Former Congressman & Ambassador Francis Rooney Headlines Press Club Event

NOTE: The Hilton will be serving either marinated grilled bistro steak or herb-crusted fillet of salmon. Let the press club know your menu choice well in advance of the luncheon by sending an email to [email protected].

The Press Club of Southwest Florida is pleased and proud to present Francis Rooney, a successful businessman, public servant, former U.S. Representative, and U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, as its featured Newsmaker speaker. This promises to be a compelling lunch event for media professionals, civic-minded citizens, and community leaders alike.

Francis Rooney brings a rare combination of private-sector success, diplomatic nuance, and public-service achievement. A fourth-generation leader of the family firm, he served for decades as CEO of Rooney Holdings and its subsidiary, Manhattan Construction Company, a firm behind landmark projects such as presidential libraries, stadiums, and federal government research facilities.

In 2005, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (2005–2008), representing America in an extraordinary diplomatic post that blends faith, culture, and global policy. Later, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2021, representing Florida’s 19th Congressional District, bringing his business and international experience to Congress.

At the luncheon, Mr. Rooney will draw upon his decades-long friendship with the first American to lead the Vatican, a timely and intriguing lens through which to explore the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and American leadership on the world stage. Attendees will gain insight into:

• The unique role of the Holy See in global affairs and U.S. diplomacy, as seen through Ambassador Rooney’s tenure in Rome.
• How a business-leader turned diplomat carried private-sector discipline into public service and what lessons that offers today.
• Reflections on Naples, Florida, our region, and how national/international currents converge locally in our community.

Southwest Florida is a region increasingly tied not only to national issues but global ones, from trade to tourism, migration to climate resilience. Having a speaker of Rooney’s scope and background gives our Press Club audience the chance to lift the window and look beyond the routine headlines. His story connects our local interest, business, civic leadership, and service to far-reaching themes of diplomacy, faith, and global citizenship.

Moreover, his presence in Naples and his long-standing local ties make this an opportunity to network, engage, and ask questions of someone whose career spans boardrooms, embassies, and Congress. Whether you’re a journalist covering local governance, a civic-organization leader, a student of international affairs, or simply a thoughtful community member, you’ll leave with new context and a clearer vantage.

Francis Rooney epitomizes the “citizen-leader” model: someone who has moved from private enterprise to public responsibility, from the local to the global, and from business metrics to service metrics. His visit to the Press Club of Southwest Florida brings not just a “newsworthy speaker,” but a bridge to richer stories and deeper understanding. We encourage all media professionals, civic leaders, and engaged citizens in our region to join us, and engage in the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you Dec. 16 for what promises to be a memorable and enlightening luncheon. Seats are limited and this event is sure to draw a strong turnout, so members and guests alike are encouraged to book early. Registration begins at 11:30, and the luncheon starts at noon.

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Host or Publisher Press Club of Southwest Florida