Five Distinguished Global Leaders to Mentor Students at FIU's Adam Smith Center

MIAMI (Feb. 11, 2025) – Throughout the Spring 2025 semester, FIU's Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom will host five distinguished Senior Leadership Fellows: Mexico’s current representative to the World Bank, a former assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a former president of Costa Rica, a former director of management and administration at the White House, and a former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

“Once again, our Center is thrilled to welcome outstanding public servants as Senior Leadership Fellows,” said Carlos Díaz-Rosillo, founding director of the center. “As our Fellows program continues to grow, it offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage with and learn from renowned leaders who have shaped policy and governance at the highest levels.”

The multi-week study group sessions led by the fellows, give students the chance to interact one-on-one with prominent global leaders. Participants in these free, non-credit seminars will engage in exclusive discussions and develop valuable leadership skills to enhance both their academic and professional careers.

The inaugural event with the Senior Leadership Fellows will take place Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the MARC Pavilion at FIU (10975 SW 17th St, Miami, FL). The event will feature a conversation between Díaz-Rosillo and the fellows and is free and open to the public. To register for the event, visit freedom.fiu.edu. 

The Spring 2025 Senior Leadership Fellows include:

Diana Alarcón is a distinguished economist with a solid track record in international organizations, public policy, and academia. She currently represents Mexico at the World Bank. An economist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) who holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Riverside, she has held various high-level positions, including senior economist at the United Nations and social development specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank. She also served as coordinator of advisors and international affairs for the government of Mexico City and led the foreign policy agenda for the "Dialogues for Transformation" (a roadmap for the 2024-2030 period). As the author of numerous books and articles, she addresses sustainable development, poverty reduction, and North American economic integration issues.

“I am grateful to the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom for the opportunity to explore leadership as a social process that lets people work together to achieve results they otherwise could not attain on their own,” Alarcón said. “Based on my experience as chief advisor to the mayor of Mexico City, we will explore the key factors that led to one of the most profound transformations in the lives of the city's people. Sessions will explore key policy challenges, from consensus-building and crisis management to transparency and intergovernmental coordination.” 

Marshall Billingslea served as the special presidential envoy for arms control at the U.S. Department of State during the first Trump administration, holding the rank of ambassador, where he led arms control negotiations and collaborated with partners in Europe and Asia on defensive capabilities. Previously, he was the Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, spearheading global efforts against illicit financial activities. In 2018, he became the president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and co-chaired the Counter-ISIS Finance Group. Before rejoining the U.S. government in 2017, Marshall was a managing director at a Big Four firm and held senior roles at the Department of Defense and NATO. He also served as the senior professional staff member for national security affairs on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His honors include the Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Distinguished Public Service Medal, and the Treasury Medal.
 
“I am honored to serve as a Senior Leadership Fellow this spring,” Billingslea said. “I am excited to share with students and faculty my experience in serving in senior leadership positions within the Treasury, Pentagon, State Department, and NATO. While my specific study group sessions will focus on the economic and financial aspects of national security, I look forward to engaging with students on the full spectrum of challenges faced by the U.S., our friends, and allies.”

Laura Chinchilla served as the president of Costa Rica from 2010 to 2014. Her career has focused on institutional strengthening, citizen security, and sustainability. Before her presidency, she held significant roles such as minister of public security, member of Congress, and vice-president. Internationally, she has worked with organizations like the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Organization of American States (OAS), establishing herself as an expert in democratic governance and human rights. During her presidency, she promoted reforms in security, environment, and competitiveness, positioning Costa Rica as a leader in sustainable development.
 
“I am thrilled to join the Adam Smith Center as a Senior Leadership Fellow this spring semester,” Chinchilla said. “I look forward to sharing my insights and experiences with students on a critical issue confronting the Americas: citizen insecurity. Specifically, nations in Latin America and the Caribbean have consistently recorded high homicide rates, ranking among the most perilous countries globally. This issue has become increasingly intricate as organized crime continues to infiltrate our region's economies, institutions, and communities. Together, we will examine the challenges this situation presents to democratic governance across the area.”

Marcia Lee Kelly served as director of management and administration at the White House from 2017 to 2019. With over three decades of service in strategic roles, she has been recognized for her ability to manage complex teams and coordinate events requiring exceptional operational precision. Her career in event management began in New York in 1994, where she organized landmark events such as the mayor’s inauguration, the Yankees' victory parade after their World Series win, and the Millennium celebration, a 26-hour event broadcast globally. This stage marked the beginning of her reputation as an expert in logistics and strategic planning.
 
“I am honored to serve as a Senior Leadership Fellow at FIU's Adam Smith Center, an institution dedicated to fostering rigorous debate, principled leadership, and a deeper understanding of the foundations of free societies,” Kelly said. “I look forward to contributing to the center's mission of preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate the complexities of governance and public policy with integrity and vision.”

Paul Renner served as the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives for the 2022-2024 term. He is recognized for his strong leadership and advocacy for pro-business policies, fiscal reforms, and the protection of constitutional freedoms. Renner began his legal career as an assistant state attorney, later specializing in commercial litigation, advising clients on construction, contracts, real estate, intellectual property rights, and labor disputes. His service record includes more than two decades in the United States Navy, participating in combat operations during the Gulf War and reaching the rank of commander before retiring. His military experience led him to be a staunch advocate for veterans and public safety, promoting laws that strengthen citizen's rights and improve the quality of life in Florida.
 
“It’s an honor to serve as a Senior Leadership Fellow at FIU’s Adam Smith Center this semester,” Renner said. “Politics are always present in both the workplace and our everyday lives, even if we never serve in elected office. Our sessions will provide robust discussions of the policy and political dynamics within a state legislature. Through those discussions, we’ll learn valuable lessons that are relevant to whatever career students may pursue in the future. I look forward to joining the amazing students and faculty at FIU as we learn together.”