08 Jun Board Member Leslie Pantin Featured as a “Florida Icon” in Florida Trend Magazine
June 8, 2026 — For 35 years, Leslie Pantin has been a pillar of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida family. We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate a massive and well-deserved honor: Leslie has been officially featured as a “Florida Icon” in the June 2026 issue of Florida Trend Magazine!
The prestigious feature takes a deep look at Leslie’s legendary career, his roots as a Cuban exile who helped shape modern Miami, and his enduring, heart-led commitment to keeping pediatric families close during their darkest hours.
Leslie has built a historic career in public relations, founding The Pantin Partnership and representing some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Deeply committed to his community, Leslie was also the founding president of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, where he famously helped co-create Miami’s iconic Calle Ocho Festival to bring the diverse community closer together.
While Leslie has achieved immense professional success, his heart has always remained anchored in philanthropy. In his Florida Trend spotlight, he shares that for 35 years, he has watched RMHC South Florida grow, serving as a tireless advocate, fundraiser, and leader who helps ensure that families traveling to Miami for life-saving pediatric treatment always have a warm, safe, and supportive place to stay.
As a seasoned civic leader, Leslie is not just celebrating the past; he is actively paving the way for the future of pediatric care in South Florida. In his interview, Leslie proudly championed RMHC South Florida’s current milestone: the construction of the future Griffin Family Campus.
“We are building a new house that’s going to be larger, and every room is going to have a private bathroom,” Leslie told Florida Trend. “It’s a $33-million project. We have $28 million in the bank. Ken Griffin gave us $3 million. Jackson Hospital gave us a great location.”
To our resident families, staff, and supporters, Leslie Pantin is more than just a “Florida Icon”; he is an RMHC champion. His dedicated years of service, paired with his vision for the Griffin Family Campus, represent the very best of community leadership and compassion.