FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OIC of South Florida President & CEO Newton Sanon Appointed to Inaugural Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Community Advisory Council

Sanon selected as one of just 12 leaders across the Southeast and one of only two representatives from Florida to help inform the Federal Reserve’s understanding of economic conditions and challenges impacting communities.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – October 2026 – OIC of South Florida (OIC-SFL) proudly announces that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Newton B. Sanon, has been appointed to the inaugural Community Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Sanon joins a distinguished group of just 12 leaders selected from across the Federal Reserve’s Sixth District, which encompasses much of the southeastern United States. Notably, he is one of only two council members representing the state of Florida, underscoring the significance of his appointment and the national recognition of his leadership in workforce development, economic mobility, and community transformation.

Established in 2026, the Community Advisory Council brings together leaders with extensive experience addressing the economic realities facing low- and moderate-income communities. Members provide valuable perspectives on workforce and labor market conditions, small business development, access to capital, housing affordability, and other factors influencing economic opportunity. Their insights help inform senior leadership and the Community and Economic Development team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

For more than two decades, Sanon has led OIC of South Florida’s evolution into a prominent workforce and economic development organization, advancing innovative approaches to career training, employment, economic self-sufficiency, and community prosperity. His leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of connecting education, workforce development, business engagement, and economic policy to create sustainable pathways into the middle class.

“I am deeply honored to be among the 12 individuals selected to serve on this inaugural council, particularly as one of only two representatives from Florida,” said Sanon. “Throughout my career, I have maintained that workforce development is not simply about preparing people for jobs. It is about building the human infrastructure necessary for families, businesses, and communities to thrive. This appointment presents a meaningful opportunity to bring the realities, challenges, and aspirations of the communities we serve into broader conversations about economic conditions and opportunity.”

The appointment comes during a milestone year for OIC of South Florida, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and recently convened its 2026 Middle Class Summit under the theme “Imagine, Innovate, Elevate.” The summit brought together leaders from business, government, education, and community institutions to explore solutions for expanding economic mobility, strengthening workforce competitiveness, and addressing the mounting pressures facing America’s middle class.

Sanon’s appointment further reinforces the intersection of his longstanding work in workforce development, economic development, and cross-sector collaboration, positioning him to contribute practical, community-informed perspectives to regional economic discussions.

“Strong economies are built when opportunity is accessible, talent is developed, and communities have the infrastructure to participate meaningfully in economic growth,” Sanon added. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow council members and contributing insights that reflect both the challenges and tremendous potential of the people and communities we represent.”

The Community Advisory Council meets twice annually and serves in an advisory capacity, providing perspectives that help inform the Atlanta Fed’s understanding of regional economic conditions.

About Newton B. Sanon

Newton B. Sanon is President and Chief Executive Officer of OIC of South Florida, where he has dedicated more than two decades to advancing workforce development, economic opportunity, and community transformation. His leadership extends across business, government, education, and philanthropic sectors, with a focus on building partnerships that strengthen economic mobility and create sustainable pathways to prosperity.

About OIC of South Florida

OIC of South Florida is a workforce and economic development organization committed to transforming lives through education, vocational training, employment opportunities, and comprehensive support services. Celebrating 25 years of service in 2026, OIC-SFL works collaboratively with public and private sector partners to strengthen families, businesses, and communities.

About the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta serves the Sixth Federal Reserve District, which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and sections of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. As part of the nation’s central banking system, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta participates in setting national monetary policy, supervises numerous commercial banks, and provides a variety of financial services to depository institutions and the US government. Learn more about the Community Advisory Council here.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Community Advisory Council:
https://www.atlantafed.org/who-we-are/people/advisory-councils/community-advisory-council

Media Contact:
OIC of South Florida
Office of Marketing and Communications
Adrinia Woods | Awoods@oicsfl.org