Mike Fernandez
Chairman & CEO
Miami Connection
Fernandez has transformed South Florida's healthcare landscape through MBF Healthcare Partners, partnering with the University of Miami and Magic Johnson Enterprises to serve the HIV/AIDS community and exiting major deals like Navarro Pharmacies to CVS. His philanthropy includes fundraising treks for Miami Children's Hospital, which saved his granddaughter's life, and board roles at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and United Way. Recently, he funded pro-immigrant billboards in Miami criticizing harsh policies, drawing threats but committing millions to advocate for immigrants reflecting his own journey.
About
Born in Cuba, Mike Fernandez immigrated to New York at age 12 with his family fleeing revolution, later serving as a U.S. Army paratrooper before arriving in South Florida in 1975. He built a healthcare empire starting with door-to-door insurance sales, founding companies like Physician's Healthcare Plans (sold to AmeriGroup), CarePlus Health Plans (sold to Humana), and Simply Healthcare Plans (sold to Anthem). In 2005, he established MBF Healthcare Partners in Coral Gables, a private equity firm investing nationwide in healthcare services, including Navarro Discount Pharmacy sold to CVS. Deeply tied to Miami through his business base and family, he serves on the University of Miami Board of Trustees and Miller School of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council. Currently, he chairs MBF Healthcare Partners as its leader.