Five Questions for Edward Joyce
Northern Trust Captain Speaks with SocialMiami
With the annual Twelve Good Men luncheon benefiting the Ronald McDonald House having just been held at Jungle Island, SocialMiami had the opportunity to catch up with Edward Joyce, president of Northern Trust in Miami, to learn a little about him as well as Northern Trust’s commitment to the Ronald McDonald House and the community at large.
SM: Why has Northern Trust decided to support the Twelve Good Men fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House?
Our support of the Ronald McDonald House is one of the many ways we give back to the community and help those in need. Northern Trust has been involved since the inception of the event 17 years ago. Since then, seven Northern Trust executives have been honored for outstanding service to the Miami community. I was the 2007 honoree.
SM: We’ve noticed that Northern Trust supports many non-profits, why do you feel that it’s important to be involved in the community and what other organizations does Northern Trust support in South Florida?
We believe in giving back. Northern Trust’s clients are some of the wealthiest people and most influential companies in the world. But we want to make a broader impact through charitable giving that will touch communities across the nation as well as in other countries. Here in South Florida, we support affordable housing through several non-profit groups, all working to provide homes to people who need them. We support the Miami Beach Community Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity and Sant’- La Haitian Neighborhood Center, among others.
We also encourage our employees to volunteer in the community.
SM: Financially speaking, how do you see Miami growing in regards to its status as an international city?
Miami today is a harbinger of the future: we are futuristic in our diversity and our broad acceptance of people from all walks of life and an exotic mix of cultures. This city welcomes people and celebrates their heritage – whether they hail from one of many Hispanic cultures or a Western background. Our city has a young feel to it –there is a special energy to a place where people arrive with dreams and get the support from the community to make them happen. I came here 25 years ago after falling in love with the climate and the community. I moved here right after college and never felt like an outsider. If there was ever a city with a heart, this is it. That’s what will propel us forward and support growth and development.
SM: What are your favorite activities in Miami?
My family and I love the beach for its turquoise water. That is where we go to recharge, relax and have fun together. We also dine out frequently, especially at the many creative chef-owned restaurants. We enjoy the Caribbean influences and the fusion tastes that reflect Miami’s unique cultural mix. I will also say that even after 25 years here, I still relish wearing short-sleeved shirts in December and January and just sitting out on the porch in the sun. What could be better? In terms of big events, Art Basel in our beautiful Art Deco District is an annual highlight for me. I especially enjoy seeing works the newer artists have created.
SM: As Miami continues its growth, what aspects of our city would you like to see expanded?
Downtown Miami and the Brickell Corridor have the potential to become a tremendous metropolitan area. Yes, condos have been built, as we have all witnessed. Many now are 85% occupied. People are coming downtown to live and have fun; not just to work. I think we will start to see shopping areas bloom and the whole area will become increasingly cosmopolitan. I would love to see that happen. I also believe that Miami will continue to thrive as a showcase where people of different backgrounds live and work in harmony.
