South Florida Chapter Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

South Florida Chapter has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic governance, legal education, and judicial networking.

Committed to advancing the federal legal community, South Florida Chapter fosters professional development and historical preservation through innovative programming and collaborative initiatives that connect practitioners with the judiciary across the region.

Leadership Roles at South Florida Chapter

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

    Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz, the President (2019-20) at South Florida Chapter, directs the strategic vision for federal practitioner engagement. Overseeing the expansion of continuing legal education, Fotiu-Wojtowicz ensures that members access high-quality professional development resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with the judiciary to maintain strong institutional relationships across the Miami area. By prioritizing networking opportunities, Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz strengthens the connection between private practitioners and federal judges. The President (2019-20) also manages the implementation of community-focused initiatives that support the broader mission of the organization. Through consistent outreach and event planning, Fotiu-Wojtowicz drives member participation and enhances the overall value proposition for legal professionals. This focus on professional excellence supports the long-term growth of the chapter while maintaining the integrity of the federal legal system within the region.

    Stephanie Turk - President (2023-24)

    Stephanie Turk, the President (2023-24) at South Florida Chapter, architects the current operational framework for federal bar activities. Managing the delivery of innovative CLE programming, Turk ensures that legal practitioners remain informed on evolving federal standards. This leadership role requires close collaboration with the board to execute initiatives that celebrate the legacy of the federal judiciary. Stephanie Turk also oversees the integration of new networking platforms designed to increase engagement among Miami-based legal professionals. By focusing on the sustainability of the chapter, Turk drives initiatives that bridge the gap between historical preservation and modern legal practice. The President (2023-24) maintains a rigorous schedule of events that promote professional collaboration and community involvement. Through these efforts, Turk secures the continued relevance of the organization as a premier hub for federal legal discourse and professional development.

    David Weinstein - President (2018-19)

    David Weinstein, the President (2018-19) at South Florida Chapter, leads the strategic initiatives focused on enhancing judicial and practitioner collaboration. Overseeing the development of educational seminars, Weinstein ensures that the chapter provides essential insights into federal litigation practices. This leadership role involves managing the logistical execution of large-scale events that bring together the legal community. David Weinstein also directs efforts to preserve the history of the federal legal system through targeted projects. By fostering an environment of professional growth, Weinstein supports the mission of the organization to serve lawyers and judges effectively. The President (2018-19) coordinates with various committees to ensure that all programming aligns with the core values of the chapter. Through these strategic actions, Weinstein strengthens the professional network and promotes a culture of excellence within the federal legal community in the region.

    Tal Lifshitz - President (2022-23)

    Tal Lifshitz, the President (2022-23) at South Florida Chapter, drives the strategic agenda for member engagement and professional advocacy. Overseeing the implementation of diverse CLE programming, Lifshitz ensures that the chapter addresses the complex needs of federal practitioners. This leadership role involves managing the outreach efforts that connect the judiciary with the broader legal community. Tal Lifshitz also architects initiatives that promote the history of the federal legal system, including the development of legacy-focused projects. By optimizing the delivery of educational content, Lifshitz supports the professional advancement of members across the Miami area. The President (2022-23) works closely with the board to ensure that all organizational activities reflect the commitment to excellence and collaboration. Through these efforts, Lifshitz enhances the reputation of the chapter as a vital resource for legal professionals seeking to engage with the federal judiciary.

    Brett Barfield - President (2010-11)

    Brett Barfield, the President (2010-11) at South Florida Chapter, manages the foundational strategies for professional networking and judicial engagement. Overseeing the development of early educational initiatives, Barfield ensures that the chapter provides a platform for meaningful interaction between practitioners and judges. This leadership role involves coordinating the administrative functions that support the growth of the organization. Brett Barfield also directs the efforts to establish the chapter as a central hub for federal legal discourse. By focusing on the long-term sustainability of the membership base, Barfield drives the implementation of programs that foster community involvement. The President (2010-11) maintains a focus on the core mission of the chapter, ensuring that all activities contribute to the professional development of the legal community. Through these strategic actions, Barfield secures the continued success and influence of the organization within the federal legal landscape.

