Kirk Reagan Menendez is the founder of CUBATEC and a nationally recognized leader in public policy, law, and international affairs related to Cuba and U.S.–Cuba relations. He previously served as Deputy Executive Director and Assistant General Counsel of the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF), where he assumed a high-profile role on the national and international stage advocating for a free and democratic Cuba.

 

During his tenure at CANF, Menendez represented the organization before Congressional committees and the U.S. International Trade Commission, and was a frequent media commentator on U.S.–Cuba affairs, appearing on CNN, MSNBC, CSPAN and Fox News. His work and advocacy were widely recognized, including front-page coverage in The Wall Street Journal. Since 1997, Menendez has served on the CANF Board of Directors and is currently an Officer of the organization. In this capacity, he has worked closely with U.S. policymakers, including representing CANF in meetings with the U.S. Department of State to help shape U.S. strategy toward Cuba.

 

As a result of his advocacy and leadership, Menendez became a subject of discussion on Cuba’s state-run program Mesa Redonda—the country’s equivalent of Meet the Press—and was officially identified by the Cuban government as a Cuban American of interest. He was named alongside prominent figures such as Jorge Mas Santos and members of the U.S. Congress, including Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln Diaz-Balart, underscoring the international impact of his work.

 

Menendez has built a distinguished legal and public service career spanning both the private and public sectors. He has held positions at leading national law firms Holland & Knight and Greenberg Traurig, where he worked on complex corporate transactions, cross-border mergers and acquisitions and regulatory matters. He also dedicated 13 years to the City of Miami, serving in multiple senior executive roles, including Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Executive Director of the Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority, where he managed large-scale public initiatives and coordinated efforts across local, state, and federal governments.

 

Most recently, Menendez was elected to public office as a Commissioner for the City of Coral Gables. In this role, he reviewed and approved major capital projects, drafted and advanced legislation, and strengthened partnerships across the public and private sectors. His work further expanded a national and regional network of leaders spanning Washington, D.C. and South Florida, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted voice at the intersection of government, law, and international affairs.