Raquel Elejabarrieta Application PackageElejabarrieta Raquel
Last Name First Name Middle Initial
120 JEFFERSON AVE APT 12015 MIAMI BEACH
Home Address City
FL 33139
State Zip Code
HomeWork
raquel.eleja@gmail.com
Email Address
3058508046
Cellular
Business Address City State Zip Code
City of Coral Gables
Occupation:Business Name:
Human Resources and Risk Management Director
Please list your preferences in order of ranking [1] first choice [2] second choice, and [3] third choice. Please note
that only three (3) choices will be observed by the City Clerk’s Office. (Regular Boards of City)
Choice 1:
Choice 2:
Choice 3:
Personnel Board
BOARD AND COMMITTEE
APPLICATION FORM
Note:If applying for the At-Large position of the Historic Preservation Board, please answer the below
questions:
Have you ever resided in one of the City's Historic Districts for at least one year?Yes
No Address in City Historic District submitted.
Professional License
License Number Issuance Date Expire Date
Florida Bar 603791
Note:If you are seeking appointment to a professional seat (e.g. attorney, architect, etc.), you must attach a copy of
your currently effective corresponding professional license.
Pursuant to City Code section 2-22(4) a, b and c: Members of Agencies, Boards, and Committees shall be
affiliated with the city. This requirement shall be fulfilled in the following ways:
YesResident of the City for a minimum of six (6) months:
Demonstrate an ownership interest in a business established in the City for a minimum of six (6) months:No
AFFILIATION WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
a.
● I am resident of:South Beach
Or
b.
"Ownership Interest" shall mean the ownership of ten percent (10%) or more (including the ownership of 10%
or more of the outstanding capital stock) in a business.
"Business" shall mean any sole proprietorship, sponsorship, corporation, limited liability company, or other
entity or business association.
c.Full-time employee of such a business (for a minimum of six months); and I am based in an office or
other location of the business that is physically located in Miami Beach (for a minimum of six months):No
Notwithstanding the requirements set forth herein, the qualified full-time employee of a business must be
approved by a 4/7th vote of the Mayor and City Commission.
NOTE: Members of Agencies, Boards, and Committees shall be required to demonstrate compliance with the
City affiliation requirements of section 2-22 (4) a ,b or c of the Miami Beach City Code by executing an affidavit,
stipulating that they have met one or more of said affiliation requirements. The original affidavit shall be filled with
the Office of the City Clerk prior to being sworn in as a member.
Or
No● Have you ever been convicted of a felony:If yes, please explain in detail:
● Do you currently have a violation(s) of City of Miami Beach codes:No If yes, please explain in detail:
● Do you currently owe the City of Miami Beach any money:No If yes, please explain in detail:
● Are you currently serving on any City Boards or Committees:No If yes, which board?
● Are you presently a registered lobbyist with the City of Miami Beach?No
● I am applying for an appointment because I have special abilities, knowledge and experience. Please list below:
NOTE: IF APPOINTED, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW CERTAIN LAWS THAT APPLY TO CITY
BOARD/COMMITTEE MEMBERS. THESE LAWS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
o Prohibition from directly or indirectly lobbying city personnel (Miami Beach City Code section 2-459).
o Prohibition from contracting with the city (Miami-Dade County Code section 2-11.1).
o Prohibition from lobbying before board/committee you have served on for period of one year after leaving office
(Miami Beach Code section 2-26)
o Requirement to disclose certain financial interests and gifts (Miami-Dade County Code section 2-11.1).
o Sunshine Law - Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law was enacted in 1967. Today, the Sunshine Law
regarding open government can be found in Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes. These statutes establish a basic
right of access to most meetings of Boards, Commissions, and other governing bodies of state and local
governmental agencies or authorities.
o Voting conflict - Form 8B is for use by any person serving at the county, city, or other local level of government on
an appointed or elected Board, Council, Commission, Authority, or Committee. It applies equality to members of
advisory and non-advisory bodies who are presented with a voting conflict of interest under Section 112.3143.
