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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Darren Michael Soto. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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June 29, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHONORING 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.
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.