|
*
ofranco@becker-poliakoff.com
Professional Experience
Omar Franco is a lobbyist in the Government Law & Lobbying Practice and is the Managing Director of the Washington D.C. office. A former Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Omar has an insider's knowledge of U.S. Congress and the Federal agencies. Since starting his lobbying practice, he has served as the lead government relations representative for Florida Gulf Coast University, Secure Wrap, Inc., Medical HealthCare Plans, and the municipalities of Hialeah, Miami Lakes and North Bay Village. Over the last three years he has worked on federal issues for the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, Stratus Pharmaceuticals, Pacer Health and FalconTrust Air, among others.
While serving as Chief of Staff for more than four years, Omar managed Congressman Diaz-Balart’s Washington D.C. and District operations and closely counseled the Congressman in his areas of expertise which include federal appropriations, health care, higher education and issues dealing with the state of Florida.
Omar began his government service in 1993 as the District Legislative Assistant for Florida State Representatives Art Simon and Annie Betancourt.
He also worked as a Field Office Director for the Florida Medical Association as the Field Office Director and the Director of Governmental Relations for the University of Miami – School of Medicine. University of Miami President Donna Shalala promoted him to Assistant Vice President of Governmental Relations for the university where he represented the University at the federal and state levels of government.
Having successfully managed numerous campaigns for state representatives in Florida and served as assistant treasurer for the 2002 Mario Diaz-Balart for Congress Campaign Committee, Omar has also served as a member of the National Hispanic Working Group for the Bush/Cheney 2004 re-election campaign.
Activities and Memberships
He has been named to the Marquis Who’s Who in America since 2002 and the Marquis Who’s Who in the World since 2004. In addition, he has been named Member of the Year to Madison's Who's Who. He was a member of the Growing Healthy Task Force and the South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum in Miami. He served as Vice President for the Kendale Lakes Master Condominium Association Board of Directors and was also on the Board of Directors for the Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations.
Graduating from the Leadership Miami Program of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Leadership Training Program of the Cuban American National Council, Omar has also been recognized for his leadership by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Florida Legal Services.
Education
Florida State University, B.A., 1988
St. Thomas University, International Trade Institute International Import/Export Certificate
* not a member of the Florida Bar |
