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Vince C. Lago
Mayor of Coral GablesVince C. Lago was elected Mayor of the City of Coral Gables in April 2021 in a decisive victory. Mayor Lago is the youngest elected in the city’s history to hold this office.
Prior to his election, he served as City Commissioner for eight years holding the post of Vice Mayor from 2019 to 2021.
Throughout the years, the Mayor has dedicated his time to South Florida civic and philanthropic causes where he has held various leadership roles. A former member of the Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board, he brings a reasonable and creative approach to land use remaining committed to preserving Coral Gables’ unique character and history while placing the interests of residents first. During his tenures, Mayor Lago has spearheaded numerous legislative initiatives and has led the City’s sustainability efforts.
Previously, he served on the Board of Directors of the Coral Gables Community Foundation where he worked to promote and enhance the quality of life for residents. He also assisted in raising funds to help the elderly, youth, and disabled population in the community.
A strong proponent of arts and culture, he has served on the board of Locust Projects for more than 10-years, a non-profit contemporary art organization that supports emerging and mid-career artists. He also served on the City of Miami’s Arts and Entertainment Council. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors of the Coral Gables Museum.
He holds a Master’s in Construction Management from the School of Engineering at Florida International University (FIU) as well as a bachelor’s in Business Administration.
An advocate of advancing the region’s planning and transportation needs and enhancing energy conservation, in 2017 he was appointed to represent Coral Gables on the board of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization. Since 2019 he has served on the Junior League of Miami Community Advisory Board where he provides insight and expertise on important community advocacy projects.
In December 2021, Mayor Vince Lago was elected Vice Chair of the Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board. The Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board provides advice on the long-term management of Biscayne Bay, health of the marine community, run-off and other effects to water quality, marine debris, education and outreach, and economic development while ensuring the vitality of Biscayne Bay and taking note of how conditions in Biscayne Bay may affect residents and property owners.
In 2021, the City Commission appointed Mayor Lago as the City's liaison to the Business Improvement District.
He is an executive at a renowned management and design firm focused on commercial construction projects specializing in medical and educational facilities.
He resides in Coral Gables with his wife Olga Mari Saizarbitoria and daughters Mirentxu and Catalin.
Alex Goryachev
AI Expert and WSJ Bestselling AuthorAlex Goryachev is a globally recognized leader in AI and technology-driven business innovation. With a career spanning senior roles at Cisco, IBM, Dell, Napster, Pfizer, and Amgen, Alex has played a key role in guiding companies through digital transformation and strategic growth. He is a top keynote speaker, media contributor, and WSJ bestselling author of Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change. Alex’s expertise spans across emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and employee-driven transformation strategies.
He has influenced startups, Fortune 500 companies, and governments worldwide, helping them harness technology for a strategic edge. Alex is particularly known for his focus on practical innovation, simplifying complex topics like AI for broader audiences, and leading organizations through rapid change. He emphasizes reskilling and preparing businesses for the future of work.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Alex continues to be a sought-after thought leader, with contributions to Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company. His insights and strategic guidance have empowered organizations to not only adapt to technological change but to lead it, ensuring sustained growth in an increasingly digital world.
Alex Goryachev’s presentation is titled Everything is about to change: How AI will reshape work and life.
Kim Garst
AI Consultant | Digital Futurist | Impact EntrepreneurOver the past 30+ years, Kim has built not just one, but seven 7-figure online businesses, along with several 6-figure ventures. Her journey has been remarkable, establishing her as a go-to authority in online marketing, particularly in AI marketing and social selling.
One of her key takeaways from decades of experience is that authenticity is the cornerstone of successful marketing. Whether in the realm of social selling or through cutting-edge AI-driven strategies, staying true to one’s identity is what truly sets brands apart.
Her book, "Will the Real You Please Stand Up: Show Up, Be Authentic, and Prosper in Social Media," is an international best seller and a testament to the power of authenticity in marketing. What excites Kim most is the connection between authenticity and AI.
Her mission is to help businesses understand how to train AI to reflect their unique voice and brand message. She envisions an AI that not only works smarter but also resonates with audiences by capturing a brand's genuine voice. By combining authenticity with AI's capabilities, Kim believes businesses can create real connections that drive growth like never before.
For Kim, it's not just about technology; it's about using technology to foster more human and authentic engagements. She is passionate about innovating and making marketing that truly speaks to people.
Kim will be speaking to our audience about Artificial Intelligence Consulting Applied to Law Firms and Lawyers.
Brody Mullins
Author and Investigative ReporterBrody Mullins is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and author of The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took over Big Government.
The book, published by Simon & Schuster, is the definitive account of the rise of corporate power and lobbying in Washington. In two decades as an investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Mullins wrote scores of ground-breaking stories about the intersection of business and politics, exposing scandals that prompted new laws and regulations for powerful government officials, lobbyists and Wall Street traders.
In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Mullins won the George Polk Award and was twice awarded the Everett Dirksen Award for best coverage of Congress. Washingtonian calls him one of 50 best reporters in politics. He has appeared on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and his work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Politico and The Atlantic.
Brody graduated from Northwestern University and now lives in Washington, D.C.
Brody will presenting on The Wolves of K Street: How Corporations Rose to Power in Washington.
Hon. Judge Roy K. Altman
Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of FloridaThe Honorable Roy K. Altman is a distinguished United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. He was appointed to the federal bench in 2019 by President Donald J. Trump, after being confirmed by the Senate with bipartisan support. Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Altman built an impressive career as a trial attorney and partner at the law firm of Podhurst Orseck, P.A., where he focused on complex civil and criminal litigation. During his time in private practice, he successfully argued numerous cases in both state and federal courts, establishing a reputation for his legal acumen and advocacy.
