The Miami-Dade and the Keys Branch’s members generally conduct their meetings during the third week of each month. Their meetings are normally held on the campus of the University of Miami, at their School of Architecture, in Coral Gables, and begin at 6:30pm. As meeting locations and times are subject to change, check here to review specifics concerning each month’s meeting.
The Chair of the Miami-Dade and the Keys Branch is Carole Schafmeister. Its current standing committees and Chairs are:
The Branch Governing Council includes the standing committee Chairs (listed above) and the following Officers:
Past Chairs
Anyone who has served in the chief executive officer role of a business or volunteer organization appreciates the commitment of time that is put in to figuratively steer the ship safely into port. To that end, it's with sincere thanks that we note the outstanding contributions of the past Presidents of the USGBCSF's Treasure Coast and Palm Beach Branch:
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Seraj Saba -- 2007-08
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Nick Gunia -- 2008-09
Volunteers
The Branch's leadership team and committee make-up is comprised entirely of volunteers. Thanks solely to these unselfish individuals' dedication, passion, expertise and, very often, long hours of volunteerism, the Miami/Keys Branch is making terrific inroads in spreading the good word about green-building initiatives. If you are interested in learning about sustainability and green building, and if you value camaraderie, teamwork and fun, email Carole Schafmeister and have a discussion about volunteering for our Branch. You won't regret it!
History of Our Branch
The Miami-Dade and the Keys Branch of the USGBC South Florida Chapter was officially formed in the Fall of 2007. From initial gatherings with attendance near a dozen green-minded individuals, monthly meetings now average 50-70 attendees and up.
The MDK Branch has shined in many education arenas, but perhaps especially with some of its outstanding green-building events. Two such examples were the group's first Annual Meeting held on September 6, 2008, at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Science. Attendees were treated to not only a spectacular venue, but also an educational forum on the linkage between green building and one’s health. Amongst many noteworthy green-building tours put on by the Branch was the one of the American Airlines Arena on June 24, 2009. The AAA had recently received its LEED EB certification -- the first sports arena of its kind in the country. Both of these events drew nearly 200 attendees apiece. Each year, the MDK Branch hosts more than a dozen educational sessions, including special tours and events.
The Branch has been extremely fortunate to have found a home base for most of its "regular" monthly meetings. The University of Miami School of Architecture, Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Lecture Hall in Coral Gables opened its doors to the Branch in 2008, and this beautiful facility has proven to be a perfect venue for our meetings, which are generally held the third Wednesday of each month.
The MDK Branch has an active committee structure, and outreach endeavors include partnering with outside organizations (e.g., MiaGreen, Dream in Green), municipalities (e.g., Gateway to Green), local universities and colleges, and more. It's GREENworking events are off-the-charts successes from the standpoint of education and making industry contacts.