News Releases

Barreto announces he will step down as FWC chairman

News Release

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Media contact: Susan Smith, 850-488-8843

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Rodney Barreto announced Thursday he will step down from the post he has held for six one-year terms, although Barreto will continue to serve as chairman until the board selects its next leader and will remain on the board until his five-year term ends in August.

Barreto's six fellow commissioners elected him to serve as chairman in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

"I care deeply about the future of this agency and this Commission and am proud of all that we have accomplished," Barreto said. "My commitment to this Commission will not expire with my term as chairman."

In 2001, then-Gov. Jeb Bush appointed Barreto, of Miami and Key Largo, to serve a five-year term as a Commissioner. He was reappointed by then-Gov. Charlie Crist to a term that expires in August.

"Rodney is a conservationist, in the great tradition of our country," Bush recently said. "While I am not surprised that many environmentalists were surprised, Rodney did a great job helping lead a fine organization to an even better one, and I am proud of his dedication to our state."

The FWC's seven commissioners are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate to five-year terms. Their role is to make science-based decisions that guide conservation of Florida's fish and wildlife resources and habitats.

Barreto's fellow commissioners unanimously expressed their gratitude for his leadership and dedication to the Commission and the people of Florida.  "Your ability to bring in public participation in our rule-making, giving both sides an opportunity to speak and guiding us to deliberate and rule without a heavy hand, is a testament to your leadership abilities," Commissioner Kenneth W. Wright said.

Barreto is the founding partner of Floridian Partners LLC, with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee. Floridian Partners is a strategy-management firm that develops and manages corporate and public affairs strategies to achieve specific business results.

Barreto has received special recognition for his outstanding contributions in the establishment of a Research Natural Area in Dry Tortugas National Park to restore, protect and preserve the park's pristine subtropical ecosystem.

Barreto is widely known for his involvement in the community where he grew up. He was chairman of the 2007 and 2010 South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee charged with raising over $30 million to support both games in Dolphin Stadium and the dignitaries and media it attracts. Barreto was also chairman for the second time of the Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors.

He was also Chairman of the 1999 Breeder's Cup Championship, held in South Florida, and was the chairman of the 1999 Sister Cities International Convention in Miami.  He was co-chairman of the City of Miami Centennial celebration in 1996.