Miami-Dade County Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Miami-Dade County has 10 executives leading key functions including maritime logistics, administrative governance, public infrastructure, and strategic policy development.

Committed to regional prosperity, Miami-Dade County delivers essential public services and manages complex infrastructure to support the diverse communities within the southeastern Florida metropolitan area.

Leadership Roles at Miami-Dade County

  • Port Director and Chief Executive Officer - Hydi Webb
  • Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer - Josiel Ferrer
  • Director & Chief Executive Officer - Lester Sola
  • Chief Financial Officer - Casey Simpkins
  • Chief of Staff - Ignacio Ortiz-Petit
  • Chief of Staff To Mayor Daniella Levine Cava - Christopher Hudtwalcker
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Diana Perez
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Verdaguer
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations - Cristy Moreno
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Adrian Fernandez-Romani
  • Hydi Webb - Port Director and Chief Executive Officer

    Hydi Webb, the Port Director and Chief Executive Officer at Miami-Dade County, directs all maritime operations and global trade initiatives. Overseeing the expansive port infrastructure, the Port Director and Chief Executive Officer ensures efficient cargo movement and cruise industry growth. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics networks that connect the region to international markets. By optimizing terminal capacity and fostering partnerships with global shipping lines, Hydi Webb directly impacts the economic vitality of the county. Ultimately, Webb secures the long-term competitive advantage of the port within the competitive southeastern Florida landscape, driving significant revenue through strategic infrastructure investments and operational excellence across all maritime facilities.

    Josiel Ferrer - Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer

    Josiel Ferrer, the Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer at Miami-Dade County, manages administrative oversight and organizational stability during transitional periods. Overseeing core governmental functions, the Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer ensures continuity in public service delivery across the metropolitan area. This leadership role involves coordinating between various departments to maintain operational efficiency and policy alignment. By streamlining internal processes and addressing immediate community needs, Josiel Ferrer directly impacts the effectiveness of local government programs. Ultimately, Ferrer stabilizes the administrative framework, ensuring that all public safety and infrastructure management initiatives continue without disruption while supporting the broader mission of the county to provide high-quality services to the diverse population.
    Josiel Ferrer

    Lester Sola - Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Lester Sola, the Director & Chief Executive Officer at Miami-Dade County, governs the strategic direction of major public facilities and administrative hubs. Overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects, the Director & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all community development programs align with long-term regional growth objectives. This leadership role involves managing complex budgets and inter-departmental collaborations to enhance public service accessibility. By implementing innovative policies that improve operational performance, Lester Sola directly impacts the quality of life for residents across the jurisdiction. Ultimately, Sola drives the modernization of government facilities, ensuring that the county remains a functional and responsive administrative leader within the southeastern Florida region through disciplined management and forward-thinking public policy execution.

    Casey Simpkins - Chief Financial Officer

    Casey Simpkins, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami-Dade County, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire governmental organization. Overseeing financial planning and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all public funds support critical infrastructure and community programs. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams and expenditures to maintain long-term economic stability. By implementing rigorous financial controls and transparent reporting, Casey Simpkins directly impacts the fiscal responsibility of the county. Ultimately, Simpkins secures the financial foundation necessary for the delivery of essential services, ensuring that all departments possess the capital required to meet the needs of the diverse population while adhering to strict regulatory and budgetary standards.

    Ignacio Ortiz-Petit - Chief of Staff

    Ignacio Ortiz-Petit, the Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all governmental departments. Overseeing the daily workflow of the leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive proper attention and resources. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that impact public safety and community development. By aligning departmental goals with the overarching vision of the county, Ignacio Ortiz-Petit directly impacts the efficiency of administrative decision-making. Ultimately, Ortiz-Petit maintains organizational cohesion, ensuring that all internal processes support the delivery of essential services to the diverse communities within the jurisdiction while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence throughout the entire government structure.

    Christopher Hudtwalcker - Chief of Staff To Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

    Christopher Hudtwalcker, the Chief of Staff To Mayor Daniella Levine Cava at Miami-Dade County, directs the political and administrative agenda for the executive office. Overseeing the implementation of mayoral policies, the Chief of Staff To Mayor Daniella Levine Cava ensures that all initiatives address the needs of the metropolitan area. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders and coordinating across various public service departments. By translating the vision of the mayor into actionable programs, Christopher Hudtwalcker directly impacts the strategic direction of the county. Ultimately, Hudtwalcker drives the success of community development efforts, ensuring that all government actions remain focused on improving the welfare and infrastructure of the region through effective leadership and policy coordination.

    Diana Perez - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Diana Perez, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, supports the executive leadership in managing complex public service initiatives and inter-departmental projects. Overseeing specific policy portfolios, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that administrative goals align with the broader mission of the county. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between departments to resolve operational challenges and improve service delivery. By providing analytical support and strategic guidance, Diana Perez directly impacts the effectiveness of government programs. Ultimately, Perez enhances the operational capacity of the executive office, ensuring that all initiatives related to community development and infrastructure management receive the necessary oversight to succeed within the diverse and growing metropolitan environment of the region.

    Laura Verdaguer - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Verdaguer, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, manages external relations and community engagement strategies to support the executive office. Overseeing public outreach programs, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that government initiatives remain responsive to the needs of the diverse population. This leadership role involves coordinating with local stakeholders and managing communication channels to promote transparency. By fostering strong relationships with community leaders, Laura Verdaguer directly impacts the public perception and success of county programs. Ultimately, Verdaguer strengthens the connection between the government and the public, ensuring that all administrative efforts are well-aligned with the expectations and requirements of the residents throughout the entire southeastern Florida metropolitan area.

    Cristy Moreno - Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations

    Cristy Moreno, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Miami-Dade County, directs the internal operational workflows and administrative efficiency of the executive office. Overseeing the integration of technology and process improvements, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations ensures that all departments function with maximum productivity. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of government services and optimizing resource utilization across various facilities. By implementing streamlined procedures, Cristy Moreno directly impacts the speed and quality of public service delivery. Ultimately, Moreno drives the operational excellence of the county, ensuring that all internal systems support the broader mission of providing reliable and effective infrastructure management to the diverse communities within the jurisdiction.

    Adrian Fernandez-Romani - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Adrian Fernandez-Romani, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, manages legislative affairs and policy development to support the executive leadership team. Overseeing the coordination of government initiatives, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all programs comply with legal requirements and strategic goals. This leadership role involves analyzing policy impacts and facilitating collaboration between various public service departments. By providing critical support for the development of new regulations, Adrian Fernandez-Romani directly impacts the legislative success of the county. Ultimately, Fernandez-Romani strengthens the administrative framework, ensuring that all government actions are well-planned and executed to meet the evolving needs of the metropolitan area while maintaining high standards of public service and accountability.

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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 (Port Director and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Josiel Ferrer (Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer) and Lester Sola (Director & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Miami-Dade County’s executive team?
    The executive team of Miami-Dade County includes leaders such as Hydi Webb (Port Director and Chief Executive Officer), Josiel Ferrer (Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer), Lester Sola (Director & Chief Executive 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 Port Director and Chief Executive Officer, Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff.