Embarc Collective is pleased to welcome Mike Simas, President & CEO of the Florida Council of 100, to its Board of Directors.

Simas brings more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of business, economic development, government, and civic leadership. In his current role, he leads the Florida Council of 100, an independent, nonpartisan organization representing more than 200 of Florida’s leading CEOs. The organization convenes business and government leaders around initiatives focused on economic competitiveness, infrastructure, and resilience.

Before joining the Florida Council of 100, Simas served as Executive Vice President of the Partnership for New York City. There, he built partnerships between Fortune 500 CEOs and government leaders and helped advance major economic development initiatives. His work included spearheading the creation of the $1.2 billion Excelsior Jobs Program, launching the Partnership’s Innovation Council and Transit Tech Lab, and championing $1.5 billion in public investment to grow New York’s life sciences industry. He later served as Chief of Staff to the Co-CEO of First Republic Bank and previously led Northeast Government Relations for General Electric.

Since taking the helm at the Florida Council of 100, Simas has also expanded the organization’s role in Florida’s innovation economy. That work includes initiatives connecting business leaders with entrepreneurs and strengthening the infrastructure that helps companies build and scale across the state. In 2026, he also joined leaders at eMerge Americas for a conversation on “Florida’s Innovation Engine: Capital, Policy & Founder Momentum.”

His appointment also builds on a growing relationship between Embarc Collective and the Florida Council of 100. Through initiatives focused on connecting Florida founders with customers, capital, talent, and experienced business leaders, both organizations share a commitment to strengthening the conditions that allow ambitious companies to grow in Florida.

In addition to his leadership at the Council, Simas serves on the Board of SelectFlorida, supporting efforts to attract investment, expand international opportunities, and strengthen Florida’s global competitiveness.

As a member of Embarc Collective’s Board of Directors, Simas brings a statewide perspective, deep experience building public-private partnerships, and an extensive understanding of how business, innovation, and economic development intersect. His experience will help further Embarc Collective’s work to give Florida founders the relationships and resources they need to build bold, scalable companies.