Judge Michael B. Chavies was installed as the Orange Bowl Committee’s 78th president and chair on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Riviera Country Club in Coral Gables. Judge Chavies, a member of the Orange Bowl Committee since 2000, succeeds immediate past president and chair Lee Stapleton.
Judge Chavies will oversee the committee’s continued commitment to the South Florida community, including a full slate of events, highlighted by the 83rd Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 31, 2016.
The Orange Bowl invests nearly $1 million in the South Florida community on an annual basis, funding a variety of programs and initiatives, including the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance presented by Sports Authority, various scholarship programs and many other youth athletic events.
“It has been my privilege for many years to serve on the Orange Bowl Committee and I am honored that my fellow members have entrusted me to serve in an even greater capacity as president,” Chavies said. “I feel fortunate to take part in such a vital organization that is positively shaping our youth and inspires community collaboration and impact.
“2016 will be another enriching year for South Florida as we continue to engage in new and meaningful partnerships that promote our mission to youth and sports, as well as initiatives that further drive the direction and future of our local economy.”
A former Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge and accomplished trial lawyer, Chavies now is a partner in Akerman LLP’s litigation practice. He is involved in complex commercial cases in the courtroom for the firm’s larger public companies. He also chairs the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and assists in the firm’s recruitment efforts.
Prior to being appointed to the bench by Gov. Lawton Chiles in 1992, he practiced law for 18 years, specializing in civil litigation, appellate law, and criminal defense. Judge Chavies received both his BA and JD from Rutgers University. He and his wife, Pamela, live in Miami.
Donald Slesnick moves into Judge Chavies’ role as president-elect and chairelect and will serve as the 79th president and chair during the 2017-18 year. Sean Pittman will serve as the first vice chair and will become president and chair in 2018-19. Eric Poms enters his 11th year as the CEO and marks his 23rd year with the Orange Bowl Committee.
The Orange Bowl is a 363-member, primarily volunteer non-profit sports organization that promotes and serves the South Florida community. The Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec.31. Other Orange Bowl core events include the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance presented by Sports Authority, Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships, Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta, Orange Bowl Swim Classic and Orange Bowl Paddle Championships.
For more information on the 2016-17 Orange Bowl events, including promotional and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program presented by Panera Bread, log on to www.orangebowl.org.
