Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce

”An initiative BSWFCC, bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders to build a stronger and more connected business community in Fort Myers.”

80+

Membros associados

Directors

Meet our directors

Carlo Barbieri

Presidente

Ricardo Padovan

Vice-Presidente

Andréa Cola Pereira

Diretora Embaixadora

Denise Santos

Diretora de Integração Comunitária

Elizeth Lopes Garcilazo

Diretora de Novos Membros

Gessé Carlos de Moraes Aguiar

Diretor de Negócios e Fomento

José Carlos da Cruz Junior

Diretor de Relações Institucionais

Josué Colucci

Diretor de Relações Institucionais

Sandra Whitmer

Diretora de Educação e Capacitação

Carlo Barbieri

President

Carlo Barbieri is specialized in business intelligence and strategic solutions for small, medium, and large corporations at both national and international levels, with the Brazilian market being his largest target audience.

He serves as President of Green Card Solutions–EB-5 Regional Center; President of the Aquera Foundation; and also works as a consultant, journalist, political analyst, speaker, and educator. In addition, he is an entrepreneur, civic activist, and leader of many organizations related to Brazil, his country of origin.

Carlo Barbieri graduated in Economics and Law and has completed more than 60 specialization courses in Brazil and abroad, at institutions such as Getúlio Vargas Foundation, University of Brasília, Mackenzie University, Sorbonne, University of Chicago, Harvard, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He also earned a Master’s in Legal Studies from Ambra University.

Ricardo Padovan

Vice President

Ricardo Padovan is the founder of RPM Digital Business, with operations in Brazil and USA, specializing in companies in international transition. With MBA in Marketing and over 25 years of experience, he led projects for brands like IBM, Nokia, Claro and Intel. He was a communications consultant for the Federal Police and the ITA, and idealized the METANOIA event, focused on leadership and innovation. He is currently Vice-President of Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Andréa Cola Pereira

Director Ambassador

Andréa Cola Pereira is a real estate agent and entrepreneur, with a background as a Paralegal and over 26 years of experience in construction and the Florida real estate market.

She leads Class A Design, a company specialized in residential construction and remodeling. Having lived in the United States for nearly four decades, she has closely followed the development of the Fort Myers community and actively contributes to strengthening the local business environment.

Denise Santos

Community Integration Director

Denise Santos is an entrepreneur and community leader who has lived in the United States for 39 years, with strong involvement in the Brazilian community in Fort Myers.

She is the founder and president of the non-profit organization Help 2 Others, which supports social institutions in Brazil. She also organized the Brazilian Day event for several years, contributing to community engagement and fundraising initiatives. She is currently the founder and president of FDD Cabinets, operating in the design and cabinetry sector.

Elizeth Lopes Garcilazo

Director of New Members

Elizeth Lopes Garcilazo is an entrepreneur and content creator based in Fort Myers, with over 40 years of experience in the United States and more than 25 years actively engaged in the local community.

She operates in the plumbing industry and also produces journalistic content on YouTube, focusing on connecting and informing the community with consistency and credibility.

Gessé Carlos de Moraes Aguiar

Business and Development Director

Gessé Carlos de Moraes Aguiar is an international attorney, Compliance Officer, entrepreneur, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in the legal field and strategic work within global financial and regulatory environments.

Throughout his career, he has advised companies and investors on structuring and expanding international operations, with a focus on legal security, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Currently based in Florida, he acts as a bridge between Latin American and U.S. markets, supporting international expansion with a strategic and results-oriented approach.

José Carlos da Cruz Junior

Business and Development Director

José Carlos da Cruz Junior is the CEO and Commercial Director of companies operating in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico, focused on import, export, and international logistics.

With over 50 years of experience in international trade, he has built a solid career in the sector, including his role as Financial Controller at ZIM Israel Navigation, where he was responsible for operations across Latin America, contributing to the company’s global growth.

Josué Colucci

Director of Innovation and Technology

Josué Colucci is an executive with over 30 years of experience in accounting, law, finance, and technology.

He works on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), digital transformation, and innovation projects. He is a co-founder of startups and serves as an advisor to technology-based companies. He is currently a managing partner at SDP Group, an ecosystem focused on digital transformation.

Sandra Whitmer

Director of Education and Training

Sandra Whitmer is an investment advisor at Primerica Financial Services and an entrepreneur. She has lived in the United States since 1997 and holds a degree in Business Finance from Florida Gulf Coast University.

She helps families organize their finances, protect their income, and plan their future with confidence. She believes financial education is a powerful tool for transformation and that everyone deserves access to structured financial planning.