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Our Founder

Mr. DeSantis has enjoyed a legendary career as an entrepreneur leaving a legacy in a variety of industries ranging from nutrition and beverages to eco-tourism, real estate and hospitality. Known for his generosity and kindness, Carl has touched thousands of lives through his entrepreneurial endeavors. The goal of the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation is to continue Carl’s legacy of generosity and caring for others.

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Our Team

PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR

William H. Milmoe

Bill is a Director and President of the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation. He serves as President of CDS International Holdings, Inc., the family office of Carl DeSantis. A CPA, Bill has extensive business experience and was most recently the chairman of Celsius Holdings (Nasdaq: CELH), a publicly traded beverage company that achieved a multi-billion dollar valuation under his stewardship.
Executive Director

Jeff Perlman

Jeff is Executive Director for the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation. He serves as executive vice president of CDS International Holdings, Inc.. Jeff has had a long career in business and publishing and is a former Mayor of Delray Beach, Florida.

Jeff has served on a wide variety of charitable and corporate boards in areas ranging from education and the arts, to economic development and health care. An author, speaker and mentor to young leaders, Jeff takes great pride in his public service which included serving as mayor of Delray Beach where his efforts to revitalize the city were recognized with several statewide and national awards. A father of four, he and his wife, are involved in a wide variety of community activities.

Managing Director

Maritza Benitez

Maritza serves as the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation’s Managing Director. She worked with the Carl DeSantis family of businesses for over 21 years, working closely with Mr. DeSantis throughout that time.

Alongside the Foundation’s Executive Director, Maritza partnered with Mr. DeSantis to help form the foundation and has been dedicated to its mission since its inception.

Maritza works with the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation Board of Directors to strategically align with organizations in the South Florida community that meet the Foundation’s mission to “support and grow leaders and organizations who have the potential to make our community and our world a better place” while honoring the legacy of Mr. DeSantis. She assists the officers and board of directors in reviewing grant proposals and administering grants on behalf of the foundation.

Maritza has enjoyed a long career in business, including working for a Fortune 100 company and Mr. DeSantis’ Family Office. She and her husband are active in church and charities, and she has coordinated and managed a wide array of community, church, and charitable activities. Known for her leadership and organizational skills, Maritza is a devoted wife and mother who is passionate about her Christian faith.

Foundation Assistant

Angela Giachetti

Angela is the Foundation Assistant at CADF. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of South Florida and spent several years dedicated to teaching young children. When she had the opportunity to serve her community in a new way, she stepped into the role with excitement.

At the foundation, Angela works to uphold the legacy of generosity and compassion established by the Founder, Mr. DeSantis, ensuring that the spirit of “giving” remains at the heart of the foundation’s mission. Alongside the managing and executive director, she assists with grant administration, site visits, database management and the foundation’s signature event, the Catalyst Award.

Outside of work, Angela and her husband are involved in their church, where they focus on building community and supporting ministry growth in Pompano Beach. Her faith serves as the foundation of her compassion for others, especially children facing difficult circumstances.

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