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Florida International University has three new members of its Board of Trustees: George Heisel, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, and Jesús Lebeña and Alexander M. Peraza, appointed by the Florida Board of Governors.
Additionally, DeSantis reappointed Carlos Duart, an alumnus who has been on the board since October 2021 and currently serves as vice-chair.
“We are thrilled to welcome George, Jesús, and Alexander to the FIU Board of Trustees and to congratulate Carlos on his reappointment,” said FIU Board of Trustees Chair Rogelio Tovar. “Each of them brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to our community. My colleagues and I look forward to working together as we continue to advance FIU’s mission and support its growing impact locally and globally.”
George Heisel, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, has over 20 years of leadership experience in finance, healthcare, and international business. As president of ExpoCredit, a specialty finance company, Heisel supports the growth of small and medium companies across the Americas. He also has served on numerous philanthropic boards, including Miami Children’s Hospital and Mt. Sinai Hospital.
“I am honored to join FIU’s Board of Trustees and contribute to the continued growth and success of this remarkable institution,” Heisel said. “FIU’s commitment to empowering students and fostering innovation resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to ensure the university remains a leader in education, research, and community impact.”
Jesus Lebeña, senior vice president of corporate operations at MasTec Communications Group, oversees critical operations such as safety, fleet, and supply chain. An FIU alumnus with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, Lebeña also holds advanced degrees in industrial engineering and business administration. He has been an active community leader, serving as president of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana.
“It is an extraordinary honor to be appointed to the Board of Trustees of my alma mater, a place that shaped and inspired my aspirations,” Lebeña said. “I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to give back to the institution that has given me so much and to help guide its future for generations to come.”
Alexander Peraza, a partner at Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A., specializes in business, securities, and commercial litigation. He has served as an assistant state attorney in Miami-Dade County and later as a law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes of the Southern District of Florida. A lifelong Miami-Dade resident, Peraza’s dedication to public service aligns with FIU’s commitment to community impact.
“I am honored that the Board of Governors has appointed me to serve as a member of FIU’s Board of Trustees. Being born and raised in Miami, I recognize FIU’s importance to our community. It has served, and continues to serve, as a vehicle for so many to achieve the American Dream,” Peraza said. “FIU’s success is our success. And I look forward to contributing to the betterment of our community through this opportunity.”
The newly-appointed trustees, as well as Duart, have been appointed to terms ending Jan. 6, 2030.
