BDI is pleased to announce the appointment of Francis M. García Fernández to its Advisory Board. García, who previously served as BDI’s Marketing Coordinator, brings extensive experience in diversity initiatives, digital communications, and public policy to this leadership role. His appointment reinforces BDI’s commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and understanding across the Sarasota-Manatee region.
“Francis’s deep commitment to community engagement and his proven track record with BDI make him an invaluable addition to our Advisory Board,” said Dan Boxser, Co-founder and Chairman of BDI. “His background and expertise in both communications and policy will help strengthen our mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in our community.”
During his tenure as BDI’s Marketing Coordinator, García led marketing efforts for signature programs including Visions of the Black Experience and the Manasota Remembers project, which documents and honors victims of racial terror lynching in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. His digital expertise recently helped BDI raise over $20,000 during the 2024 Giving Challenge, earning the “Best Use of Social Media” award.
Currently serving as Digital Director for the Sarasota County Democratic Party, García leads a team supporting numerous local, state, and federal campaigns. His unique perspectives are shaped by his upbringing in both Havana, Cuba, and Nebraska. As a multilingual professional fluent in English, Spanish, and French, with developing skills in Mandarin, García brings valuable cross-cultural communication capabilities to the Advisory Board.
García’s policy credentials include fellowships with the Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Policy and International Affairs program and the U.S. Department of State’s Charles B. Rangel Scholar program. His community engagement extends to roles as a two-term Board Governor for Senior Friendship Centers and advocacy work with the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. He is currently pursuing a BA in International Affairs and Economics at the George Washington University, following studies at New College of Florida.