Rod Dorilás is a first-generation Floridian, born in South Florida, and son of two immigrants from Haiti. His father immigrated to Florida on a working visa to pick crops, and eventually his parents went on to own a small business. From a young age, his parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, integrity, and service.

At age 17, Rod enlisted in the United States Navy, serving for six years as a Petty Officer Second Class and Assistant Engagement Control Officer onboard USS The Sullivans—a guided missiles destroyer stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. There, he was responsible for planning and executing the deployment of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and served on multiple Ballistic Missile Defense missions abroad. 

Upon completion of his military service, Rod attended law school at Syracuse University with the help of the G.I. Bill. After graduating, he served in President Trump’s Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce as counsel to Secretary Wilbur Ross. While serving our great nation, Rod fought tirelessly to ensure that American families and businesses weren’t taken advantage of by the Chinese Communist Party.