Florida Statutes.
o Commencing with terms beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and as a condition of applying for appointment to
a City agency, board, or committee, each applicant must voluntarily agree that in the event the applicant files with
the City Clerk a Statement of Candidate formally announcing candidacy for City elective office, such filing with the
City Clerk shall be deemed a tender of resignation from the City agency, board or committee, and the member's
automatic resignation shall thereby immediately create a vacancy in the agency, board, or committee.
o If an appointee is engaged to provide services, for compensation, to either (1) a candidate for City elected office,
or (2) a political committee or electioneering communications organization expending funds for or against
candidates for City elected office, such engagement shall be deemed a tender of resignation from such City
agency, board, or committee. (Miami Beach City Code Section 2-22)
● In what organization(s) in the City of Miami Beach do you currently hold membership in?
No Organization Information Submitted.
● List the address of all properties owned or in which you have an interest within the City of Miami Beach:
Property
120 Jefferson Avenue #12015
If so, which department and title?No● Are you now employed by the City of Miami Beach:
● Pursuant to City Code Section 2-25 (b) and 2-448:
Do you have a parent, spouse, child, brother, or sister who is employed by the City of Miami Beach?No
If "Yes", identify person(s) and department(s):
No relative's information submitted.
BOARD & COMMITTEE FINANCIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT
Acknowledgement of fines/suspension for Board/Committee Members for failure to comply with
Miami-Dade County Financial Disclosure Code Section 2-11.1(i)(2)
I understand that no later than July 1, of each year all members of Boards and Committees of the City of Miami
Beach, including those of a purely advisory nature, are required to comply with Miami-Dade County Financial
Disclosure Requirements.
One of the following forms must be filled with the City Clerk of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive,
Miami Beach, Florida, no later than 12:00 noon of July 1, of each year:
1. A "Source of Income Statement;" or
2. A Copy of your latest Federal Income Tax Return.
Members of the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment must electronically file a “Statement of Financial
Interests (Form 1)¹” directly with the Florida Commission on Ethics.
Failure to file one of these forms, pursuant to the Miami-Dade County Code, may subject the person to a fine of no
more than $500, 60 days in jail, or both.
Acknowledgment to Comply with Miami Beach Code of Ordinances Sec. 2-22 (23)
I understand that commencing with terms beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and as a condition of applying for
appointment to a City agency, board, or committee, I voluntarily agree that in the event I file with the City Clerk a
Statement of Candidate formally announcing candidacy for City elective office, such filing with the City Clerk shall be
deemed a tender of resignation from the City agency, board, or committee.
Acknowledgment to Comply with Miami Beach Code of Ordinances Sec. 2-22 (24)
I understand that if I am engaged to provide services, for compensation, to either (1) a candidate for City elected
office, or (2) a political committee or electioneering communications organization expending funds for or against
candidates for City elected office, such engagement shall be deemed a tender of resignation from the City agency,
board, or committee.
_____________________________
¹ Members of the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment will be notified directly by the State of Florida, pursuant
to F.S. §112.3145(1)(a), to file a Statement of Financial Interests (Form 1) with the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of
Elections by 12:00 noon, July 1. Planning Board and Board of Adjustment members who file their Form 1 with the
County Supervisor of Elections automatically satisfy the County’s financial disclosure requirement as a Miami Beach
City Board/Committee member and need not file an additional form with the Office of the City Clerk. However,
compliance with the County disclosure requirement does not satisfy the State requirement.
DIVERSITY STATISTICS REPORT
The following information is voluntary and has no bearing on your consideration for appointment. It is being asked to
comply with City diversity reporting requirements.
WhiteRace/Ethnic Categories
What is your race?
No details providedOther Description:
Gender:Female
Are you Spanish/Hispanic/ Latino? Mark the "No" box if not Spanish / Hispanic /
Latino.
