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Camillus House has announced the appointment of distinguished leaders to its board of directors for the first quarter of 2025.
David Baum; Manny Benitez; Derrick George, Esq.; Charles T. Kaplanek; Brian M. Sepe, and Kyle Sonlin bring with them a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for service that aligns with Camillus House’s mission to provide compassionate and life-changing services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Miami-Dade County.
“It’s an honor to welcome these exceptional leaders to our board,” said board chair Albert Molina. “Each brings not only deep professional expertise, but also a genuine commitment to serving others, qualities that reflect the very heart of Camillus House. Their willingness to step up and give back at this moment in our city’s history is both inspiring and deeply needed. I have no doubt their leadership will help us continue to reach further, serve more people, and provide hope where it’s needed most.”
David Baum is a partner at Stage 1 Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that he launched in 2006 after 26 years in technology finance and 10 years in entrepreneurial operating roles. In addition to his VC activities, Baum is a mentor at Harvard Innovation Lab, where he helps students launch their dreams, and a venture partner at Converge Venture Partners, where he provides capital and connections for tech entrepreneurs in Boston, New England, and New York City.
He holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a BS in Computer Science from Drexel University, where he graduated first in his class. He is passionate about supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Manny Benitez is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader with over four decades of experience in business operations, strategic planning, and financial oversight. He is the founder and owner of American Fasteners Corp., a leading distributor of construction and industrial products with multiple locations across South Florida serving clients throughout the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean.
In addition to managing other investment ventures, Benitez has served as president of both the Condo Association in Doral and the HOA at Sunset Pointe in Silver Lakes, where he led major community initiatives and budget planning efforts. He studied international trade and marketing at the University of Miami.
Derrick George, Esq. is a prominent land use and litigation attorney with offices in Michigan and Miami. A long-time volunteer and advocate, Derrick has dedicated hundreds of hours to serving Camillus House and the Detroit Rescue Mission. He is also an active participant with Lawyers to the Rescue, a pro bono initiative led by Spencer Aronfeld, ensuring equitable access to legal support for underserved communities. George’s commitment to justice and community advocacy makes him a strong addition to the board.
Charles T. Kaplanek is a seasoned business executive and entrepreneur who spent more than three decades building and leading a major architectural glass manufacturing company serving the commercial and high-rise construction industry. He served as president and CEO of the Commercial Division of Oldcastle Building Envelope and has been active on numerous national boards including the Flat Glass Marketing Association and Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD). Now based in Coral Gables, Kaplanek continues to support local community causes and serves on the Deering Bay Master Property Association Board.
Brian M. Sepe is an accomplished financial executive with decades of leadership experience in global wealth management. He previously served as head of Latin America & Canada Wealth Management for Merrill Lynch, overseeing $53 billion in assets and managing over 800 employees across multiple countries. Sepe has held senior leadership roles at Sterne Agee & Leach Inc. and served as the inaugural dean of the School of Business at Miami Dade College.
A decorated U.S. Army veteran and community advocate, Sepe has been involved with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Make a Wish Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.
Kyle Sonlin is the president of Sonlin Ventures and CEO of Global Settlement Network, with deep expertise in blockchain technology and venture capital. A bestselling author and internationally recognized thought leader, Sonlin has raised millions in funding for tech startups and speaks frequently at universities and global conferences. His philanthropic work through the Sonlin Foundation has supported Children’s Hospital, Philly Startup Leaders, and other charitable initiatives.
The new board members join an engaged and dynamic board of directors led by Molina — including Bob Dickinson, chair emeritus — that plays a critical role in guiding Camillus House’s strategic growth as it expands housing, healthcare, employment, and homeless support services for Miami-Dade’s most vulnerable residents.
“We’re thrilled to welcome David, Manny, Derrick, Charles, Brian and Kyle to the Camillus House Board of Directors,” said Eddie Gloria, CEO of Camillus House. “Each of them brings a unique mix of experience, leadership, and heart for service that will strengthen our mission. Their insight and passion come at a pivotal time as we continue to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs of those we serve across Miami-Dade. With their support, we’ll keep expanding our reach providing not just housing, but the healthcare, mental health support, and job training people need to truly rebuild their lives.”
For more than 60 years, Camillus House has grown from a modest shelter into a cornerstone of support for those experiencing homelessness in Miami-Dade County. Today, it provides a wide range of services – from mental health and addiction treatment to healthcare, housing, job training, and specialized care for survivors of human trafficking.
Grounded in its values of compassion, hospitality, and community, Camillus House remains committed to helping individuals rebuild their lives and achieve lasting stability.
To learn more about Camillus House’s Board of Directors, visit www.camillus.org/about-us/leadership/.
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