The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (M-DCC) has appointed its newest chairmen, Ricardo Forbes, who is currently corporate vice president and chief diversity officer at Baptist Health South Florida.

"It is a great honor and responsibility to take over as chairman of the Miami-Dade chamber," said Forbes at his installation ceremony on Tuesday, February 28. "These next two years, we will build on its past leaders' great work and broaden our economic mark on South Florida through inclusion, partnership and collaboration."

As chief diversity officer at Baptist Health, Forbes has brought national recognition to the hospital's diversity programs and policies, spearheading hiring and developing retention programs for its 15,000 employees. The M-DCC hopes his appointment will help broaden the impact of the chamber's minority-owned businesses on South Florida's recovering economy.

"This is a critical time for our chamber," said Bill Diggs, chamber president & CEO. "With the continued growth of the Miami skyline, the Port of Miami projects moving forward, plus the Marlins ballpark opening, there should be plenty of opportunities for South Florida's black businesses. But in order for that to happen, we must continue to be the strong, advocate chamber that we are. Mr. Forbes has a great reputation in this community, and I'm confident he will continue to forge key relationships benefitting our members.

Founded in 1974, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce has been a key champion of minority-own businesses in South Florida, providing networking, resources, and training programs to its members.