Joe Garcia was born and raised in Miami, Florida. His parents, Joe Sr. and Carmen Garcia had come to the United States escaping communism in their homeland and seeking to take part in the freedom and opportunity that America promised.
Joe's father started out washing cars while his mother Carmen waited tables. Eventually, Joe Sr. started working at a bank and Carmen was able to start her own business. With great sacrifice and work, and with their sons cutting grass to earn money for their education, they were able to send their three sons to Belen Jesuit.
After high school Joe attended Miami-Dade Community College. After earning academic scholarships, he transferred to the University of Miami where Joe was very active. Before graduating in 1986, his classmates elected him president of the student government.
As a law student, Joe was hired to lead the Exodus Project of the Cuban American National Foundation. He attended UM Law School during the day and directed the project on nights and weekends. Through Joe’s tireless efforts, and those of his colleagues, the Exodus Project became the most successful private refugee resettlement program in American history. Over 10,000 families who had suffered through persecution were reunited at no cost to taxpayers.
After his work on the Exodus Project, Joe was appointed, by the late Gov. Lawton Chiles, to lead the Florida Public Service Commission. As its Chairman, Joe deregulated Florida's telecommunications industry, which lowered monthly bills for families. In the late 90's, Joe worked closely with Gov. Jeb Bush, and state legislators, and signed the largest cut in energy prices in Florida'a history.
Joe met his wife, Aileen, while they were both in law school. Aileen was born in Miami and raised in a middle-class working family. As a result of her dedication, she is now the General Counsel for the University of Miami and Aileen is a dedicated leader in our community. Joe and Aileen are the proud parents of one daughter, Gabriela (10).
