Upholding Public Trust Through Ethics and Integrity

Woman smiling

Restoring public trust in government by upholding the County Code of Ethics is how Charmaigne Ruiz, a Compliance Paralegal with the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust (COE), is THRIVING in Miami-Dade County. 
 
Charmaigne began her career with Miami-Dade County in 2021 as a Data Entry Specialist in the Fleet Division of what was then the Internal Services Department (ISD), now People and Internal Operations Department (PIOD). “Working in the Fleet Division for ISD allowed me to collaborate with several County departments such as Fire Rescue, Police, Parks, and Water and Sewer”, recalls Charmaigne.
 
That experience would soon prove invaluable. In 2022, Charmaigne was promoted to a Records Specialist with the Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, a role she would excel at. “Before joining Miami-Dade County, I worked at a records management company where I handled various legal and medical records”, explained Charmaigne. “So, when I stepped into this role, I was already familiar with that type of work, and I was able to bring knowledge and expertise on best practices.”
 
Within a year, Charmaigne was promoted again to her current role as a Paralegal. 
 
“Our department is very small compared to others, and it is one of the things I appreciate most about it. Everyone plays a vital role in preserving the public’s trust in government.” she shares. “As a paralegal, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with the department’s Compliance, Legal, and Administrative units. Collectively, we handle everything from ethics complaints, conflict of interest checks, and financial disclosures.” 
 
Charmaigne finds the investigative process intriguing. “Seeing a complaint come in and watching the process unfold all the way to resolution is incredibly fulfilling.”
 
When not delivering excellence at COE, Charmaigne is pursuing a bachelor’s degree and enjoys staying active through cardio boxing.
 
Keep THRIVING, Charmaigne!

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About Us

The People and Internal Operations Department ensures efficient County operations and fosters a thriving workforce by integrating internal services and human resources management. The department provides facility, construction, fleet, and risk management, along with ADA compliance, real estate, security, and parking services.

It supports workforce development through performance management, employee training, diversity programs, and collective bargaining, while addressing workplace policies, payroll, and workforce metrics. Additionally, the department resolves discrimination cases through investigation and mediation. Serving County departments, employees, and the community, it is committed to operational excellence and an equitable workplace.