South Florida Chapter Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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.

Leadership Roles at South Florida Chapter

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

    Stephanie Turk, the President (2023-24) at South Florida Chapter, directs the organization's strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the current fiscal year. Turk guides the chapter's mission to foster networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary within the Miami area. This leadership involves orchestrating innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming designed to enhance the legal community's engagement and knowledge. Turk ensures the chapter's activities align with its commitment to promoting collaboration and community involvement. The President's role includes championing initiatives that preserve the history of the federal legal system and inspire future legal professionals. Stephanie Turk actively works to strengthen the chapter's position as one of the largest federal bar chapters in the United States, driving forward its legacy and impact.

    Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz - President (2019-20)

    Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz, the President (2019-20) at South Florida Chapter, led the organization during a pivotal period, focusing on expanding its reach and impact within the federal legal community. Fotiu-Wojtowicz's tenure emphasized the chapter's dedication to providing robust networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This leadership involved driving innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming that enriched the knowledge base of legal professionals in the Miami area. Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz worked to enhance collaboration and community involvement, reinforcing the chapter's role in preserving the history of the federal legal system. The focus during this presidency was on solidifying the chapter's standing as a key resource for lawyers and judges, ensuring continued engagement and inspiration for future legal professionals.

    Erica Zaron - President Elect

    Erica Zaron, the President Elect at South Florida Chapter, prepares to assume leadership, focusing on future strategic planning and operational readiness. Zaron's role involves close collaboration with current leadership to ensure a seamless transition and continued execution of the chapter's core mission. This involves understanding and contributing to the organization's commitment to fostering networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. Erica Zaron actively participates in the development of innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming aimed at enhancing the legal community's engagement and knowledge in the Miami area. The President Elect's responsibilities include supporting initiatives that promote collaboration, community involvement, and the preservation of the federal legal system's history. Zaron's preparation ensures the chapter remains a vital resource for lawyers and judges.

    David Weinstein - President (2018-19)

    David Weinstein, the President (2018-19) at South Florida Chapter, guided the organization with a focus on strengthening its foundational principles and expanding its influence. Weinstein's leadership prioritized the chapter's commitment to providing essential networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This involved overseeing the planning and execution of innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming tailored to the needs of legal professionals in the Miami area. David Weinstein championed initiatives that fostered collaboration and community involvement, reinforcing the chapter's dedication to preserving the history of the federal legal system. The presidency under Weinstein aimed to enhance the engagement and knowledge of the legal community, ensuring the chapter's continued relevance and impact.

    Oliver Ruiz - President (2015-16)

    Oliver Ruiz, the President (2015-16) at South Florida Chapter, directed the organization's efforts to enhance its role as a premier resource for federal legal professionals. Ruiz's leadership focused on advancing the chapter's mission of fostering robust networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This involved overseeing the development and delivery of innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming designed to elevate the knowledge and skills of lawyers and judges in the Miami area. Oliver Ruiz promoted collaboration and community involvement, reinforcing the chapter's commitment to preserving the history of the federal legal system. The presidency under Ruiz aimed to strengthen the chapter's engagement with its members and the broader legal community.

    Tal Lifshitz - President (2022-23)

    Tal Lifshitz, the President (2022-23) at South Florida Chapter, led the organization with a focus on innovation and member engagement during a dynamic period. Lifshitz's tenure emphasized the chapter's dedication to providing valuable networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This involved driving forward creative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming that addressed the evolving needs of the legal community in the Miami area. Tal Lifshitz worked to deepen collaboration and community involvement, reinforcing the chapter's commitment to preserving the history of the federal legal system. The presidency under Lifshitz aimed to inspire future legal professionals and ensure the chapter's continued growth and impact.

    Celeste Higgins - President (2008-09)

    Celeste Higgins, the President (2008-09) at South Florida Chapter, steered the organization through its formative years, establishing key operational frameworks. Higgins' leadership was instrumental in solidifying the chapter's commitment to fostering networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This involved initiating innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming that laid the groundwork for future growth and member engagement in the Miami area. Celeste Higgins championed collaboration and community involvement, embedding the chapter's dedication to preserving the history of the federal legal system. The presidency under Higgins set a precedent for excellence and community focus.

    Kathleen Williams - President (2003-04)

    Kathleen Williams, the President (2003-04) at South Florida Chapter, established foundational strategies for the organization's growth and influence. Williams' leadership focused on embedding the chapter's core mission of providing essential networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This involved initiating innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming that served the burgeoning legal community in the Miami area. Kathleen Williams promoted collaboration and community involvement, laying the groundwork for the chapter's commitment to preserving the history of the federal legal system. The presidency under Williams set a strong precedent for member service and engagement.

    Brett Barfield - President (2010-11)

    Brett Barfield, the President (2010-11) at South Florida Chapter, guided the organization with a focus on expanding its educational offerings and member services. Barfield's leadership prioritized the chapter's commitment to fostering robust networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This involved overseeing the development and implementation of innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming designed to meet the needs of legal professionals in the Miami area. Brett Barfield actively promoted collaboration and community involvement, reinforcing the chapter's dedication to preserving the history of the federal legal system. The presidency under Barfield aimed to enhance the chapter's value proposition for its members.

    Stephanie Casey - President (2021-22)

    Stephanie Casey, the President (2021-22) at South Florida Chapter, led the organization with a focus on resilience and continued engagement during a period of significant change. Casey's tenure emphasized the chapter's dedication to providing vital networking and educational opportunities for federal practitioners and the judiciary. This involved adapting and delivering innovative events and continuing legal education (CLE) programming to serve the legal community in the Miami area effectively. Stephanie Casey worked to maintain strong collaboration and community involvement, reinforcing the chapter's commitment to preserving the history of the federal legal system. The presidency under Casey ensured the chapter remained a supportive and informative resource for its members.

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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 Stephanie Turk (President (2023-24)), along with executives such as Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz (President (2019-20)) and Erica Zaron (President Elect).
    Who is part of South Florida Chapter’s executive team?
    The executive team of South Florida Chapter includes leaders such as Stephanie Turk (President (2023-24)), Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz (President (2019-20)), Erica Zaron (President Elect) 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 (2023-24), President (2019-20), President Elect, President (2018-19), President (2015-16).