South Florida Chapter Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

South Florida Chapter has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy and operations.

Driven by a commitment to legal excellence, South Florida Chapter fosters networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary, enhancing the legal community's engagement and knowledge through innovative events and CLE programming.

Leadership Roles at South Florida Chapter

  • President (2008-09) - Celeste Higgins
  • President (2018-19) - David Weinstein
  • President (2015-16) - Oliver Ruiz
  • President (2010-11) - Brett Barfield
  • President Elect - Erica Zaron
  • President (2019-20) - Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz
  • President (2023-24) - Stephanie Turk
  • President (2021-22) - Stephanie Casey
  • President (2022-23) - Tal Lifshitz
  • President (2003-04) - Kathleen Williams
  • Celeste Higgins - President (2008-09)

    Celeste Higgins, the President (2008-09) at South Florida Chapter, directed the organization during a pivotal period, focusing on enhancing networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Higgins's leadership ensured the chapter continued its mission of fostering collaboration and community involvement within the Miami area's legal landscape. This role involved overseeing strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the chapter's impact and preserve the history of the federal legal system. Higgins's tenure emphasized the importance of continuing legal education (CLE) programming, ensuring members had access to valuable professional development. The operational scope included guiding the chapter's engagement with its members and the broader legal community, solidifying its position as a significant federal bar chapter. Celeste Higgins drove forward the chapter's objectives, contributing to its legacy of service and professional advancement.

    David Weinstein - President (2018-19)

    David Weinstein, the President (2018-19) at South Florida Chapter, guided the organization with a focus on expanding its reach and impact within the federal legal community. Weinstein's leadership prioritized innovative events and robust continuing legal education (CLE) programming, directly supporting the chapter's dedication to professional development for lawyers and judges in the Miami area. This executive role involved strengthening collaborative efforts and community involvement, ensuring the chapter remained a vital resource. Weinstein oversaw initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement and knowledge sharing among federal practitioners. The operational focus included maintaining the chapter's status as one of the largest federal bar chapters in the United States. David Weinstein's presidency was instrumental in advancing the chapter's mission to foster a connected and informed legal community.

    Oliver Ruiz - President (2015-16)

    Oliver Ruiz, the President (2015-16) at South Florida Chapter, steered the organization's strategic direction, emphasizing educational programming and professional networking for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Ruiz's leadership ensured the chapter provided valuable continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities, directly supporting the professional growth of lawyers and judges in the Miami area. This executive position involved fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration among members. The operational responsibilities included overseeing chapter events designed to enhance engagement and knowledge within the federal legal system. Oliver Ruiz focused on maintaining the chapter's commitment to preserving the history of federal law while promoting contemporary legal practices. Ruiz's tenure reinforced the chapter's role as a key hub for federal legal professionals.

    Brett Barfield - President (2010-11)

    Brett Barfield, the President (2010-11) at South Florida Chapter, directed the organization's efforts to provide essential networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Barfield's leadership focused on strengthening the chapter's role in fostering community and collaboration among legal professionals in the Miami area. This executive role involved overseeing the development and execution of continuing legal education (CLE) programs, ensuring members stayed abreast of federal legal developments. The operational scope included managing initiatives that enhanced engagement and knowledge within the federal bar. Brett Barfield championed the chapter's mission to serve as a leading federal bar association, contributing to its reputation for excellence and community involvement. Barfield's presidency underscored a commitment to the chapter's foundational goals.

    Erica Zaron - President Elect

    Erica Zaron, the President Elect at South Florida Chapter, actively prepares to lead the organization in its mission to foster networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Zaron's current role involves supporting the chapter's strategic initiatives, including the organization of innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming. This position is critical for ensuring continuity and driving forward the chapter's commitment to enhancing the legal community's engagement and knowledge in the Miami area. Zaron works closely with current leadership to understand operational demands and future objectives. The President Elect's responsibilities are foundational for future leadership, focusing on collaboration and community involvement within the federal bar. Erica Zaron's involvement signifies a dedication to the chapter's ongoing success and its role in preserving federal legal history.

    Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz - President (2019-20)

    Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz, the President (2019-20) at South Florida Chapter, led the organization through a significant period, emphasizing its core mission of providing networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Fotiu-Wojtowicz's leadership focused on adapting and delivering innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming to serve lawyers and judges in the Miami area effectively. This executive role was crucial in maintaining community engagement and knowledge sharing during evolving circumstances. The operational oversight included ensuring the chapter's continued relevance and support for its members. Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz drove initiatives that reinforced the chapter's commitment to collaboration and the preservation of federal legal history. Fotiu-Wojtowicz's presidency highlighted resilience and dedication to the federal bar community.

    Stephanie Turk - President (2023-24)

    Stephanie Turk, the President (2023-24) at South Florida Chapter, currently directs the organization's strategic objectives, focusing on enhancing networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Turk's leadership prioritizes innovative events and comprehensive continuing legal education (CLE) programming, directly supporting the chapter's mission to serve lawyers and judges in the Miami area. This executive role involves fostering collaboration and community involvement, ensuring the chapter remains a vital resource for federal legal professionals. Stephanie Turk oversees initiatives aimed at deepening engagement and knowledge within the federal bar. The operational scope includes guiding the chapter's activities to uphold its reputation as a leading federal bar association. Turk's presidency emphasizes a forward-looking approach to legal education and community building.

    Stephanie Casey - President (2021-22)

    Stephanie Casey, the President (2021-22) at South Florida Chapter, guided the organization with a strong emphasis on its commitment to federal practitioners and the judiciary. Casey's leadership focused on delivering valuable networking and educational opportunities, including continuing legal education (CLE) programming, to members in the Miami area. This executive position was key in fostering collaboration and community involvement within the federal legal landscape. The operational responsibilities included overseeing chapter events and initiatives designed to enhance knowledge and engagement. Stephanie Casey ensured the chapter continued its mission of serving as a prominent federal bar association, contributing to the professional development of its members. Casey's tenure reinforced the chapter's dedication to its core values.

    Tal Lifshitz - President (2022-23)

    Tal Lifshitz, the President (2022-23) at South Florida Chapter, directed the organization's strategic priorities, focusing on expanding networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Lifshitz's leadership championed innovative events and robust continuing legal education (CLE) programming, directly benefiting lawyers and judges in the Miami area. This executive role was pivotal in strengthening community ties and promoting collaboration within the federal legal sector. The operational oversight included managing initiatives that enhanced member engagement and knowledge sharing. Tal Lifshitz guided the chapter's efforts to maintain its standing as a leading federal bar association. Lifshitz's presidency underscored a commitment to advancing the chapter's mission and supporting its members' professional growth.

    Kathleen Williams - President (2003-04)

    Kathleen Williams, the President (2003-04) at South Florida Chapter, led the organization during its formative years, establishing foundational principles for networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Williams's leadership was instrumental in shaping the chapter's early direction, focusing on community building and professional development for lawyers and judges in the Miami area. This executive role involved setting the stage for future growth and engagement within the federal legal community. The operational focus included initiating programs that fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange. Kathleen Williams's presidency laid the groundwork for the chapter's continued success and its role in preserving the history of the federal legal system. Williams's early leadership was crucial to the chapter's development.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding South Florida Chapter Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads South Florida Chapter?
    South Florida Chapter is led by Celeste Higgins (President (2008-09)), along with executives such as David Weinstein (President (2018-19)) and Oliver Ruiz (President (2015-16)).
    Who is part of South Florida Chapter’s executive team?
    The executive team of South Florida Chapter includes leaders such as Celeste Higgins (President (2008-09)), David Weinstein (President (2018-19)), Oliver Ruiz (President (2015-16)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does South Florida Chapter have?
    South Florida Chapter has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in South Florida Chapter’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of South Florida Chapter includes roles such as President (2008-09), President (2018-19), President (2015-16), President (2010-11), President Elect.