Miami-Dade County Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Miami-Dade County has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, 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, impacting diverse communities through its extensive network of public service offices.

Leadership Roles at Miami-Dade County

  • Chief Financial Officer - Casey Simpkins
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jimmy Morales
  • Chief of Staff - Erika Benitez
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Verdaguer
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations - Cristy Moreno
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Tomas Alcala
  • Bcc Deputy Chief Of Staff - Jean Carlo Canabal
  • Chief of Staff To Mayor Daniella Levine Cava - Christopher Hudtwalcker
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Christina Cicilia
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Juanita Olvera
  • Casey Simpkins - Chief Financial Officer

    Casey Simpkins, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami-Dade County, directs all financial operations and fiscal management for the governmental entity. Simpkins oversees the budgeting process, financial planning, and resource allocation across all county departments, including healthcare, legal services, and public safety. This critical role ensures the fiscal health and sustainability of the county's extensive public services and infrastructure projects. Casey Simpkins's expertise is vital in managing the financial implications of community development programs and policy implementations throughout the Miami metropolitan area. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for financial reporting, compliance with governmental regulations, and optimizing revenue streams to support county operations. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Simpkins safeguards public funds and ensures efficient use of resources across numerous facilities and public service offices. Casey Simpkins's strategic financial leadership underpins the county's ability to serve its diverse communities effectively.

    Jimmy Morales - Chief Operating Officer

    Jimmy Morales, the Chief Operating Officer at Miami-Dade County, directs the operational execution of county-wide services and infrastructure management. Overseeing numerous departments, Morales ensures the efficient delivery of public services, including healthcare, legal services, information technology, and public safety. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and implementing policies that support the diverse communities within the county's jurisdiction. By streamlining operational workflows, Jimmy Morales drives improvements in service delivery and enhances the overall effectiveness of governmental functions. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to managing facilities across the region and ensuring seamless coordination between various public service offices. Morales's strategic oversight guarantees that the county's operational framework aligns with its mission of community development and public welfare, directly impacting the daily lives of residents throughout the Miami metropolitan area.

    Erika Benitez - Chief of Staff

    Erika Benitez, the Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, manages strategic initiatives and operational coordination for the county government. Benitez oversees the implementation of key policies and programs that support community development and public services across the Miami metropolitan area. This role involves close collaboration with various department heads to ensure alignment with the county's overarching mission. Erika Benitez's leadership ensures that the county's administrative functions operate with maximum efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of its diverse communities. The Chief of Staff's duties include advising on critical decisions, facilitating interdepartmental communication, and driving forward the county's strategic objectives. By coordinating efforts across public service offices, Benitez enhances the county's capacity to deliver essential services and manage its extensive network of facilities effectively. Erika Benitez's influence is central to maintaining the operational integrity and strategic direction of Miami-Dade County's governmental operations.

    Laura Verdaguer - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Verdaguer, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, supports the Chief of Staff in managing strategic operations and policy execution. Verdaguer assists in coordinating departmental activities, ensuring the smooth delivery of public services and community development programs across the Miami metropolitan area. This position involves facilitating communication between various administrative offices and supporting the implementation of county-wide initiatives. Laura Verdaguer's contributions are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness within the county government. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a key part in overseeing projects related to infrastructure management and public safety, ensuring alignment with established policies. By providing direct support to the Chief of Staff, Verdaguer helps to drive forward the county's objectives and enhance its service provision to diverse communities. Laura Verdaguer's role is integral to the effective functioning of Miami-Dade County's leadership team.

    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 oversees the coordination of services related to infrastructure management, public safety, and community development programs, ensuring seamless execution across the Miami metropolitan area. This role involves identifying opportunities for operational improvements and implementing best practices within various public service offices. Cristy Moreno's leadership ensures that the county's extensive facilities are managed optimally and that resources are allocated strategically to meet community needs. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations works closely with department heads to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. By driving operational excellence, Moreno directly supports the county's mission to provide essential services to its diverse population. Cristy Moreno's focus on operational integrity is crucial for the sustained success of Miami-Dade County's governmental functions.

