Miami-Dade County Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to public service, Miami-Dade County provides essential public services, infrastructure management, and community development programs, implementing policies that support its diverse communities and managing numerous facilities across the region.

Leadership Roles at Miami-Dade County

  • Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami - Hydi Webb
  • Chief Financial Officer - Casey Simpkins
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jimmy Morales
  • Chief of Staff - Ignacio Ortiz-Petit
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Christina Cicilia
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Verdaguer
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Rachel Johnson
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Adrian Fernandez-Romani
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations - Cristy Moreno
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Juanita Olvera
  • Hydi Webb - Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami

    Hydi Webb, the Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami at Miami-Dade County, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for one of the world's busiest cruise ports. Webb oversees all aspects of PortMiami's business development, cargo operations, and cruise line relations, ensuring its continued growth as a major economic engine for South Florida. This leadership role involves managing extensive infrastructure projects, fostering international trade partnerships, and enhancing the passenger experience for millions of travelers annually. Webb's strategic initiatives focus on expanding PortMiami's capacity, driving revenue growth, and maintaining its position as a premier global gateway. The Director and Chief Executive Officer, PortMiami ensures PortMiami's alignment with the broader economic development goals of Miami-Dade County, driving significant economic impact through job creation and tourism.

    Casey Simpkins - Chief Financial Officer

    Casey Simpkins, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami-Dade County, directs the fiscal health and financial strategy for the entire county government. Simpkins oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury management, and financial planning, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This critical role involves managing a substantial public budget, securing funding for essential services, and implementing sound financial policies that support community development and infrastructure projects. The Chief Financial Officer provides expert financial analysis and guidance to county leadership, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and maximizing the efficient allocation of public resources. Casey Simpkins's leadership ensures the financial integrity of Miami-Dade County, supporting its mission to deliver vital public services effectively.

    Jimmy Morales - Chief Operating Officer

    Jimmy Morales, the Chief Operating Officer at Miami-Dade County, oversees the day-to-day operational management of numerous county departments and public services. Morales directs the implementation of strategic plans, ensuring efficient service delivery and operational excellence across a wide range of functions, including public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. This executive position involves optimizing resource allocation, driving process improvements, and enhancing the effectiveness of government operations to meet the needs of residents. The Chief Operating Officer plays a key part in coordinating complex projects and ensuring that county services are delivered reliably and efficiently. Jimmy Morales's operational oversight is fundamental to the effective functioning of Miami-Dade County's extensive public service network.

    Ignacio Ortiz-Petit - Chief of Staff

    Ignacio Ortiz-Petit, the Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, provides direct executive support and strategic counsel to the county's leadership. Ortiz-Petit manages critical initiatives, coordinates interdepartmental efforts, and ensures the efficient execution of county-wide policies and programs. This role involves overseeing special projects, facilitating communication between various government departments, and advising on complex operational matters. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in streamlining administrative processes and enhancing the effectiveness of public service delivery across the county. Ignacio Ortiz-Petit's responsibilities extend to managing the flow of information and ensuring that strategic objectives are met with precision and expediency, supporting the overall mission of Miami-Dade County's governance.

    Christina Cicilia - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Christina Cicilia, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, supports the Chief of Staff in managing critical county initiatives and administrative functions. Cicilia assists in coordinating interdepartmental projects, facilitating communication, and ensuring the smooth execution of strategic directives across various government departments. This role involves detailed project management, policy analysis, and providing essential support to county leadership in addressing complex operational challenges. The Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the efficient functioning of the county administration by ensuring that key tasks are completed effectively and on schedule. Christina Cicilia's efforts are vital in maintaining the operational momentum and strategic alignment of Miami-Dade County's administrative operations.

    Laura Verdaguer - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Verdaguer, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, provides crucial support to the Chief of Staff in overseeing county-wide operations and strategic planning. Verdaguer is instrumental in coordinating cross-departmental projects, analyzing policy impacts, and ensuring the effective implementation of the county's service delivery objectives. This position requires a deep understanding of governmental operations and the ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously. The Deputy Chief of Staff contributes significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of the county's administrative framework by facilitating communication and driving project completion. Laura Verdaguer's role is essential in supporting the strategic direction and operational execution for Miami-Dade County.

    Rachel Johnson - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Rachel Johnson, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, assists the Chief of Staff in managing critical administrative and operational functions. Johnson focuses on coordinating key county projects, supporting policy development, and ensuring effective communication channels between different government departments. This role demands strong organizational skills and a comprehensive understanding of public service delivery mechanisms. The Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the overall efficiency of county management by overseeing specific initiatives and ensuring that strategic goals are pursued diligently. Rachel Johnson's contributions are vital to the effective governance and operational success of Miami-Dade County.

    Adrian Fernandez-Romani - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Adrian Fernandez-Romani, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, supports the Chief of Staff in managing strategic initiatives and operational coordination. Fernandez-Romani is responsible for overseeing specific projects, facilitating inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring the effective implementation of county policies. This position requires a keen ability to navigate complex governmental structures and drive progress on critical public service objectives. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a key role in enhancing the county's administrative efficiency and responsiveness to community needs. Adrian Fernandez-Romani's dedicated efforts contribute significantly to the operational effectiveness and strategic execution within Miami-Dade County.

    Cristy Moreno - Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations

    Cristy Moreno, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Miami-Dade County, focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the county's operational departments. Moreno supports the Chief of Staff by overseeing specific operational projects, streamlining processes, and ensuring the seamless delivery of public services across various divisions. This role involves detailed analysis of operational workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions that boost productivity and resource utilization. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations plays a critical part in optimizing the county's service infrastructure. Cristy Moreno's operational expertise is essential for maintaining and improving the high standards of public service delivery within Miami-Dade County.

    Juanita Olvera - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Juanita Olvera, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, provides essential support to the Chief of Staff in managing county-wide administrative and strategic functions. Olvera is involved in coordinating key projects, analyzing policy implications, and ensuring effective communication across different governmental departments. This role requires a strong capacity for project management and a thorough understanding of public sector operations. The Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the overall operational integrity and strategic execution of Miami-Dade County's objectives. Juanita Olvera's contributions are vital to the smooth functioning and continued development of the county's public 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 Casey Simpkins (Chief Financial Officer) and Jimmy Morales (Chief Operating 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), Casey Simpkins (Chief Financial Officer), Jimmy Morales (Chief Operating 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, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff.