• Michael Simas has been promoted to President of the Florida Council of 100, a non-profit organization focused on promoting economic growth in Florida.
• Simas previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Council and will succeed the outgoing President, Bob Ward.
• The Council of 100 advises the governor on important issues, conducts research through task forces, and represents over 140 businesses employing over 1.3 million people in Florida.

Michael Simas has been promoted to the position of President of the Florida Council of 100, a non-profit business organization focused on promoting economic growth and prosperity in Florida.

Simas, who has served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Council since January, will succeed outgoing President Bob Ward, who will remain as CEO until his retirement, effective December 31, according to a press release.

Prior to joining the Council of 100, Simas served as Executive Vice President of the Partnership for New York City, where he led efforts to promote economic growth and job creation in the city.

“I am honored to be appointed as the President of the Florida Council of 100.  I look forward to working with the business leaders of the state to drive economic development and create opportunities for all Floridians,” said Simas.

The Florida Council of 100, founded in 1961 oftentimes serves as advisors to the governor. Its membership is comprised of executives from various private sector companies across the state, as well as notable academic and civic leaders.

When the council identifies a subject it deems to be critically important to the state, it forms a task force to research the issue and define problems and possible solutions in a position paper or report. Outside organizations are frequently utilized as a resource to assist in the process, like when the council partnered with the Florida Chamber of Commerce in creating the study, Closing the Talent Gap: A Business Perspective in January 2010.

“We are grateful that Michael, like many Americans, has decided to bring his talents and business acumen to the most successful state in the country,” said Eric Silagy, who serves as Chairman of the council.  “He will be a tremendous asset not only to the Council of 100, but to Florida overall as we find new ways to propel the state to even greater heights.”

On its website, the Council states that it represents more than 140 businesses that employ over 1.3 million people throughout Florida.