Rhys O'Connell

Rhys founded the association to give residents and business owners one place to come together around the decisions that shape the Grove. He has spent 25 years in luxury hospitality and has led the repositioning of multiple properties in the Grove, including one that earned Two Michelin Keys.

He has built civic and business organizations in Miami before. He convenes the events, recruits the guests, and answers for how this is run.

As president of the Coconut Grove Neighborhood Association, Rhys has kept the idea simple: get the people who live and work in the Grove in the same room, keep each other in the loop, and spend money with each other on purpose. Under his leadership CGNA hosts gatherings at Grove venues with a guest worth showing up for, from a commander to a commissioner to an operator. Mixers are free for members, and other events are discounted.

He also built Grove 33, the member perks program that gives members at least 10% off at participating Grove businesses, with business members enrolled as merchants themselves so the card runs in both directions, along with a business directory that helps neighbors find and support one another. Local decision makers and community leaders come to CGNA events, so members get to meet them, ask questions and hear what's happening first-hand.

Bio as published by the Coconut Grove Neighborhood Association advisory board. Photo courtesy of the Coconut Grove Neighborhood Association.