Rana Florida

Rana Florida is the CEO of the Creative Class Group, managing new business development, content, marketing, publishing, multi-media and global operations.

She has more than 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, communications, marketing and branding. Before moving from Washington, DC she directed global strategic communications for Host Marriott Services, a $2 billion company in the travel industry with over 80 airport locations.

Prior to that, Rana served as Vice President of Corporate Communications for the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment with operations in over 50 countries and 6 continents.

She worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands including Disney, Chrysler, and Starbucks. She has managed top PR teams including Hill and Knowlton in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC as well as running crisis media training in the Watergate building. She continues to work with major media including CNN, MNBC, NPR, BBC, CBC and shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show and 60 Minutes.

Her expertise spans both sides of the media, in public relations as well as having her own internationally syndicated column in major daily newspapers for almost a decade. She was also a regular Fox News contributor on WJBK for several years.

Prior to her corporate and media work, Rana worked for the City of Detroit as the lead strategist for the city's cultural institutions. In this multi-faceted position she worked closely with the Mayor's office, tourism and economic development organizations and chambers of commerce.

Rana is heavily involved in philanthropy having served as a board member for the Council for International Visitors, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as well as donating to numerous charitable organizations. Rana holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a MBA in marketing and management.