    Tomas Alcala - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Tomas Alcala, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, provides critical support for the county's strategic initiatives and administrative functions. Alcala assists in overseeing the execution of policies and programs designed to foster community development and manage public services throughout the Miami metropolitan area. This position involves coordinating efforts across multiple departments, including information technology and legal services, to ensure cohesive operations. Tomas Alcala's role is instrumental in facilitating effective communication and collaboration among public service offices and county leadership. The Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the management of county facilities and the implementation of infrastructure projects. By supporting the Chief of Staff, Alcala helps to advance the county's objectives and ensure the efficient delivery of services to its diverse communities. Tomas Alcala's dedication to operational support strengthens Miami-Dade County's governmental framework.

    Jean Carlo Canabal - Bcc Deputy Chief Of Staff

    Jean Carlo Canabal, the Bcc Deputy Chief Of Staff at Miami-Dade County, contributes to the strategic oversight and operational management of county functions. Canabal supports the implementation of policies and programs aimed at community development and the provision of essential public services across the Miami metropolitan area. This role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure alignment with the county's overall mission and objectives. Jean Carlo Canabal's efforts are focused on enhancing the efficiency of public service offices and managing county facilities effectively. The Bcc Deputy Chief Of Staff plays a part in initiatives related to infrastructure and public safety, ensuring adherence to governmental standards. By assisting the Chief of Staff, Canabal helps to drive forward key projects and maintain the operational integrity of Miami-Dade County. Jean Carlo Canabal's work supports the county's commitment to serving its diverse population.

    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 strategic operations and policy implementation in direct support of the Mayor's agenda. Hudtwalcker oversees critical initiatives related to community development, public services, and infrastructure management across the Miami metropolitan area. This leadership position involves close collaboration with county departments to ensure the effective execution of mayoral priorities and governmental functions. Christopher Hudtwalcker's role is pivotal in coordinating efforts among public service offices and advising on key policy decisions. The Chief of Staff To Mayor Daniella Levine Cava ensures that the county government operates efficiently and responsively to the needs of its diverse communities. By managing the Mayor's office operations, Hudtwalcker drives forward the county's vision and enhances its capacity to deliver essential services. Christopher Hudtwalcker's strategic guidance is fundamental to the effective governance of Miami-Dade County.

    Christina Cicilia - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Christina Cicilia, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of county government initiatives. Cicilia assists in managing key programs focused on community development and the delivery of essential public services throughout the Miami metropolitan area. This role involves coordinating activities across various departments, including information technology and finance, to ensure seamless operations. Christina Cicilia's contributions are vital for maintaining the efficiency of public service offices and overseeing county facilities. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a part in implementing policies that impact infrastructure management and public safety. By working closely with the Chief of Staff, Cicilia helps to advance the county's objectives and ensure effective service provision to its diverse population. Christina Cicilia's dedication strengthens the operational framework of Miami-Dade County.

    Juanita Olvera - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Juanita Olvera, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Miami-Dade County, contributes to the strategic management and operational coordination of county government functions. Olvera supports the implementation of policies and programs designed to enhance community development and deliver vital public services across the Miami metropolitan area. This position involves facilitating collaboration among various departments and ensuring alignment with the county's overarching goals. Juanita Olvera's efforts are focused on optimizing the performance of public service offices and managing county facilities effectively. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a role in initiatives related to infrastructure and public safety, ensuring adherence to established standards. By assisting the Chief of Staff, Olvera helps to drive forward key projects and maintain the operational integrity of Miami-Dade County. Juanita Olvera's work supports the county's commitment to serving its diverse communities.

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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 Casey Simpkins (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jimmy Morales (Chief Operating Officer) and Erika Benitez (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Miami-Dade County’s executive team?
    The executive team of Miami-Dade County includes leaders such as Casey Simpkins (Chief Financial Officer), Jimmy Morales (Chief Operating Officer), Erika Benitez (Chief of Staff) 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 Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations.