Richard Milstein: Arsht Center chairman sees growing to program elsewhere

On his third year as chairman of the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors, Richard Milstein’s goal for this year is to continue the board’s mission of connecting people from every corner of our community through inspiring artistic experiences. 

Since becoming the chair of the Arsht Center Trust, Mr. Milstein has co-chaired the Adrienne Arsht Center 2022 Gala, which raised $13 million to support arts education and a paid internship program. He helped to secure philanthropic support for major diversity and inclusion programs, such as the Theatre Apprentice Program and the newly relaunched Arsht Interns program. 

Another major initiative Mr. Milstein said he is working on is putting together an extensive 55 person board of diverse members to really dig into the cultural arts challenges and obstacles in the community. He is also planning to add new board roles, revamp marketing and branding, and start new traditional events at the Arsht Center. 

Mr. Milstein has been an active member of the Arsht Center Trust Board since 2008 and is considered a renowned champion for the arts, LGBTQ+ equal rights advocate, and a pro bono legal services activist throughout his career. 

A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, he is a partner at Akerman LLP, where he concentrates his practice on complex, and not so complex, and high-conflict trust, probate, estate and guardianship litigation and administration, and family law matters. He has served on the board of the Miami-Dade Bar, including terms as president and as chair of the Probate Committee.

In addition to litigation and administration services, Mr. Milstein provides life and estate planning advice to moderate and high net worth individuals and families, concentrating his practice on innovative planning solutions for alternative families and same-sex couples. One other area of special interest is his representation of the vulnerable in the community, which includes children, the elderly and those who are marginalized.

In 2019. Mr. Milstein was the recipient of The Florida Bar Foundation’s Medal of Honor. Other honors include the Dade County Bar Association’s Legacy Award, the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Services Award presented by the Florida Supreme Court, as well as other national and state recognitions. In his honor, The Dade County Bar Association established an award designated the “Richard C. Milstein Award of Excellence.”

Outside of the practice of law, he is a former chair of the Miami Foundation and of Inter Professional Council, founding president of Bet Shira Congregation and a member of the Miami Dade County Cultural Affairs Council. He also previously served on the board of SAVE, South Florida’s longest-serving LGBTQ rights and advocacy organization.

“The Arsht Center is a beloved and vital part of the fabric of Miami,” he said. “I am truly honored to have been chosen to lead the center’s board together with the newly elected officers, all of whom are incredibly accomplished professionals and leaders. The board is prepared to support the Arsht Center’s team, talent and partners. Their breadth of experiences will support the center on its continued mission to connect people from every corner of our community through inspiring artistic experiences.”

Mr. Milstein spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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