Maria Garcia

Zumpano, Patricios & Winker Partner Maria D. Garcia will lead the Cuban American Bar Association in 2019 after running uncontested to become the organization's 2018 president-elect.

The organization announced its 2018 president-elect and board of directors Thursday night at the conclusion of the annual board of directors election held at Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust.

“As president, my goal is going to be to continue to grow our presence in the community,” Garcia said. “I'm hoping that members will find me to be very accessible.”

Garcia, who has been on the 1,300-member organization's board of directors since 2010, plans to continue the organization's work raising funds for law school scholarships and helping lawyers develop their careers through various educational and business development events.

A Florida International University College of Law alumna, Garcia focuses her practice on health care law, commercial litigation, and international law matters.

Current President-Elect Jorge Piedra of Piedra & Associates in Coral Gables will take the helm as president of the organization when the officers and board of directors are installed Jan. 27 at the 44th Annual CABA Gala.

The elected 2018 Board of Directors announced Thursday are: A. Dax Bello, Amanda Fernandez, Javier A. Ley-Soto, Kristina G. Maranges, Daniel Mendez, Michael A. Piñeiro, Miriam Soler Ramos and Olivia C. Rodriguez.