LTC 151-2012 Hilda M. Fernandez J
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 151-2012
TO: -- -- - -� LETTER TO CON�/IISSION
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission 71 x"
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FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager c ,
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DATE: June 1, 2012
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SUBJECT: Hilda M. Fernandez appointed as ecutive Director, Miami -Dade County Romeless Trust
This Letter to Commission is intended to advise you that Assistant City Manager Hilda M. Fernandez
has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Miami -Dade County Homeless Trust. Her
appointment was approved unanimously bythe Trust Board last Friday. Hilda's last day with the City'will
be July 22, 2012. As you may know, the Miami -Dade County Homeless Trust is a funding and
coordination body that manages the proceeds of the food & beverage tax collected for homeless -and
domestic violence programs, as well as State and federal grants,' and private sector funds
(approximately $40' million a year). The Homeless Trust coordinates the local "continuum of care"
system for homeless services,. through 100 contracts with thirty local service provider agencies.
Since. joining the City in 2005, Hilda has supervised a variety of departments and divisions. During her
tenure she oversaw a portfolio that has included our Tourism and Cultural Development Department,
Community Services, Homeless Services, Housing and Community Development, Asset Management,
Parks and Recreation, Code Compliance, Intergovernmental Affairs, City Center RDA Human .
Resources and Communications. She has been charged with developing recommendations to address
various quality of life issues that have been a priority for our residents, and was on the negotiating team
for many important initiatives, from Live Nation's management agreement of the Fillmore Miami Beach,
to Global Spectrum, Centerplate, Art Basel Miami Beach, and Coca- Cola's corporate sponsorship
agreement, among others. Most recently, she provided top oversight and management of the
comprehensive Major Event Plan (MEP) for Memorial Day Weekend, personally coordinating the
implementation of this multi - departmental plan, as well as external agencies. By all accounts, the
Memorial Day Weekend was .a success, with positive feedback received from our residents and visitors
about the manner in which the City managed the weekend.
During my tenure I have taken great pride in building an organization bolstered by professional
administrators. For the past seven (7) years, Hilda has been a great asset to- my team and this
organization. She has served this organization and our community with professionalism, integrity and
strong personal and professional ethics. I am personally grateful to Hilda for her years of service to this
City, and for being part of my team.
Please join me in congratulating Hilda on her appointment as Executive Director of the Miami -Dade
County Homeless Trust. The Homeless Trust is certainly lucky to be gaining such a highly qualified
professional that brings a breadth and depth of experience with her. .
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
JMG
Attachment
Electronic Copy: Management Team
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May 24, 2012
Mr. Jorge Gonzalez
City Manager
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Dear Mr. Manager: .
Around this time seven years ago, I received a call from you about meeting to discuss an "opportunity with the
City. Although we were barely acquaintances at the time, I had heard enough about what was happening at _
Miami Beach, as well as about you and your team, to agree to meet and discuss your vacant Assistant City
Manager position. I was impressed with your vision for the City and, while 1 was happy at the County at the time,
agreed to the challenge you presented. 1 am and will always be grateful for the incredible opportunity you.
provided for me to work in what is no doubt one of the most dynamic, interesting and, indeed, challenging
municipal governments 'in the Country, and especially for your confidence in my ability 'to serve you and our
citizens.
That is why it is with much regret that I submit to you my resignation effective July 22, 2012.
I believe I will be leaving a City that, and many, many others agree, has seen much improvement over the last
few years, although certainly along with some disappointments (as can be expected). I am:proud of my work on,
among many other things, numerous quality of life laws that today address issues that concerned our residents,
process improvements in different departments, and efforts to promote our City as a world -class destination,
including cultural opportunities. The ability to work closely with, residents and businesses to identify solutions'
for their issues was a rewarding experience, even when everyone may not have always been 100% happy with
`the ultimate solution. r
I will be taking some previously discussed time off before I leave, but will be working in the next few weeks to
complete or bring close to resolution any projects. I also intend to provide you with a detailed summary of any
issues that may remain pending.
It was an honor to serve this incredible community, and to have worked alongside_ so many dedicated,
hardworking co- workers. It was particularly a personal privilege to have worked for — and ,learned so much from
— such a talented and committed leader and public servant.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
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Hilda M. Fernandez