Mr. Martinez, and he

called the question. It passed without opposition.

Mr. Mestepey, Dr. Morrisson, and Committee members then reviewed in depth, the types of questions

to be asked of candidates and the time it may take to interview them. Diversified Search identified the

11 categories of questions that committee members would want to explore with candidates to ensure

Exhibit 2


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




satisfactory responses about their qualifications for the position. The questions refer to various

elements of responsibilities within the president’s position, vision, and strategic direction. Chair

Navarro noted that questions should include the candidate’s interest in innovation, his or her vision

for the College, challenges, the subject of housing for students/professors/faculty, ability to manage

the political landscape, how to improve completion rates, and how the candidate will integrate within

community. The next president must take the College from great, to greater, to greatest as it is on solid

footing fiscally and there isn’t any malfeasance.

REVIEW IN THE MARKETPLACE

Mr. Mestepey noted that when Diversified contacts potential candidates and informs them that they

represent Miami Dade College, the response is uniformly positive about the institution’s stellar

reputation. Also, noted is that some candidates feel it will be impossible to replace current President

Dr. Padrón, which is intimidating to them, and they think that they cannot measure up and therefore

do not apply. Mr. Mestepey concluded his remarks by stating that the College and the Committee

should feel very good about what is being said about the institution.

STATUS REPORT

Dr. Morrisson noted that the Status Report changes weekly and the strongest candidates are at the top

of the list, while the On Hold category is for candidates who have talent but are not at the same level

as those at the top of the list. The remaining category is for candidates who don’t meet the

qualifications or raise red flags. Also noted was that there is a very strong internal candidate.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The committee discussed whether or not a Juris Doctorate degree is equivalent as a doctoral degree.

Chair Navarro stated that it is a terminal degree and someone who has a Juris Doctorate qualifies

and can apply, providing that candidate meets the other qualifications. It was stated that many other

educational institutions are led by those who have a J.D., not a PhD or an EdD. Committee member

Roberto Martinez strongly disagreed that having a J.D. is the same as a PhD. He noted the

academic/educational differences in the coursework for the degrees and expressed his belief that the

position profile should continue to contain language requiring a Ph.D. Dr. Harrison also noted the

importance of the president having a PhD or EdD since the students must remain at the core of what

everyone at the College is focused on and the president must therefore be an academic.

The Chairman noted the comments and clarified that candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of

senior management experience with at least 6 years of top experience in an academic setting.

Exhibit 2


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




There being no further business, Chairman Navarro adjourned the meeting at 5:07 P.M.

_______________________________

Chairman

Exhibit 2


affordable to meet the needs of our diverse students and prepare them to be responsible global citizens and successful lifelong learners. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic beacon in our community.

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETING

JAMES K. BATTEN COMMUNITY ROOM ROOM 2106, WOLFSON CAMPUS

May 30, 2019 3:30 P.M.

MINUTES

PRESENT Committee Members

Mr. Bernie Navarro, Miami Dade College Board Chairman Ms. Maria C. Alonso, President & CEO United Way of Miami-Dade County

Rosany Alvarez, Professor, MDC School of Education Mr. Peter Davila, Chair, MDC Support Staff Council

Mr. Al Dotson, Managing Partner, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod (By Teleconference) Marie Etienne, Professor, MDC Benjamin Leon School of Nursing

Sarah Garman, Professor, MDC North Campus Dr. Malou Harrison, President, MDC North & IAC campuses

Mr. Roberto Martinez, Partner, Colson, Hicks, Eidson (By Teleconference) Mr. Jose Mas, Chief Executive Officer, MasTec (By Teleconference)

Ms. Carolina Mendoza, MDC SGA President, Wolfson Campus Mr. Alfred Sanchez, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Javier Soto, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Miami Foundation Ms. Bettie Thompson, Retired Vice Provost, MDC Human Resources

Mr. Louis Wolfson, President, Venture W. Corporation (By Teleconference)


Ms. Iliana Castillo-Frick, MDC Vice Provost, Human Resources Mr. Juan Mendieta, MDC Director of Communications

Exhibit 3

Minutes for May 30, 2019 Meeting PAGE 2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The mission of Miami Dade College is to change lives through the opportunity of education.

