KEYNOTE SPEAKER
DR. IRVIN "PEDRO" COHEN
Executive Director • Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Dr. Irvin “PeDro” Cohen is an influential leader in community development, currently serving as the Executive Director of LISC Jacksonville. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Cohen has focused his career on closing racial and economic gaps, building resilient communities, and empowering underserved populations.
A Jacksonville native, Dr. Cohen earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of North Florida, an MBA in marketing from Pfeiffer University, and a doctorate in organizational leadership and nonprofit management from Nova Southeastern University. His education, combined with hands-on experience, has shaped his holistic approach to leadership.
Before joining LISC, Dr. Cohen held key roles such as Vice President of Operations for the First Coast YMCA and Executive Director of the New Town Success Zone. In these roles, he spearheaded initiatives that expanded youth development, job creation, and healthcare services in underserved communities.
At LISC Jacksonville, Dr. Cohen manages efforts to promote affordable housing, economic development, and healthcare access. He is a driving force behind national initiatives like Project 10X, a $1 billion campaign to reduce racial disparities in wealth and opportunity. Locally, Dr. Cohen’s work has helped LISC invest over $100 million in housing and community revitalization projects in Jacksonville, leveraging over $365 million in additional investments.
Beyond his professional work, Dr. Cohen actively serves on numerous advisory boards and mentors young leaders. His dedication to fostering equitable economic growth and addressing systemic inequities has earned him a reputation as a key advocate for marginalized communities. He remains deeply committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, have access to resources and opportunities for success.
Dr. Cohen’s legacy continues to shape Jacksonville’s community development landscape, empowering neighborhoods to thrive economically and socially through inclusive, sustainable growth initiatives. His leadership at LISC Jacksonville has solidified his place as one of the city’s most impactful change-makers.
GREETERS
GREGORY GRANT
Administrative Director • City of Jacksonville - Jacksonville Small & Emerging Business (JSEB) - Office of Equal Business Opportunity (EBO)
Gregory Grant, the Administrator of the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses (JSEB) Program, has a deep commitment to fostering business growth and diversity in the community. With over 25 years of experience, Gregory has held leadership roles at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he has worked with countless entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of business development. Gregory’s background as a U.S. Army veteran and his ongoing doctoral studies at UNF demonstrate his passion for both education and service. His leadership of the JSEB program focuses on providing small businesses with the resources and guidance they need to succeed in the competitive Jacksonville market. His influence is set to empower a new wave of local entrepreneurs.
ARTHUR BIDES
President • Filipino American Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce & Senior Engineer at CHA Consulting, Inc.
Arthur Bides is a dedicated Senior Engineer at CHA Consulting, Inc. and a Project Manager at JEA, where he specializes in water and wastewater infrastructure projects. A University of Florida graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering, Arthur is committed to enhancing regional utility systems. Beyond engineering, he serves as President of the Jacksonville Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, advocating for minority-owned businesses and fostering economic growth within the community. Arthur is active in local non-profits and balances his professional life with a love for scuba diving and woodworking, while raising two daughters with his wife.
MICHAEL JENKINS, JR.
CEO • Goldenboy Enterprises & Partner • Legacy Restaurant & Lounge
Micheal S. Jenkins, Jr. is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader with a passion for empowering others to rise above adversity. A Jacksonville native and Florida A&M graduate, Micheal holds a degree in Information Technology, Mobile App Development, and Cyber Security. As CEO of Golden Boy Enterprises, he oversees six thriving business portfolios, driving growth through data-driven strategies and impactful investments.
Micheal’s leadership extends beyond business—he’s a committed advocate for underprivileged communities, serving as a Trustee of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and co-owning Legacy Restaurant and Lounge. He’s also the visionary behind “Dream Big Weekend,” a celebrated event featured on First Coast News and WCTV. A sought-after speaker, Micheal’s mission is to inspire others to chase their dreams, proving that no challenge is insurmountable.
MALCOLM SMITH
CEO • National Dump Trucking Assocation
Malcolm Smith is the founder of the National Dump Truckers Association and the owner of GHM Transportation, a prominent dump trucking company based in Atlanta. With a commitment to raising industry standards, Smith has been a vocal advocate for improving business practices and ethics in the trucking industry. Through his leadership at the National Dump Truckers Association, he provides crucial resources and support to help entrepreneurs in dump trucking succeed, while also addressing key challenges such as the impact of weather on operations and maximizing earnings potential.
At GHM Transportation, Smith oversees a robust business, managing operations that serve diverse clients throughout the southeastern United States. His experience and insights have made him a sought-after voice in transportation, often sharing his expertise on business development and the future of the industry.