Broward Children’s Center (BCC), which provides quality programs to infants, children and young adults who are developmentally disabled and/or medically fragile through a continuum of services designed to meet the needs of children and their families, is pleased to welcome five new board members including Paul Fisher, Alison Fournier, Maria Merce Martin, Howard Adkin and Vidya Maharaj.
“We are very pleased to have Paul, Alison, Maria, Howard and Vidya join our various boards,” said David Perez, MBA, director of development at BCC. “With their esteemed community and business backgrounds, they are certain to be integral leaders in promoting BCC’s mission and vision.”
Paul Fisher, Alison Fournier, Maria Merce Martin, Howard Adkin and Vidya Maharaj
Paul Fisher joins the Broward Children’s Center, Inc. Board of Directors, the governing board for the organization. He is the executive vice president of Fisher Auction Company, representing part of the company’s fourth generation. An active member of the South Florida community, he also serves on the Pompano Beach East CRA Advisory Committee, Palm Beach Atlantic University Alumni Board, Palm Beach Atlantic Frank Wright Scholarship Board, Pompano Beach Planning and Zoning Board, Hundred Club of Broward County (current secretary and treasurer), and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Golf Classic Committee. He is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Alison Fournier is a new member of the Children’s Comprehensive Care Center, Inc. Board of Directors, the governing board for BCC’s Children’s Comprehensive Care Center, a 36-bed medical acute center for children who are medically complex. A Pompano Beach City Commissioner representing District 3, she owns and manages long-term residential rental properties through the City of Pompano Beach and is a Realtor. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering with a concentration in Fluid Dynamics from University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Science & Engineering degree in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science from Princeton University.
Maria Merce Martin joins Broward Children’s Center Supporting Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors, which governs BCC’s assets. She is the CEO and founder of Optime Consulting, a full-service marketing and consulting company. Under Merce Martin’s direction, Optime’s philanthropic spirit has contributed more than $285,000 and nearly 10,000 hours of professional work to charity. The company’s support as a Gold Sponsor for the American Cancer Society, the inventive Optime Innovation Room for United Community Options, and the recent iGrowSuccess platform exemplify Merce Martin’s dedication to empowering individuals and communities alike.
Howard Adkin is a new member of Broward Children’s Center Supporting Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors. In 1986, he opened Howards Market and Catering in Boca Raton, Florida (of which he serves as president) with his father, Howard Adkin, Sr. Over the years, Howards Market and Catering has sponsored many charitable events that have contributed all proceeds to organizations such as Toys for Tots, United Cerebral Palsy, United Community Options and many more. Adkin finds importance in contributing to the community in many capacities. He utilizes his community relationships, years of organizing events through his catering business and desire to assist others to bring joy to children.
Vidya Maharaj joins Broward Children’s Comprehensive Care Center, Inc. Board of Directors. In 2020, she launched Diya Miami, which swiftly transformed into the premier vegan eatery in Miami Beach and is now a nationally recognized brand. A trailblazer in public health and pharmaceuticals, she serves as global head of Clinical Operations and Development and fractional chief growth officer at Regenerative Outcomes, LLC. She led a groundbreaking initiative with the White House and CDC to combat the Zika virus in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, Maharaj is a member of scientific and hospitality boards.
About Broward Children’s Center:
Since 1971, Broward Children’s Center, a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been providing medical, educational, therapeutic, recreational, daily living and advocacy services through its network of care to infants, children and young adults who are developmentally disabled and/or medically fragile. Through a continuum of services designed to meet the needs of each child and their families, Broward Children’s Center remains focused on delivering the highest quality care necessary to ensure that each individual is given every opportunity to thrive and succeed. Broward Children’s Center is located at 200 SE 19th Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060. For more information, please visit www.bcckids.org or contact 954-504-5610 or info@bcckids.org.