As democracy’s college, MDC provides high quality teaching and learning experiences that are accessible and affordable to meet the needs of our diverse students and prepare them to be responsible global citizens and successful


The May 30, 2019 Miami Dade College (MDC) Presidential Search Committee Meeting was called to order at 3:35 P.M. by Board of Trustees and Search Committee Chairman Bernie Navarro. He called for a moment of silent reflection. For the record, he took roll call. Chair Navarro informed members of the events that took place at the Special Board of Trustees meeting earlier in the day. He noted that the Board discussed the minimum qualifications for the next president of the College and that a proposal was made to reduce the educational experience required to only a Master’s degree. He noted that the proposal also included removing the six years of academic experience from the job description for the presidential search. Chair Navarro ensured Presidential Search Committee members that their work was not in vain; a message was made clear to stakeholders and applicants that this is an important open and transparent process. He reviewed the amount of work he has put forth in this effort. He thanked members for their hard work, and noted that at the Board meeting, the motions put forth to change the criteria for candidates did not pass. New Board members wanted the changes to enlarge the candidate pool. The Search Committee will remain on the current path as it is wrong to change things midstream and transparency will continue. Committee Member Javier Soto thanked Chair Navarro and noted that it would have been a disservice if the motions had passed. Committee Member Peter Davila agreed with Mr. Soto and as a representative of the support staff and employees of the College, he expected no less from Trustees and expects the presidential search to be transparent. SEARCH RESULTS Managing Director of Diversified Search John Mestepey reviewed the Status Report in which Diversified has been in contact with 570 people of which 47 have applied. Since the last Committee meeting, new candidates have been added to the Active Status list. He noted that recent press about criteria changes and so forth have not escaped the attention of candidates and have created consternation/concern. Diversified has encouraged those candidates to remain as candidates. There still remains a group of five or six potential candidates who have not committed to move forward in the application process. Chair Navarro asked if there is any indication of when said candidates may move forward. Mr. Mestepey replied that they have been given the timeline and there are a variety of reasons why they are waiting. Reviewed were some of the most recent applicants. Managing Director of Diversified Search Kim Morrisson informed the Committee that Jose Fiero has withdrawn his application due to the recent politicization and press regarding the search. Mr. Mestepey noted Diversified thought that there wouldn’t be a large quantity of applicants, but they expected good quality and that is what they have seen. Committee Member Maria Alonso asked if by the next meeting all qualified applicants will have been screened by either Mr. Mestepey or Ms. Morrison. Yes, Ms. Morrisson replied. QUESTIONS Chair Navarro noted that at the June 6, 2019 Committee Meeting, members will finalize questions and the methodology for asking them during the video interviews. He will work with Diversified to come up with the best practices for this part of the process as there are a lot of questions. Committee member Alfred Sanchez noted that there may be questions related to a candidate’s background that might warrant asking and wanted to know if there would be time for those sort of questions. Chair Navarro

Exhibit 3

Minutes for May 30, 2019 Meeting PAGE 3




replied that will be considered while he works with Diversified on the questions. Once that is done, Chair Navarro will email the selected questions to Committee members. Committee Member Bettie Thompson stated that is import to ask candidates about a project that didn’t go well. Chair Navarro asked members to send questions important to them directly to Diversified for inclusion and that before the next meeting they will have the questions. There being no further business, Chairman Navarro adjourned the meeting at 4:01 P.M. _______________________________ Chairman

Exhibit 3


affordable to meet the needs of our diverse students and prepare them to be responsible global citizens and successful lifelong learners. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic beacon in our community.

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETING

JAMES K. BATTEN COMMUNITY ROOM ROOM 2106, WOLFSON CAMPUS

June 19 & 20, 2019 8:30 A.M.

MINUTES

PRESENT Committee Members

Mr. Bernie Navarro, Miami Dade College Board Chairman Ms. Maria Alonso, President & Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Miami-Dade County

Rosany Alvarez, Professor, MDC School of Education Mr. Peter Davila, Chair, MDC Support Staff Council

Mr. Al Dotson, Managing Partner, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod Marie Etienne, Professor, MDC Benjamin Leon School of Nursing

Sarah Garman, Professor, MDC North Campus Dr. Malou Harrison, President, MDC North & IAC campuses

Mr. Roberto Martinez, Partner, Colson, Hicks, Eidson Mr. Jose Mas, Chief Executive Officer, MasTec

Ms. Carolina Mendoza, MDC SGA President, Wolfson Campus Mr. Al Salas, President, Koning Restaurants International

Mr. Alfred Sanchez, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Mr. Javier Soto, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Miami Foundation

Ms. Bettie Thompson, Retired Vice Provost, MDC Human Resources Mr. Louis Wolfson, President, Venture W. Corporation


Ms. Iliana Castillo-Frick, MDC Vice Provost, Human Resources Mr. Juan Mendieta, MDC Director of Communications

