[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING BELINDA ORTIZ KIRKEGARD AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                  FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 29, 2026

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard as a 
Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. 
Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard is president of the National Entrepreneur 
Center (NEC), an internationally recognized entrepreneurial support 
organization serving Central Florida's small business community. She 
holds a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, a 
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from 
the University of Central Florida, and is a Certified Economic 
Development Finance Professional.
  Ms. Kirkegard has dedicated more than three decades to advancing 
economic development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement 
throughout Florida. Prior to joining the NEC in 2023, she served as 
economic development director for the City of Kissimmee, where she 
established and led the city's economic development program. During her 
tenure, she helped attract more than $50 million in private investment, 
developed strategic initiatives focused on healthcare and aerospace 
industry growth, and contributed to projects that expanded the city's 
tax base and strengthened regional economic competitiveness.
  Earlier in her career, Ms. Kirkegard served in leadership roles with 
Orange County government, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging 
Association, and statewide public affairs initiatives. She is 
recognized for building collaborative partnerships among business, 
government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders to achieve measurable 
economic and community outcomes.
  Ms. Kirkegard currently serves on the Valencia College District Board 
of Trustees and the AdventHealth Central Florida Division Board. She 
previously served on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board, 
including as treasurer, and has held leadership positions with numerous 
business, economic development, healthcare, and civic organizations 
throughout Central Florida.
  Her professional achievements have earned numerous recognitions, 
including Orlando Magazine's 2026 Woman of the Year, the Orlando 
Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award, Florida Trend's 
``People to Know'' designation, and the Orlando Magic and Florida Blue 
Small Business Champion Award. Through her leadership, Ms. Kirkegard 
has helped expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthen regional 
economic development efforts, and advance community prosperity across 
Florida.

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