Mike Simas

Michael Simas is President and CEO of The Florida Council of 100, an independent, nonpartisan organization of more than 200 of the state’s top CEOs. For over six decades, the Council has advanced research and solutions to strengthen Florida’s economic competitiveness, infrastructure, and resilience, convening leaders from business and government to address the state’s most pressing challenges. Michael brings more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of business, government, and civic leadership. He previously served as Executive Vice President of the Partnership for New York City, where he built alliances between Fortune 500 CEOs and public officials, helped create the $1.2 billion Excelsior Jobs Program, delivered $2.7 billion in business savings through tax reforms, launched the Innovation Council and Transit Tech Lab, and championed $1.5 billion in investment to grow the life sciences sector. He later served as Chief of Staff to the Co-CEO of First Republic Bank. Earlier in his career, Michael led Northeast Government Relations for General Electric. At the Council, Michael has focused on economic competitiveness, infrastructure, and resilience, convening leaders on housing, mobility, and water management. In 2026, the Council launched “Ambition Accelerated,” a multimillion-dollar national campaign highlighting Florida’s Gold Coast as a leading destination for CEOs, founders and investors seeking a pro-growth, innovation-driven environment to build and scale.