Yes
Physically Challenged:No
UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I DECLARE THAT I HAVE READ THE FOREGOING APPLICATION AND
THAT THE FACTS STATED IN IT ARE TRUE. ADDITIONALLY, I AGREE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANY
FALSE STATEMENTS OR FALSE INFORMATION SUBMITTED AS PART OF THIS APPLICATION SHALL BE
A BASIS FOR MY REMOVAL FROM A CITY BOARD OR COMMITTEE. I HAVE RECEIVED, READ AND WILL
ABIDE BY CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VII, OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED “STANDARDS OF
CONDUCT FOR CITY OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENCY MEMBERS” AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE
CITY, COUNTY, AND/OR STATE LAWS AND STATUTES ACCORDINGLY.
I Raquel Elejabarrieta agreed to the following terms on 1/16/2025 10:13:50 AM
Received in the City Clerk's Office by:
Name of Deputy Clerk Control No. Date
Board and Committee Application Checklist: Please ensure you have provided all information before applying or
reapplying to any Board and Committee.
YES
YES
YES
YES
I have answered all questions fully.
I have uploaded a current resume, photograph, and a copy of any applicable professional license.
I have completed and attached the Board & Committee Financial Acknowledgment Statement.
I have completed and attached the Diversity Statistics Report.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the City Clerk via email: BC@miamibeachfl.gov or
telephone: 305.673.7411
Note: Florida Statutes 119.071: The role of the Office of the City Clerk is to receive and maintain forms filed as
public records. If your home address, telephone numbers, and/or photograph are exempt from disclosure and you
do not wish your home address, telephone numbers, and/or photograph to be made public, please:
1) Use your office or other address for your mailing address;
2) Use your office or other telephone number for your contact number; and
3) Do not attach a photograph.
YES I voluntarily agree to the resignation from the City agency, board, or committee, if I file a Statement
of Candidate for a City Elective Office (1).
(1) I understand that commencing with terms beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and as a condition of applying for
appointment to a City agency, board, or committee, I must voluntarily agree that in the event I file with the City Clerk a
Statement of Candidate formally announcing candidacy for City elective office, such filing with the City Clerk shall be deemed
a tender of resignation from the City agency, board, or committee.
YES I understand that (2).
(2) If am engaged to provide services, for compensation, to either (1) a candidate for City elected office, or (2) a political
committee or electioneering communications organization expending funds for or against candidates for City elected office,
such engagement shall be deemed a tender of resignation from the City agency, board, or committee.
RAQUEL ELEJABARRIETA, ESQ.
120 Jefferson Avenue #12015 -- Miami Beach -- FL 33139
Cell: 305-850-8046 raquel.eleja@gmail.com
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HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR / LABOR & EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY
Public Administrator ~ Human Resources ~ Employment Laws ~ Labor Relations
Astute, results-driven public administrator with a comprehensive background rendering legal advice
regarding all facets of the employment relationship and providing progressive leadership experience in
developing and implementing HR and business strategies that align with organizational goals.
WORK EXPERIENCE
CITY OF CORAL GABLES, Coral Gables, FL February 2023 – Present
2023 (City of Coral Gables is a municipality in South Florida with over 1000 employees and three (3) different unions)
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management/Chief DEI and Accessibility Officer
• Responsible for the overall administration of the Human Resources and Risk Management
Department and for developing and implementing robust scalable Human Resources processes for
each key HR functional area (Recruitment, Employee/Labor Relations, Benefits & Compensation
(including trianing and development), Risk Management and DEI&A).
• Partner with executives and senior leadership team to provide strategic guidance on human capital
management and organizational development initiatives.
• Manage a team of 18 HR professionals to cultivate an inclusive and equitable workplace culture.
• Responsible for implementation of a new HRIS system.
• Continued responsibilities for duties set forth below due to merger of departments under my
leadership.
June 2016 – February 2023
Director of Labor Relations & Risk Management/Chief DEI and Accessibility Officer/Chief Process
Improvement Officer
• Responsible for overseeing a comprehensive employee and labor relations strategy; managing
day-to-day employee and labor relations activities, including grievance administration, mediation
and arbitration preparation, labor management meetings, contract administration, and contract
negotiation strategy and preparation; administering collective bargaining agreements; providing
consultation to directors related to performance, conduct and disciplinary action and to employees
and managers regarding workplace concerns and disputes.
