Emilio T. Gonzalez

Gonzalez was born in Cuba into an immigrant family. Prior to joining the Miami-based international law firm of Tew Cardenas as Senior Managing Director, he was Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the United States National Security Council, Washington, D.C. In this capacity he served as a key national security and foreign policy advisor to President George W. Bush and Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

An international affairs specialist, Gonzalez has spent most of his professional career involved in foreign affairs and international security policy issues. He has served in or traveled to almost every country in the western hemisphere on numerous occasions, and has represented the United States government on special diplomatic missions. He remains active in international politics, and often meets with heads of state, foreign ministers, trade ministers, ambassadors, and political leaders. He is a noted commentator on Hispanic, business, immigration and international affairs, and has appeared on local, national, and international radio and television programs.

Gonzalez completed a distinguished career in the U.S. Army that spanned twenty-six years. He served with the Defense Intelligence Agency as a military attaché to U.S. Embassies in El Salvador and Mexico, taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and headed the Office of Special Assistants for the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Southern Command. During his military career he earned numerous US military decorations as well as the Parachutist Badge and the Presidential Staff Badge. Gonzalez has also been decorated by the Governments of Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Colombia. He retired from active duty with the rank of Colonel.

A graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa with a B.A. in International Studies, Gonzalez also earned M.A. degrees in Latin American Studies from Tulane University, and in Strategic Studies and National Security Affairs from the US Naval War College. He was awarded a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Graduate School of International Studies, University of Miami, where he also received the Graduate School Award for Academic Achievement.

Dr. Gonzalez was recognized as "One of the Most Influential Latinos in the Country" by Poder Magazine, People Magazine en Espanol, Latino Leaders, Hispanic Magazine, and Hispanic Business Magazine. He was recognized as the Distinguished Alumnus 2010 by the University of South Florida and has received Honorary Degrees from Miami Dade College and Florida Memorial University. He has also earned numerous civic and business awards and recognitions. Dr. Gonzalez is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Dr. Gonzalez is a Knight of Malta and a Knight of the Sacred Constantinian Order of St. George. In 2010, he was inducted into the College of Nobles of the Principality of Asturias (Spain).