MICHAEL CAPPONI, President and CEO
Michael Capponi is known as one of the key pioneers that put Miami Beach on the international jet set map. Michael Capponi leveraged this popularity to cultivate prominent connections and open himself up to more diverse business opportunities. As a result, Michael shifted his focus away from developing the entertainment landscape of South Beach to the acquisition and expansion of real estate. Michael founded GEM in 2011 after serving on the Executive Board of United Way.
Today, Michael is the Executive Director of Gem. He has created many case studies on relief missions around the globe, mostly by gathering supplies and supporting families of victims and survivors in record times with limited funds. He played an instrumental role in providing relief after tragedies like 9/11, Hurricane Charley, and Hurricane Katrina.
Michael brought a team of Firefighters to Haiti within 5 days of the earthquake and established a 3000 person tent city in Petionville within 3 weeks. As of January 2019, he has personally made over 84 trips to Haiti. Since then, he and the Gem teams have collectively assisted in over 200 mission trips around the globe. He calls his 80+ trips to Haiti his MBA in humanitarian studies.
AWARDS
• City Of Miami Beach – Key To The City (2001)
• American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys – Fundraising Trailblazer (2002)
• American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys – Honored (2004)
• Miami Rescue Mission – Changing Lives Award (2007)
• Developers & Builders Alliance – Building Communities And Rebuilding Lives Award Of Excellence (2007)
• Developers & Builders Alliance – Renovation Firm Of The Year (2008)
• March Of Dimes – Community Excellence Hospitality (2008)
• Florida Campus Compact – Community Partnership Award (2009)
• Florida International Magazine – Power Player (2009)
• The Wellness Community – Heart Of Gold Sponsor (2009)
• The Wellness Community – Honorary Chairman (2010)
• Miami International Fashion Week – Humanitarian Award (2010)
• United Way – Starfish Award (2011)
• Junior League Of Miami – Miami Magic Honoree (2011)
• Sustainatopia – Humanitarian Of The Year (2011)
• Fashion Miami – Honored For Work In Haiti (2011)
• Shuzz – Philanthropist Of The Year (2011)
• Make-A-Wish – Honored (2012)
• The Edeyo Foundation – Honored For Work In Haiti (2012)
• Miami Beach Chamber Of Commerce – Tony Goldman Historic Preservation Award In A Historic Residential Property (2013)
• Women In The Arts – Philanthropist (2016)
• City Of Miami Beach – Global Empowerment Mission Dedication Day (April 8, 2017)