The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce announces the new chief Executive Officer

The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce announces the new chief Executive Officer

By Vanessa Loy

The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (MDCOC) has announced the selection of their new President and Chief Executive Officer. Gordon “Eric” Knowles, a seasoned senior executive with extensive experience creating strategic alliances in both the public and private sectors, takes the leadership position.

“I am excited to take on this new leadership role at the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce,” said Knowles.  “I look forward to working vigorously to strengthen bonds and increase leverage and exposure for the Chamber and our members.”

Knowles has had an impressive career and credits his expertise in operations, event planning and execution, community building, employee training, and customer service.

“This has been an extensive process and we are all pleased with the outcome,” said Ricardo Forbes, Chairman of the Board for the MDCOC.  “With the new CEO in place, we are anxious to move forward and chart a new course of action for the Chamber.”

Knowles is the former Senior Director of Government Affairs for Sun Life Stadium and The Miami Dolphins. Some of his core accomplishments in this role include managing a 72,500 person facility (Sun Life Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins and former Florida Marlins), managing tenant relations that included the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, Orange Bowl Championship, and related events; handling the training and management of 3,500 game day employees, and directing all government affairs, as it pertains to Sun Life Stadium and the Miami Dolphins.

In his new role as CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Knowles will lead the efforts of the Chamber for 2014 and beyond. He will be expected to expand the business and oversee the operations of the organization by implementing its strategic plans and policies as established by the Board of Directors.  Knowles is the successor to Bill Diggs, who resigned in 2013.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University and is a proud Veteran of the United States Army.

The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1974, has been focused on black business vitality in Miami-Dade County and successfully represents the business interests of women, young professionals, and small business. The Chamber leads the way towards long-term business prosperity, by providing advocacy, networking, resources, and training to men and women in South Florida. The Chamber’s mission is to provide a world of business opportunities and bring the business community together to exchange goods and services and to promote interaction and communication mutually beneficial to all businesses involved.

To learn more about the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and membership opportunities, call (305) 751-8648 or visit the website at www.m-dcc.org.