Councilmembers
Chris Baraloto, Vice Chair
Dr. Chris Baraloto was elected to the council in 2021 and currently serves as Vice Chair. Chris leads the environmental committee and is responsible for the weekly reports on Intended Decisions for Tree Permits. He is also leading the campaign to reduce fees for Hearing Board appeals so that the CGVC can better represent our constituents in HEPB and PZAB meetings. Chris is the Director of the International Center for Tropical Botany at The Kampong, Associate Director of the Institute of Environment, and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University. He has lived in Coconut Grove with his family since moving from French Guiana in 2015.
Erin Compton, Treasurer
Dedicated to fostering vibrant communities, Erin is a passionate advocate with a taste for cooking. As a restaurant business owner in Coconut Grove for over 23 years, she prioritizes the well-being of others. Bringing people together with delicious meals with a strong family focus, she finds joy in spending quality time with loved ones.
Alejandra Rondon, Secretary
Alejandra lives in the historic Bahamian West Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. In her work, she leads the national campaigns and national base-building efforts at Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, and previously organized educators and former educators in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She is especially excited to be working with other councilmembers on the important Hearing Board Campaign that is being led by the Environmental Committee of the Coconut Grove Village Council.
Anthony Witherspoon
Anthony Witherspoon Sr. is a native of Coconut Grove, Florida. He is a graduate of Coral Gables High School, Miami Dade Community College and received his B.A Degree and his Master’s Degree in Guidance & Counseling from Clark Atlanta University. He has worked as a College Counselor and Instructor and Head Basketball Coach at several Universities. He is presently an Entrepreneur/Business Owner in the community and Founder/CEO of Leadership Prep Foundation Inc., a thought-provoking youth development non-profit organization which mission is to mobilize, motivate and equip young people to becoming the next generation of leaders via various Educational and Sports Programs. The one thing he believes strongly today is that ‘everything rises and falls on leadership.’ His study has taught him that leadership is the difference maker and the deal breaker. It is
how we grow organizations.
Steve Capellini
A published author, Mr. Capellini is a graduate of Florida State University and the recipient of a James Michener Fellowship for writing at the University of Miami. He has worked primarily in the health spa and massage industries, as a licensed therapist, consultant, trainer, spokesperson and expert witness. Mr. Capellini originally settled in Coconut Grove in the 1980’s, where he met his wife, Atchana. The couple live in the Center Grove, and are co-owners of Atchana’s Homegrown Thai restaurant and the commercial building that it occupies.
Luis Cintron
A dedicated advocate for Coconut Grove's heritage, Luis boasts over two decades of residency, entrepreneurship, and community involvement in the vibrant neighborhood. As the proprietor and member of produce distribution companies, he merges his entrepreneurial spirit with a deep-seated commitment to preserving the rich history and cultural tapestry of Coconut Grove.
Elliot Durant
Elliot is the owner of Pure Water Factory in the 33133, the former president of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, member of Chamber of Commerce Coral Gables, member of Underline Committee, and member of 100 Black Men of South Florida. He has been a Neighborhood Councilman previously for 8 years and Public Safety Chairman in Los Angeles. He comes from a family of service and always believes in the value of community.
Davey Frankel
Davey is a filmmaker and aural/visual artist who has performed or made films on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Having co-owned and run a popular restaurant for 4 years in Berlin, Germany, he is well aware of the challenges facing small businesses. A deep believer in community and diversity, he sees the Coconut Grove Village Council as a strong, critical advocate for its constituents, and a voice multiplier for the residents of the Grove within the City of Miami.
Hernan Guerrero Applewhite
Hernan Guerrero Applewhite is a Grove resident who hails from Panama, raised in New York City and Geneva, Switzerland. He has a background in geography, urban planning and architecture and is passionate about community and economic development. In his role on the council he is interested in seeing the West Grove, now Little Bahamas, become as thriving a commercial corridor and as attractive as an entertainment destination as Center Grove, for the collective benefit of Coconut Grove.