    Kathleen Williams - President (2003-04)

    Kathleen Williams, the President (2003-04) at South Florida Chapter, directs the strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationship between the federal judiciary and the bar. Overseeing the establishment of key educational programs, Williams ensures that the chapter provides valuable insights for legal practitioners. This leadership role involves managing the collaborative efforts that define the organization's commitment to the legal community. Kathleen Williams also architects the framework for professional engagement that continues to influence the chapter's operations. By focusing on the core mission of fostering networking opportunities, Williams drives the development of initiatives that support the professional growth of members. The President (2003-04) works to ensure that the chapter remains a vital resource for judges and lawyers alike. Through these efforts, Williams establishes a legacy of excellence and professional collaboration that remains central to the identity of the organization.

    Erica Zaron - President Elect

    Erica Zaron, the President Elect at South Florida Chapter, prepares the strategic roadmap for future organizational growth and member engagement. Overseeing the planning of upcoming educational initiatives, Zaron ensures that the chapter remains responsive to the evolving needs of federal practitioners. This leadership role involves collaborating with current leadership to align future programming with the core mission of the organization. Erica Zaron also directs the development of new networking strategies designed to expand the reach of the chapter across the region. By focusing on the integration of innovative legal education, Zaron supports the professional development of the membership. The President Elect works to ensure that the transition of leadership maintains the momentum of the chapter's ongoing projects. Through these efforts, Zaron secures the future success of the organization as a premier hub for federal legal discourse and professional collaboration.

    Stephanie Casey - President (2021-22)

    Stephanie Casey, the President (2021-22) at South Florida Chapter, leads the strategic execution of programs designed to enhance the federal legal community. Overseeing the delivery of CLE programming, Casey ensures that members receive high-quality education on federal practice standards. This leadership role involves managing the coordination between the judiciary and the bar to foster a collaborative environment. Stephanie Casey also directs the implementation of initiatives that celebrate the history of the federal legal system. By focusing on the expansion of networking opportunities, Casey drives member engagement and professional development. The President (2021-22) works with the board to ensure that all activities align with the mission of the chapter. Through these efforts, Casey strengthens the professional network and promotes a culture of excellence within the federal legal community, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for all practitioners.

    Celeste Higgins - President (2008-09)

    Celeste Higgins, the President (2008-09) at South Florida Chapter, manages the strategic initiatives focused on professional development and judicial engagement. Overseeing the development of educational seminars, Higgins ensures that the chapter provides essential insights into federal litigation practices. This leadership role involves coordinating the logistical execution of events that bring together the legal community. Celeste Higgins also directs efforts to preserve the history of the federal legal system through targeted projects. By fostering an environment of professional growth, Higgins supports the mission of the organization to serve lawyers and judges effectively. The President (2008-09) coordinates with various committees to ensure that all programming aligns with the core values of the chapter. Through these strategic actions, Higgins strengthens the professional network and promotes a culture of excellence within the federal legal community in the region.

    Oliver Ruiz - President (2015-16)

    Oliver Ruiz, the President (2015-16) at South Florida Chapter, directs the strategic vision for federal practitioner engagement. Overseeing the expansion of continuing legal education, Ruiz ensures that members access high-quality professional development resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with the judiciary to maintain strong institutional relationships across the Miami area. By prioritizing networking opportunities, Oliver Ruiz strengthens the connection between private practitioners and federal judges. The President (2015-16) also manages the implementation of community-focused initiatives that support the broader mission of the organization. Through consistent outreach and event planning, Ruiz drives member participation and enhances the overall value proposition for legal professionals. This focus on professional excellence supports the long-term growth of the chapter while maintaining the integrity of the federal legal system within the region, ensuring that the organization remains a cornerstone of the legal community.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Membership Organizations

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

    Who leads South Florida Chapter?
    South Florida Chapter is led by Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz (President (2019-20)), along with executives such as Stephanie Turk (President (2023-24)) and David Weinstein (President (2018-19)).
    Who is part of South Florida Chapter’s executive team?
    The executive team of South Florida Chapter includes leaders such as Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz (President (2019-20)), Stephanie Turk (President (2023-24)), David Weinstein (President (2018-19)) 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 (2019-20), President (2023-24), President (2018-19), President (2022-23), President (2010-11).