United Way honors five exceptional volunteers

Brian Y. Goldmeier is founder and president of BYG Strategies, Inc., a premier strategic advisory and political consultancy firm based in Miami, Florida. Brian serves as a principal advisor and strategist to many of South Florida’s most important government, educational and business leaders and entities. He and his firm have helped numerous companies with economic and business development, new-to-market strategies, corporate strategy, and team building. Brian is also a highly sought-after investor and entrepreneur with broad and deep experience in start-up and emerging businesses. In addition to his professional achievements, Brian is dedicated to community leadership and service, and volunteers his talents and resources to nonprofits and professional organizations. Brian received his MBA and a bachelor’s degree in sports management with a minor in hospitality management from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Terrance A. Levell is the executive director for AMIkids Miami-Dade South, where he is responsible for the comprehensive administration of program operations, academic programming, treatment programs, behavior modification, and individual case management. He also implements fundraising initiatives, oversees financial resources, secures and maintains relationships with community agencies, and manages the organization’s budget. AMIkids, located in Key Biscayne Florida, is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with youth agencies, local communities and families to help develop youth into responsible and productive citizens. Prior to joining the AMIkids team, Terrance was a case manager for the Department of Juvenile Justice. He has worked in the juvenile justice system for nearly 15 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Johnson & Wales University. Terrance enjoys spending time with family and friends cooking and listening to music.

Deborah (Debbie) Koch joined the American Red Cross South Florida Region as executive director of the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter in 2019. She served as the president of the Junior League of Miami in 2018-2019, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In her 10 years with the League, she also served as executive vice president, vice president of community and in several chair positions. Prior to the Red Cross, Debbie served as marketing director for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, covering the east coast of the U.S., after a decade at Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust. She began her banking career in 1997 at BankUnited. Debbie received her MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. She is an avid Gator fan, and enjoys yoga, reading and traveling.

Nicholas Duran was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for District 112 in November 2016 and serves on several health care committees. He is the ranking Democratic member of the Health and Human Services Committee, and serves on the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee. He was also appointed to the Appropriations Committee, Finance and Facilities Subcommittee, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Over the years, Nick has served in a variety of leadership roles for health care policy and community engagement. Currently he is the executive director of the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. An active community leader, he serves on the board of directors for the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade, and is a member of Leadership Florida. He received his JD from New York Law School and his bachelor’s degree from University of Florida. A native South Floridian, Nick lives in Coconut Grove with his wife Danielle and their two children.

Henry Hurowitz recently graduated from NSU University School. His altruistic nature led him to establish FoodEASE, an organization that helps fight hunger while reducing food waste by rescuing fresh, healthy food from hotels, restaurants and grocers, and distributing it in underserved communities. Since its inception, FoodEASE has provided more than 75,000 meals. Henry is particularly proud of serving as CEO of Germ Genie products, a PPE company started pre-COVID, which earned national recognition and multiple awards including the JA Outstanding Young Business Person Award, Delta Social Impact Award, and New York Stock Exchange Financial Performance Award. Henry is also an avid lacrosse and chess player, and a 2021 Silver Knight Award winner in the business category. Henry looks forward to attending Cornell University in the fall.