 José I. Fernández
Mr. José I. Fernández, Jr. is recognized as one of Central Florida’s leading economic development experts. In 2007, Mr. Fernández established the Florida Compass Group, LLC. This boutique firm serves domestic and international clients seeking to strategically position themselves in targeted markets. With operations in Orlando and Mexico City, Florida Compass Group has distinguished itself by providing comprehensive Corporate, Real Estate, Construction, Government Relations, Immigration, and Strategic Management services.
Prior to establishing the Florida Compass Group, Mr. Fernández had a distinguished public services career. He was named City Clerk by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; the very first appointment of Mayor Dyer’s administration. Soon after, Mr. Fernández was also given the additional responsibility of Director of General Administration. He was later tapped to serve as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Public Policy and Business Development. In that role Mr. Fernández provided senior level guidance to the Mayor on a variety of public policy matters and served as the voice for tourism and commerce on the Mayor’s Cabinet.
Mr. Fernández was the founding President of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Orlando (HBIF), established in 1995. The HBIF’s role in the community has been to assist in the development and expansion of Hispanic businesses in Central Florida. The HBIF has been recognized for its business and management development programs by the Downtown Orlando Partnership and former Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood who bestowed the HBIF and Mr. Fernández with the prestigious Vision Award for Small Business Development.
Mr. Fernández earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American and Caribbean Affairs from Rollins College, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Central Florida, and is a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government’s Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University.
Mr. Fernández and his family have made Central Florida
their home for more than 25 years. His commitment to
the long term and sustainable development of the region is
evident through his leadership in the community. Mr.
Fernández has served on a number of community boards
and organizations including the Orlando Regional Chamber of
Commerce and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, the Rollins
College Alumni Association, Harbor House, and the UCF Foundation.
In addition, he has served as an Adjunct Professor at the
University of Central Florida teaching Economic Development.
Recognizing his community involvement and success in business,
in 1998 the Orlando Business Journal named Mr. Fernández
one of the 40 top Central Florida business executives under
40 years of age and in 1999 Orlando Magazine names him one
of Central Florida’s 20 leaders for the 21st century.
The Orlando Business Journal has also listed Mr. Fernández
as one of the most influential persons in Central Florida.
Vanessa Perez
Vanessa Perez is a Certified Public Accountant with
extensive public accounting and international finance experience.
Ms. Perez is currently the General Manager for Florida
Compass Group’s Mexico Office located in Mexico City.
She began her career with the accounting firm Ernst and Young,
LLP where she worked as a Senior Auditor for the pharmaceutical,
hotel and service industries. Ms. Perez when on to work
in key financial roles for private industry in Brazil, Puerto
Rico, and Florida. Prior to joining Florida Compass
Group she was the Director of the Hispanic Division for CFO
Strategic Partners in Orlando. Ms. Perez is certified
as a public accountant in Florida and Puerto Rico.
Ms. Perez has been involved in important community and civic efforts including serving as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund and the Orlando Mayor’s International Advisory Committee. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
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