Mike Fernandez
Chairman & CEO
Miami Connection
Fernandez has deeply shaped Miami's healthcare landscape through MBF Healthcare Partners and partnerships like one with the University of Miami and Magic Johnson Enterprises serving South Florida’s HIV/AIDS community, while his companies have created jobs and been acquired by national giants. As a philanthropist, he trekked Europe to raise funds for Miami Children's Hospital, which saved his granddaughter's life, and funds pro-immigrant billboards criticizing harsh policies, aiming to awaken Cuban-American consciences on immigration parallels to their own exodus. He recently rescinded donations to Miami Dade College and FIU over in-state tuition repeals for certain immigrants.
About
Born in Cuba, Mike Fernandez immigrated to New York at age 12 with his family after being expelled amid revolutionary activity, later moving to South Florida in 1975 post-U.S. Army service as a paratrooper. He built a career in healthcare, founding companies like Physician's Healthcare Plans (sold to AmeriGroup), CarePlus Health Plans (sold to Humana), and Simply Healthcare Plans (sold to Anthem), before establishing Coral Gables-based MBF Healthcare Partners in 2005, a private equity firm investing in nationwide healthcare services including Navarro Discount Pharmacy (sold to CVS). A major Republican donor earlier in his career, he registered as an Independent in 2016 and now focuses on philanthropy. He serves on the University of Miami Board of Trustees and Miller School of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council. Currently, he chairs MBF Healthcare Partners.