• Ensuring that all employee matters are handled with a consistent and focused approach that is
aligned with the City’s employee relations vision and values.
• Responsible for conducting complex investigations involving sensitive and confidential matters,
EEOC/FCRA complaints, ADA accommodation requests, discrimination and harassment
complaints and ensuring fair, consistent and effective investigation results.
• Responsible for developing, implementing, interpreting and administering employee relations
policies and procedures to support compliance with employment laws.
• As the City's Chief Process Improvement Officer, responsible for leading transformational change
and influencing senior leaders to implement process improvement and change initiatives across the
government to deliver sustainable outcomes.
• Responsible for administering the City's self-insurance program for workers' compensation,
general liability, and property damage claims.
• Responsible for safeguarding City properties (with a replacement value at $299 million) and other
assets through the selection of brokers and purchase of insurance.
Raquel Elejabarrieta Page 2
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WORK EXPERIENCE
(CONTINUED)
• As the City's Chief DEI and Accessibility Officer responsible for advancing the City’s diversity,
equity, inclusion and accessibility program by recommending, developing, implementing, and
managing both internal and external diversity related strategies, partnerships, programs, and
initiatives.
• Trustee of the City’s General Employees’ Pension Plan.
CITY OF HOLLYWOOD, Hollywood, FL April 2014 – May 2016
Director of Labor Relations
• Responsible for negotiating, administering, and interpreting the City’s collective bargaining
agreements with the three unions and five bargaining units covering approximately 1,400
employees.
• Provide advice and counsel to management on labor matters, including performance management,
progressive discipline, grievance, and dispute resolution procedures.
• Responsible for the City’s FMLA program and requests for accommodations under the American
with Disabilities Act.
• Responsible for the City’s workers’ compensation program.
• Responsible for the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Responsible for administering the City’s self-insurance program for workers’ compensation,
general liability and property damage claims.
• Trustee of the City’s General Employees’ Pension Plan.
WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE & BIERMAN, P.L., Miami, FL January 2005 – April 1, 2014
Associate
• Represent employers before Federal, State, and local administrative agencies such as the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Florida Public Employees Relations
Commission (PERC).
• Render legal advice regarding all facets of the employment relationship, including general human
resources issues, wage and hour issues, discipline and discharge matters, drug and alcohol testing,
employee privacy rights and compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations
governing the workplace.
• Represent employers on matters arising under Federal, State and local employment laws such as
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and the
Florida Civil Rights Act.
• Assist employers in the development and implementation of human resource policies and
procedures.
• Advise public sector employers on issues concerning their public employee pension plans.
• Draft employment contracts and separation agreements.
• Represent public sector employers in collective bargaining negotiations, labor impasse hearings,
unfair labor practice proceedings and labor arbitrations.
Raquel Elejabarrieta Page 3
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WORK EXPERIENCE
(CONTINUED)
MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP, Miami, FL 2002-2004
Associate
• Represented employers in judicial and administrative proceedings concerning wrongful discharge,
discrimination, harassment, wage-and-hour issues, and non-compete agreements.
• Drafted and researched complaints, answers, motions, briefs, subpoenas, interrogatories, requests
for documents, position statements, and jury instructions.
• Assisted in taking depositions.
Summer Associate 2001
• Drafted memorandums and motions relating to employment discrimination and contract disputes.
• Performed legal research.
• Observed arbitrations and oral arguments.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, Southern District of Florida, Judge Dimitrouleas 2000
Summer Intern
• Researched legal issues and drafted memorandums on civil issues.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW, Coral Gables, FL
Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, May 2002
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Miami, FL
BBA Marketing & International Business, December 1995
CERTIFICATIONS
Society for Human Resource Management Certified Senior Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Cornell University, Strategic Human Resources Leadership Certificate, June 2022
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
LANGUAGES
Spanish (written/spoken)