Marques is the son of the late Dr. Jose A. Marques, a beloved FIU criminal justice professor who served as a mentor to many South Florida police officers and members of the criminal justice and legal community.  The State Legislature, Commissioner Martinez and the Board of County Commissioners recently renamed Southwest Eighth Street from 107th Avenue to the Florida Turnpike as "Dr. Jose A. Marques Boulevard" in his honor.

In a two-page resignation letter, Marques explains: "The driving force behind my decision is the ability to continue my father's legacy at FIU - one that stems back to the opening of the University.  My father was instrumental as a founder and he witnessed the immense growth at FIU as he was an instrumental component of that growth.  I truly believe that it is my turn to now leave my own footprint during the most exciting times of the University's growth with the upcoming Medical School, the possibility of Major League Soccer, the transition of the longest serving University President to an incoming President in the next year,  amongst many other projects soon to flourish.  It feels more like I am going "home" to FIU."

Among Marques' many accomplishments at the County, he successfully organized and developed the current Board of County Commission Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with offices in Tallahassee and Washington while strengthening local relationships with the Dade Delegation and local elected officials. The Office of the Commission Auditor and Legislative Analysis, the Divisions of Protocol, Employee Recognition and Media Relations, BCC Support Staff, and the BCC Sergeant at Arms also were organized and developed during his tenure as Chief of Staff.

During the same time period, he developed a BCC Command Post at the County's Emergency Operations Center to help local elected officials address the needs of their individual constituencies during hurricanes.  Marques also has been credited for organizing and directing several hurricane relief missions within Florida in the aftermath of numerous hurricanes, as well as the largest organized relief effort to Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He also represented the Board of County Commissioners on the planning committee for the MTV Video Music Awards and the Latin Grammys, and co-chaired the Intergovernmental/Dignitary Sub-Committee within the 2007 Super Bowl Host Committee, as well as hosting numerous dignitaries and local, state, and federal officials.

Marques holds bachelor's and a master's degrees from FIU as well as an MBA from Lynn University.  He also attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government's Executive Education Program at Harvard University. 

The former Chief of Staff will be joining the Office of the President as the Chief of Staff effective December 1, 2008.  Commissioner Martinez understands that this was not an easy decision for him and is sure he will excel in his new role.   "He will be an asset to the University and a loss for Miami Dade County Government and my office," added Commissioner Martinez.