Mahmud Samad, MBA
Pembroke Pines, FL – Children’s Harbor, a Broward County-based nonprofit organization, is excited to announce that Mahmud Samad, MBA, an accomplished business professional, has joined its Board of Directors.
With more than 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and business operations, Mahmud brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to community impact. Throughout his career, Mahmud has held leadership roles across a variety of industries—including real, SaaS-based telehealth, services, and consumer products—and has served in both public and privately held multinational corporations such as Johnson & Johnson and Denny’s, as well as PE-backed ventures including Wellpath, MDLIVE, and Heavenly RX.
Recognized for his excellence in financial leadership, Mahmud has built a reputation for delivering accuracy, transparency, and strategic insight. His ability to create scalable systems and guide organizations through sustainable growth reflects a forward-thinking approach that aligns perfectly with Children’s Harbor’s mission to strengthen teens and families through stability, support, and opportunity.
“Over the past decade—and especially the last six years- I’ve had a front-row seat to witness how Children’s Harbor is powered not just by its mission, but by the extraordinary commitment of its board, leadership, and dedicated staff,” said Mahmud Samad, MBA. “What moves me most is how this organization, through its unwavering leadership, creates lasting stability, healing, and hope for children and young people who have experienced trauma.”
Mahmud Samad currently serves as an advisor for Andavaris Staffing Solutions and Alumni Ventures, one of the top 20 venture capital firms in the U.S., where he provides strategic guidance on finance, fundraising, and sustainable growth. He also leads strategic finance and operations projects for private equity and public company clients, helping organizations optimize performance and scale effectively. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Mahmud has a proven track record of driving change, implementing zero-based budgeting, and leading successful acquisition integrations.
In addition to his advisory work, Mahmud serves as President of the Harvard Business School Online Miami Chapter, representing more than 1,100 alumni across Florida from 29 countries. Passionate about education and mentorship, he coaches founders, franchise operators, and early-stage teams on financial strategy and business scaling. Mahmud’s dedication to developing leaders and fostering success aligns closely with Children’s Harbor’s mission to strengthen teens and families through stability, support, and opportunity.
“Mahmud’s leadership experience and passion for building strong, sustainable systems align perfectly with our mission. What excites me most is his heart for helping others rise,” said Tiffani Dhooge, President and CEO of Children’s Harbor. “He understands that when you create stability and opportunity for families, you change the trajectory of lives—and that’s exactly what Children’s Harbor is about.”
Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited child welfare organization based in South Florida, dedicated to strengthening families in crisis and supporting teens in foster care. The nonprofit provides safe residential housing, specialized trauma care, life skills, and support for teens, their younger siblings, and teen mothers affected by the trauma of abuse. The addition of Mahmud Samad to the Board of Directors will help program expansion and strategic growth efforts for the organization and the families it serves.
To learn more about Children’s Harbor and how you can get involved or support, please visit childrensharbor.org or call (954) 252- 3072.
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About Children’s Harbor
Established in 1996, Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited child welfare organization with a mission to help strengthen families who are struggling in our community, while providing safe shelter and support to teens in foster care so that they may grow into healthy, educated and productive adults.
With the belief that children should feel safe, that family is worth fighting for and that cycles can be broken, Children’s Harbor provides a harbor of hope and healing for children who have been impacted by the trauma of child abuse. The main campus in Pembroke Pines provides a supportive family environment for teenagers in foster care and their younger siblings. The family support services program prevents kids from coming into foster care by providing free in-home counseling and support to families who are struggling in the community. Additionally, Brown’s Harbor is a supportive housing community dedicated to serving young adults, aged 18-23, who have aged out of the foster care system. These young adults are provided with affordable housing and the wrap-around support and independent living programs necessary to help them overcome their trauma and navigate through the early stages of adulthood.
To learn more about Children's Harbor and the difference we are making in the lives of children affected by trauma and abuse, please visit childrensharbor.org.
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