MIAMI, FL. — Miami Children's Hospital (MCH) announces that Rene Murai has been elected to a two-year term as chairman of the hospital's board of directors. The term begins on January 1, 2004.

“Mr. Murai brings remarkable business acumen and in-depth understanding of the hospital to his new position as Chairman of the Board. We are delighted that he will serve the hospital in this pivotal role,” said Thomas M. Rozek, President & CEO of Miami Children's Hospital.

Mr. Murai grew up in the Miami Children’s family. Rene has been a part of the MCH since his youth. During his college years the young Murai worked summers at the hospital switchboard, emergency room and material management departments. His dedication to children would one day elevate the student/MCH employee to become the chairman of the hospital’s board. His mother, Sylvia Murai, worked at MCH for over 30 years as Director of International Programs and was inducted into the hospital's prestigious Hall of Excellence in 1993.

Mr. Murai is a partner in the law firm of Murai Wald Biondo and Moreno P.A., specializing in business law. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Premier American Bank, a bank he co-founded in 2001. Mr. Murai has been involved in numerous civic activities, having served as president of the Florida Bar Foundation, the University of Miami Citizens Board, Cuban American Bar Association and on the boards of the United Way, Dade Community Foundation, American Red Cross and the University of Miami. He is a member of the Orange Bowl Committee.

Mr. Murai graduated from Brown University and Columbia Law School, is married to Luisa Botifoll and has one daughter, Elisa, who attends Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.