Michelle L. Palacio

Michelle L. Palacio is the Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications, Government, and External Affairs at Florida International University (FIU), where she leads the university’s comprehensive communications, marketing, community relations, and governmental affairs strategies. Under her leadership, FIU has secured historic legislative funding, fueling transformational initiatives that advance student success, expand research capacity, and improve community health outcomes.

A strategic architect of FIU’s national presence, Michelle spearheaded the establishment of FIU’s Washington, D.C. Center—strengthening the university’s Carnegie R1 research agenda and creating high-impact opportunities for students through internships and career pathways. Her ability to align institutional priorities with legislative and policy objectives has garnered substantial investments in FIU’s students, faculty, and research enterprise, reinforcing the university’s role as a powerhouse for socioeconomic mobility and innovation.

With nearly twenty-five years of experience in government relations and higher education leadership, Michelle has played a pivotal role in FIU’s growth. As Director of State Relations, she championed state funding for the university and was instrumental in the establishment of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Later, as Assistant Vice President of Health Policy and Governmental Affairs, she shaped FIU’s healthcare strategy and advanced the FIU Academic Health Center’s development.

Before joining FIU, Michelle was a Governmental Relations Consultant for Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., where she represented clients before Florida’s Executive and Legislative branches. She began her career as Chief Legislative Aide to Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his tenure as House Majority Leader and Speaker-designate in the Florida Legislature. Additionally, she has coordinated numerous political campaigns throughout South Florida, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from FIU and completed an executive leadership program at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. She resides in Miami, Florida, with her husband, Daniel, and their daughters, Gabriella Sophia and Katarina Magdalyn.