Miami-Dade County Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Miami-Dade County has 10 executives leading key functions including port operations, administration, finance, and public safety.

Driven by a commitment to public service, Miami-Dade County provides essential services, manages infrastructure, and fosters community development across the Miami metropolitan area, implementing policies that support its diverse population.

Leadership Roles at Miami-Dade County

  • Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami - Hydi Webb
  • Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer - Josiel Ferrer
  • Chief Financial Officer - Casey Simpkins
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jimmy Morales
  • Chief of Staff - Alessa Murphy
  • Chief of Staff & Kionne Mcghee Commissioner - Claudious Thompson
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Verdaguer
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Tomas Alcala
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Betty Aguirre
  • Bcc Deputy Chief Of Staff - Jean Carlo Canabal
  • Hydi Webb - Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami

    Hydi Webb, the Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami at Miami-Dade County, directs all maritime commerce and cruise operations for one of the world's busiest ports. Webb oversees strategic planning, business development, and infrastructure enhancements to maintain PortMiami's competitive edge in global trade and tourism. This leadership role involves managing extensive budgets, fostering international partnerships, and ensuring compliance with all maritime regulations. Webb's operational oversight extends to cargo terminals, passenger facilities, and related logistics. The executive's focus is on driving economic growth for the region through efficient port management and expansion initiatives. By optimizing cargo flow and enhancing passenger experiences, Hydi Webb directly supports Miami-Dade County's role as a vital economic engine. This position requires a deep understanding of global supply chains and the cruise industry's dynamics.

    Josiel Ferrer - Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer

    Josiel Ferrer, the Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer at Miami-Dade County, provides executive leadership across the county's broad spectrum of public services and administrative functions. Ferrer guides strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery to residents throughout the metropolitan area. This role involves coordinating departmental efforts, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and upholding the county's mission of community development. The executive's responsibilities encompass overseeing critical public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure management programs. By fostering collaboration among various county departments, Josiel Ferrer ensures alignment with policy objectives and community needs. The focus is on maintaining stability and driving progress during this interim period, supporting the diverse communities within Miami-Dade County's jurisdiction. Ferrer's leadership ensures the continuity of essential services.
    Josiel Ferrer

    Casey Simpkins - Chief Financial Officer

    Casey Simpkins, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami-Dade County, oversees all financial operations, budgeting, and fiscal planning for the governmental entity. Simpkins manages the county's extensive financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with all regulatory requirements. This executive position involves developing financial strategies, managing investments, and overseeing audits to maintain the financial health of Miami-Dade County. Casey Simpkins directs the finance department, which supports essential public services, infrastructure management, and community development programs. The focus is on optimizing financial performance, securing funding for critical projects, and providing accurate financial reporting. By ensuring sound financial management, Simpkins supports the county's ability to deliver vital services to its diverse population.

    Jimmy Morales - Chief Operating Officer

    Jimmy Morales, the Chief Operating Officer at Miami-Dade County, directs the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery across numerous county departments. Morales oversees the implementation of strategic plans, ensuring efficient resource allocation and effective management of public services. This executive role involves optimizing departmental functions, including information technology, public works, and administrative support, to meet the needs of the Miami metropolitan area. Jimmy Morales drives initiatives focused on improving operational performance and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The focus is on streamlining processes, fostering interdepartmental cooperation, and ensuring the county operates with maximum efficiency. By managing complex operational frameworks, Morales supports the county's commitment to community development and public safety across its extensive network of offices.

    Alessa Murphy - Chief of Staff

    Alessa Murphy, the Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, provides strategic counsel and manages key initiatives for the executive leadership team. Murphy coordinates the flow of information and resources between departments, ensuring alignment with the county's overarching goals and policy objectives. This role involves overseeing special projects, facilitating communication, and supporting the implementation of critical community development programs. Alessa Murphy's responsibilities include managing administrative functions and ensuring the efficient operation of the executive office. The focus is on driving strategic priorities and enhancing the effectiveness of county governance. By acting as a central point of coordination, Murphy supports the delivery of essential public services and infrastructure management across the Miami metropolitan area.

    Claudious Thompson - Chief of Staff & Kionne Mcghee Commissioner

    Claudious Thompson, the Chief of Staff & Kionne Mcghee Commissioner at Miami-Dade County, manages strategic operations and supports the commissioner's legislative and community engagement efforts. Thompson coordinates departmental activities and implements policies that advance the commissioner's agenda for community development and public service. This dual role involves overseeing administrative functions, facilitating communication with constituents, and driving key initiatives across various county departments. Claudious Thompson's focus is on ensuring the effective execution of policies and programs that benefit the diverse communities within the county. By bridging administrative leadership with direct representation, Thompson supports Miami-Dade County's mission of providing essential services and managing regional infrastructure.

    Laura Verdaguer - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Verdaguer, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, supports the Chief of Staff in managing executive-level operations and strategic initiatives. Verdaguer assists in coordinating departmental communications and ensuring the smooth execution of county policies and programs. This role involves facilitating interdepartmental collaboration and overseeing special projects that enhance public services and community development. Laura Verdaguer's responsibilities include managing administrative processes and providing critical support to the executive leadership team. The focus is on driving operational efficiency and ensuring that county services effectively meet the needs of the Miami metropolitan area. By contributing to strategic planning and implementation, Verdaguer supports Miami-Dade County's commitment to its residents.

    Tomas Alcala - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Tomas Alcala, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, assists in the oversight of key administrative functions and strategic projects. Alcala supports the Chief of Staff in coordinating departmental efforts and implementing policies that advance the county's mission of public service and infrastructure management. This position involves managing critical communications, facilitating interagency collaboration, and ensuring the efficient delivery of essential services across the region. Tomas Alcala's focus is on enhancing operational effectiveness and supporting community development initiatives. By contributing to strategic planning and execution, Alcala plays a vital role in the county's commitment to serving its diverse population and managing its extensive public facilities.

    Betty Aguirre - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Betty Aguirre, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, provides critical support to the executive leadership in managing county operations and strategic objectives. Aguirre assists in coordinating departmental activities, overseeing special projects, and ensuring the effective implementation of policies related to public services and community development. This role involves facilitating communication across various county offices and supporting the delivery of essential infrastructure management programs. Betty Aguirre's focus is on enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the county's overall mission of serving its residents. By managing key administrative functions, Aguirre supports the continuous improvement of services provided throughout the Miami metropolitan area.

    Jean Carlo Canabal - Bcc Deputy Chief Of Staff

    Jean Carlo Canabal, the Bcc Deputy Chief Of Staff at Miami-Dade County, supports executive leadership in managing strategic initiatives and administrative functions. Canabal assists in coordinating departmental communications and ensuring the effective implementation of county policies and programs. This role involves facilitating collaboration among various offices and supporting the delivery of essential public services and infrastructure management. Jean Carlo Canabal's focus is on enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the county's mission of community development. By managing key administrative tasks, Canabal plays a role in supporting the diverse communities within Miami-Dade County's jurisdiction and ensuring the continuity of vital services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Miami-Dade County Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Miami-Dade County?
    Miami-Dade County is led by Hydi Webb (Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami), along with executives such as Josiel Ferrer (Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer) and Casey Simpkins (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Miami-Dade County’s executive team?
    The executive team of Miami-Dade County includes leaders such as Hydi Webb (Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami), Josiel Ferrer (Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer), Casey Simpkins (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Miami-Dade County have?
    Miami-Dade County has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Miami-Dade County’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Miami-Dade County includes roles such as Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami, Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.