JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry on Wednesday appointed the city's Chief Financial Officer Mike Weinstein as interim executive director of the Kids Hope Alliance.
While maintaining his duties overseeing the city’s financial operations, Weinstein will oversee the establishment of the newly-reformed organization created to strengthen and improve programs and services that meet the critical needs of Jacksonville children, according to a news release from the city.
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A longtime Jacksonville resident and public servant, Weinstein has served in leadership positions throughout the city and state, earning him recognition as a pioneer and collaborator for a number of innovative and historic citywide partnerships and initiatives. His contributions as chief of staff and CFO for mayors Ed Austin and John Delaney resulted in the negotiation for the football stadium that led to the city’s successful NFL franchise bid, and establishment of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, where he served as interim executive director while maintaining his CFO duties. In addition, Weinstein launched the Super Bowl Host Committee (XXXIX), before assuming the role as its president.
“Mike is an incredible change agent respected and trusted throughout our city and state,” Curry said in the news release. “Few people have had a career as diverse as Mike’s. While his professional journey has included roles as a prosecutor, state representative and nonprofit director, his entire life has been dedicated to improving systems, operations and young lives.”
Weinstein has more than 10 years of experience leading nonprofit organizations and supporting legislation that served underserved youth and citizens throughout Florida.
He served as state president of Take Stock in Children, and executive director of Volunteers in Medicine. He also championed youth initiatives as a member of the Florida House of Representatives (2009-2013), where he introduced legislation that provided parole and rehabilitation of youth offenders, as well as amended the Florida Pre-paid scholarship program to allow unused funds to be applied to new at-risk students.
He has also participated as a member of a variety of youth-serving boards and organizations including the Police Athletic League, First Coast Crime Stoppers, Florida Prepaid Foundation, Air Service Development Task Force and Florida State College of Jacksonville.
Weinstein received a B.A. in Political Science from Hartwick College, an M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida.
He and has wife, Sara, have three children and six grandchildren.