Richard I. Segal, Esq., a third-generation Miami Beach native and successful area attorney with deep roots in the community, has taken the lead as the 43rd chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s (MBCC) Board of Directors. After nearly 10 years of commitment as a very active member of the MBCC, Segal is positioned to lead with great enthusiasm for driving community impact initiatives.
Segal was installed as the new chair during an Oct. 27, 2023 ceremony at the MBCC’s annual meeting, located at the W Hotel in Miami Beach.
During his two-year tenure as chairman, Segal will set the agenda of priorities for the MBCC and develop membership strategies for the organization, which represents the majority of businesses fueling the Miami Beach economy. It includes a diverse membership of more than 100 members across its Board of Governors and Pillar Board of Trustees.
Starting with his previous position of chair-elect, Segal has already hit the ground running with his priorities as chairman. As part of Segal’s strong relationship with Miami Beach Chief of Police Wayne Jones, Chief Jones has agreed to sit on the hand-picked executive board of the MBCC. This board is intimately involved in the MBCC and is made up of the 25 highest level people in the community. Segal selected Chief Jones to sit on the board as a way of showing MBCC members and the community that safety comes first and so that members have full access to the Miami Beach Police Department.
Additionally, Segal assisted in securing Mount Sinai Medical Center, the largest employer on Miami Beach, as a new member of the MBCC at the highest level, the Chairman’s Circle. The Chamber is ecstatic to have them on board and is looking forward to working with them on joint initiatives that help the Miami Beach community and provide access to health to all Miami Beach residents.
Once members of the Chamber expressed that they wanted to make the most out of networking events, Segal approached David Grutman, founder of Groot Hospitality, about partnering on an annual signature networking event. With Grutman and Groot Hospitality continuing to open new venues in Miami Beach and the fun atmosphere that they bring, Segal knew that they were best suited for the partnership. Grutman has agreed to host an annual signature networking event, and Segal’s goal is to make it the largest and most exciting event of the year.
Over the past decade, Segal has served in many positions throughout the MBCC, including multiple tenures as vice chairman of the organization, board member of the Executive Board of Governors and Board of Governors, chair of the Emerging Leadership Council (ELC), and member of the Law Council.
Segal’s activism in the MBCC started with his appointment as chair of the ELC, a hand-picked group of Miami Beach professionals working to build and become the next generation of leadership on Miami Beach. Through the ELC, he created and spearheaded the MBCC’s Mentor Program, an initiative to help members of the council gain both business and personal growth from experienced community leaders.
As a member of the Executive Board of Governors, Segal spearheaded and brought to fruition the “Weekly Chamber Chat with Mayor Dan Gelber,” a weekly 30-minute Zoom meeting with Mayor of Miami Beach Dan Gelber, open to all MBCC members.
In addition, Segal spoke to MBCC’s Law Council and all MBCC general members on “Leaving Big Law and Opening a Boutique Firm, How We Did It and Why It’s as Hard as You Think it is But Equally as Rewarding.” Segal previously became the youngest partner at Kluger Kaplan, and then co-founded his own boutique litigation firm Segal Zuckerman in Miami, where he practiced for five years. He was recently appointed co-founder and co-managing partner of the new Miami office of Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas LLP, a national litigation boutique concentrating on complex, high-net-worth matrimonial disputes.
In his enthusiasm for the MBCC, Segal follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late Harold J. Segal, who helped raise funds and personally financially contributed to paying off the mortgage for the MBCC office headquarters.
Segal previously was appointed by the city commissioners of Miami Beach, Mayor of Miami Beach Philip Levine and Mayor Gelber to serve on the Board of Adjustment (“BOA”) and chaired the BOA for two years.
“During this dynamic new chapter in the MBCC’s storied history, I am excited to lead the Chamber to newer heights,” said Segal. “With deep roots in the Miami Beach community, I’m honored to take on this important leadership position to continue the city’s success into the future.”
About the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1921 to promote the economic wellbeing of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy. For more information, visit www.miamibeachchamber.com.
About Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas LLP
Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas LLP represents high-net-worth individuals in complex matrimonial and commercial disputes. Its offices are located at 500 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022; 515 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 800, West Palm Beach FL 33401. For more information, visit www.rfbllp.com.
