Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on the departure of Chief of Staff Lisa Martinez

(MIAMI, July 11, 2014) – My Chief of Staff, Lisa M. Martinez, has announced she will be leaving County service as of August 4, 2014.

From the start of my Administration, Lisa has been a valuable member of my senior executive team and a trusted adviser whose counsel will be missed.  Her accomplishments as Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff are numerous, especially in putting forth our initiatives on children, parks and green spaces, and cultural affairs.  I want to especially highlight her role in transforming our Head Start program where we now serve hundreds of additional children without reliance on the general fund.

Lisa’s solid professional background and success at the Miami-Dade County School Board and City of Miami made her a respected addition to Miami-Dade County.  I know that her passion for children and families has never waned, from her start as an elementary school teacher until today, and I commend her desire to return to serve those two populations that are so important to all of us.   I am confident that Lisa will continue to serve our community with the upmost integrity and focused energy and I wish her only the best in her future professional and personal endeavors.

Effective August 4th, Alex Ferro will assume the position of my Chief of Staff.  Alex has been a part of my team since the beginning of my Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff.  He currently serves as Director of External Affairs where he is responsible for intergovernmental affairs and community outreach for my office.  Alex has a long record of public service in both state and local government, having been the Chief of Staff to former Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp and Executive Director of the Florida Hispanic Legislative Caucus.  His experience will ensure a smooth transition as my Administration continues to seek ways to transform government and improve our community.

Please join me in thanking Lisa Martinez for her service to the people of Miami-Dade County, and in congratulating Alex Ferro on his new role in my Administration.