The Inter-American Dialogue mourns the loss of former Dialogue member Maurice Ferré, who passed away on September 19, 2019 at the age of 84 after a longtime battle with cancer. Ferré was a founding member of the Dialogue and a strong advocate of its mission.
Born in Puerto Rico and known as the father of modern-day Miami, Ferré served as Miami commissioner before becoming the Mayor in 1973. He was Miami’s first Hispanic Mayor and led the city through enormous growth and change during the 1970s and 1980s. As Mayor from 1972 to 1985, Ferré helped Miami develop into the international hub and gateway to Latin America that it is today. After leaving office, Ferré remained active in government and civil affairs. He also previously worked as a banker and business consultant and held various research and teaching posts.
