Speaker Profile

Commissioner Keon Hardemon was raised in Miami-Dade County’s Liberty City neighborhood. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University before beginning his career at Pfizer Inc. He later attended the University of Miami School of Law, graduated early, passed the Florida Bar on his first attempt and served as an Assistant Public Defender in the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office.

Hardemon became the youngest serving Miami City Commissioner since the establishment of single-member districts and later served four terms as Chairman of the Miami City Commission, making him the longest-serving chairman in the city’s history.

As chairman of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Hardemon partnered with Chef Marcus Samuelsson to bring the award-winning Red Rooster Overtown to the neighborhood, helping establish Overtown as a cultural and culinary destination. He also secured more than $50 million for the Town Park housing rehabilitation program, preserving affordable housing and supporting longtime residents.

After being elected to the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Hardemon sponsored legislation that secured nearly $90 million to address gun violence in underserved communities. His Peace & Prosperity Plan created employment opportunities for at-risk youth while investing in safer, stronger neighborhoods.

Hardemon serves as chairman of the Miami-Dade Tourist Development Council, vice chairman of the Port and Resiliency Committee and is a member of The Florida Bar and numerous civic and professional organizations.

In addition to his public service, Hardemon is the managing attorney of The Law Offices of Keon Hardemon, P.A., where he maintains a criminal defense and civil litigation practice representing clients in both state and federal courts.