ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – During the 2018 election cycle, I had the opportunity to observe and get to know a relative unknown in the Central Florida political community: Bruno Portigliatti. With an articulate delivery and personable style, Portigliatti quickly illustrated he was one to watch. While unsuccessful in his first bid for elected office, I knew then he’d be someone we should keep our eye on. Let’s get to know Bruno Portigliatti.

When asked what was most important to him Portiglatti didn’t hesitate. “My family. Families are the lifeblood of our society. It’s through our families that we learn the essential values of love, respect, grace, forgiveness, and humility, which provide the framework for our communities to thrive.”

Portiglatti attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he double-majored in Political Science and Spanish. He then went on to law school at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, where he graduated with Pro Bono Honors, and then completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Florida Christian University in Orlando, where he would later become the President & Chancellor of the institution.

While at USF, he held numerous leadership roles, including Student Government Vice President, Member of the National Alumni Board of Directors, Senator for the College of Arts & Sciences, and Chairman of the Rules, Judicial and Legislative Affairs Committee. In law school, he was an ambassador for the school, a member of the prestigious Mock Trial Team, a Student Bar Association Legislator for two years and Chief of Staff to the SBA President.

In law school, Portigliatti was awarded the James A. Richter Humanitarian Service Award, presented to a student known for his devotion to the promotion of human welfare and the advancement of social reforms. He was also the recipient of Pro Bono Honors for completion of over 250 hours of pro bono work. Additionally, he was chosen to represent his graduating class as the Student Speaker both at the University of South Florida and Florida Coastal School of Law. In 2017, the Brazilian community in Central Florida recognized him with the Person of the Year award for his work and influence within the community.

On community, Portigliatti says, “To me, a community transcends geographical boundaries. There must be communion, cooperation and services to others to establish a real community where growth and harmony exist.”

Portigliatti is currently the President of Florida Christian University, a global-reach institution with over 33 years of existence; Chief Executive Officer of Excellence Senior Living, dedicated to providing luxury senior living facilities to seniors in various communities throughout Central Florida; and President of New Beginnings Global Outreach, a not-for-profit charitable organization. He also manages several of his family’s real estate properties and developments. He has been civically engaged in his community for many years. In addition to his philanthropic work through New Beginnings Global Outreach, he is a Board Member of the Dr. Phillips YMCA, was appointed by Orlando’s Mayor to the City’s Women and Minority Business Enterprise Certification Board, where he served as Chair for almost two years, and is a member of the Dr. Phillips Rotary Club. In the education industry, he is the Vice President of the Council of Private Colleges of America, a membership organization for private degree granting institutions that provide quality faith-based education, in all 50 states and territories of the USA.

Portigliatti says he has a natural calling and passion for governance and the ability of establishing processes and bringing order where there once wasn’t. He has participated in various political and social reform campaigns. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

“Bruno is the best possible candidate I have met in a great while. At a time where ethics are nonexistent, he is the poster child in the dictionary,” says Bertica Cabrera Morris, a longtime political influencer. “He is a businessman, educator and a family man. He has my full support should he ever enter the political world again.”

Bertica Cabrera Morris.

With the Florida State House District 44 election just around the corner in 2020 we have to wonder: Will he run again? We shall see. Portigliatti resides in West Orange County with his beautiful bride Stephanie who, “drives my faith, family, and passion to serve,” he concludes.

________________________________________________

Randy Ross is a political contributor for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com