Exhibit 4

Minutes for June 19th and 20th, 2019 Meetings

PAGE 2




The June 19, 2019 Miami Dade College (MDC) Presidential Search Committee Meeting was called to order at 8:45 A.M. by Committee Chairman Bernie Navarro. Chair Navarro called for a moment of silent reflection and he thanked the Committee members, support staff, the IT team, and all who were involved in the search process for their service. He advised those present that the Committee would be interviewing via video, four of the seven semifinalist candidates on June 19, 2019 and the remaining three on June 20, 2019. He noted for the record that the meeting was publicly noticed and would be conducted in the Sunshine as per Florida’s public records laws. The Chairman then reviewed the packets Committee members received from College staff that contained the meeting schedules and questions to be asked of candidates. Chair Navarro asked Dr. Kim Morrison from Diversified Search to address the Committee. Dr. Morrison explained the interview process and the accompanying books that had been prepared by Diversified that listed the candidates, narrative summaries of candidates as well as their CVs and resumes. Chair Navarro noted for the record that personal notes taken by the Committee members are not a part of the public record – they are personal notes. The Committee’s outside Legal Counsel Carol Licko confirmed that all notes are for personal use only and that the voting at the end is considered as official communication from members. Committee Member Al Dotson asked if any additional candidates had applied at the last minute. Chair Navarro replied no. Mr. Dotson then inquired if a member had to be present for deliberations and to vote at the conclusion of the video interviews with the semi-finalist on June 20, 2019. Ms. Licko responded that Committee members who will not be present for final voting are to submit their votes to her, and they will be stated for the record. Listed in alphabetical order, the following candidates were interviewed on June 19, 2019: Beverly Moore-Garcia, former President of the Kendall and West campuses, Miami Dade College, Lenore Rodicio, Executive Vice President and Provost, Miami Dade College, Reagan Romali, Superintendent-President of Long Beach Community College District/Long Beach City College, and Carlos Turner Cortez, President of San Diego Continuing Education in the San Diego Community College District. After each interview, Committee members evaluated the abilities of each candidate. After the video interviews concluded, the meeting was adjourned at 4:41 p.m. On June 20, 2019, the Presidential Search Committee Meeting reconvened for a second day of video interviews with the semifinalists and was called to order at 8:50 a.m. Chair Navarro again thanked everyone for their service and called for a moment of silent reflection. He noted that Ms. Licko was present to answer any questions and the goal for the Committee is to submit four names as finalists to the Board of Trustees. Committee members Louis Wolfson and Ernie Diaz were not present at the meeting. Listed in alphabetical order, the following candidates were interviewed on June 20, 2019: Paul Brodie II, President of Gateway Community College and President of Housatonic Community College, Divina Grossman, President and Chief Academic Officer of University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, and Frank Lamas, Vice President for Student Affairs, California State University, Fresno. At the conclusion of each interview, committee members discussed the abilities of the candidate. After the final semifinalist candidate was interviewed, the Committee members began to discuss each candidate in preparation for a vote on which candidates should be forwarded to the MDC Board of Trustees as finalists for the position of College President. Committee member Jose Mas suggested that the committee advance to the Board only two/three candidates, not four/five. Chair Navarro responded that there are new Trustees and the search should yield a sufficient pool of qualified candidates and stated that four finalists will be forwarded to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Mas replied that he was initially concerned with the qualification guidelines for candidates and explained

Exhibit 4

Minutes for June 19th and 20th, 2019 Meetings

PAGE 3




why. He concluded by saying that now that he had been involved in such a detailed process, he is convinced that the interviews have yielded some very high quality candidates, who can lead Miami Dade College to an even greater level. He concluded his remarks by stating that the Search Committee had done a good job and the community should feel very comfortable with the process. Chair Navarro agreed and noted that all State colleges throughout Florida are led by people who have the same qualifications listed in the search’s job description. VOTING Each Committee member selected his/her top four candidates. Chair Navarro entered for the record the votes of Mr. Wolfson and Mr. Diaz, who weren’t present. The results were as follow: Paul Brodie (15 votes), Divina Grossman (15 votes) Frank Lamas (0 votes), Beverly Moore-Garcia (0 votes), Lenore Rodicio (17 votes), Regan Romali (17 votes), Carlos Turner Cortez (1 vote). The four candidates who received the most votes were moved forward as finalists to the Board of Trustees. They are in alphabetical order: Paul Brodie, Divina Grossman, Lenore Rodicio, and Regan Romali. Ms. Licko noted that with the voting process complete and the recommendations having been made, Committee members were discharged from their duties as part of the Committee and are able to talk with each other regarding the presidential search, but not with Chair Navarro or other Board of Trustees. There being no further business, Chairman Navarro adjourned the meeting at 3:40 P.M. _______________________________ Chairman

Exhibit 4

in the circuit court of the eleventh judicial circuit in ... · “all powers and duties of a body...

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