Judge Altman also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, where he handled a variety of high-profile cases, including healthcare fraud, narcotics, and public corruption. His experience as a federal prosecutor contributed to his deep understanding of the intricacies of criminal law, which he brings to his role on the bench.
A graduate of Columbia University and Yale Law School, Judge Altman has demonstrated a commitment to legal education. He has been a guest lecturer at various legal institutions and is involved in community outreach efforts, particularly in mentoring the next generation of lawyers.
Judge Altman’s wide-ranging experience, from high-stakes litigation to public service, has earned him respect as a fair, knowledgeable, and principled jurist. His dedication to justice and the rule of law continues to shape his contributions to the legal community.
Cristina Alvarez
Vice-President and International Relationship Manager City National Bank of Floridaristina Alvarez is an International Banker with City National Bank of Florida, offering clients more than 20 years of comprehensive wealth management and banking experience. She has team approach that brings together specialists in investments, treasury management, credit, estate strategies and corporate banking.
Cristina’s expertise is working with international high net-worth families and their businesses to develop solutions for specific needs with a team of specialists. Strategies are customized and client experience is prioritized.
Cristina holds a degree in Finance from The Catholic University of America and an MBA in international Business from the University of Miami.
Cristina Alvarez is presenting the City National Bank of Florida and Compliance Challenges in international Banking.
City National Bank of Florida is ABL’s 47th Conference Sponsor.
Nelson Bustamante
Venezuelan producer, TV personality, writer and 21-time Suncoast Emmy award winnerSocial Communicator, graduated from Universidad Catolica Andres Bello, Caracas, Venezuela (Caracas, Venezuela), Nelson was the first UNICEF ambassador in Venezuela.
Nelson has more than 40 years of experience in the media in Latin America and the United States.
He was the presenter and producer for 20 years at Radio Caracas Television (Venezuela) and the host of the television program Deal or No Deal in Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Honduras.
Nelson is the image for Latin America of The History Channel.
Nelson was awarded with 21 Suncoast EMMY awards in the United the United States for documentaries such as: Por estos pasillos de RCTV, Suenos de libertad, RCTV 10 años después, Caminos de esperanza, Cuanto dura un minuto en la vida de un torturado?, Doble exilio; among others.
Writer of Jugando a ser Dios (Amazon Best Seller, Gold Medal at the International Latino Book Awards), Por estos pasillos de RCTV and Gente que Motiva.
Nelson will be speaking about Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis — Beyond the Country’s Political Turmoil.
Andres Thimann
Managing Director and Senior Investment Strategist Bank of America Corp.Andres began his wealth management career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in
2001. Highly credentialed, Andres has come to serve a loyal circle of client families who rely upon him to manage their investment portfolios.
Andres holds the CIMA® designation, awarded by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) , taught in conjunction with the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He has also completed several certification programs in the areas of Advanced Investment Strategy and Portfolio Risk Management. Andres graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Andres enjoys time spent with family and friends – playing golf, wakeboarding, and skiing. He also volunteers in the Miami community.
Andres will be addressing our audience on US Economy — Pre/Post Covid and Presidential Election.
David Koh
Managing Director and Senior Investment Strategist Bank of America Corp.David H. Koh is a Managing Director and a Senior Investment Strategist for the Chief Investment Office (CIO) within Bank of America Corporation. He is involved in CIO investment activities, along with managed portfolio strategy development and initiatives supporting Merrill, the Bank of America Private Bank, as well asRetirement and Personal Wealth Solutions.
Prior to joining Bank of America, Koh was the Head of Third Party Solutions and the Global Investment Group at Deutsche Bank.
He earned his B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a J.D. and M.B.A. from Northwestern University. Koh is a member of the New York State Bar Association.
David will be addressing our audience on US Economy — Pre/Post Covid and Presidential Election.
J. Paul Caulfield
Partner, Financial Services, Risk Management & Cybersecurity at Ruddy Gregory PLLCJ. Paul Caulfield is head of Ruddy Gregory’s Financial Regulation and Cybersecurity practices, representing foreign banking organizations (FBOs), large, regional and community banks, investment management firms, and global service providers in the financial and fintech communities.
His work has involved matters throughout Latin America, Israel, China, Hong Kong and India and, increasingly, matters involving large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence (AI), data encryption and blockchain technology. Mr. Caulfield is certified in both information systems security (CISSP) and anti-money laundering (CAMS).
Prior to his work at Ruddy Gregory, Mr. Caulfield served in executive positions across law, risk, compliance and cybersecurity, as chief legal officer and COO for a U.K. provider of investment research, chief risk officer, chief compliance officer and BSA officer for Israel’s largest overseas financial services subsidiary, and head of compliance for Citibank N.A.’s U.S. Commercial Bank. In these roles, he has worked with and sat on boards of directors, resolved numerous public and private regulatory matters and threatened litigation, and bolstered GRC (governance, risk and compliance) and cybersecurity programs for highly and newly regulated market participants, including establishing enterprise-wide cybersecurity and cross-border data protection programs.
Paul has managed nearly every aspect of regulatory supervision in financial services, including targeted reviews, surprise inspections, full-scope safety-and-soundness examinations, public and non-public supervisory actions and transitions from community to regional bank programs.
Paul has spoken and written extensively on regulatory risk management, financial crimes compliance, financial technology and cybersecurity. He holds a patent in information sharing as allowed by Section 314(b) of the USA PATRIOT Act and is an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law, where he teaches a course on effective financial crimes risk management. He began his career in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Paul will be speaking to our audience on Demystifying Cybersecurity: Enabling Lawyers and Protecting Our Clients.