Miami Beach Commission Appoints First Woman as City Manager

(Miami Beach, FL) Apr 21, 2021 -

The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Alina T. Hudak to become the first woman to serve as city manager. Hudak joined the city in February 2020 as Miami Beach assistant city manager after playing a prominent role in Miami-Dade County government.

“Today is much more emotional than I expected it to be,” Hudak said. “That emotion comes from a place of love for this city, its residents and my colleagues. I am honored and humbled.”

Hudak replaces Jimmy Morales who stepped down late last year to become chief operations officer for Miami-Dade County. She previously served as director of multiple Miami-Dade County departments as well as assistant county manager, county manager and deputy county mayor.

“Alina is a world-class selection. While it’s historic in that she will be our first woman city manager, it’s important that our residents know her record of accomplishment is flat-out exceptional,” observed Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.

As county manager, Hudak oversaw more than 27,000 employees and an $8 billion budget. She was involved in planning six Super Bowls and led the Zika response during her time with the county. Since joining the city in February 2020, Hudak has played an important role in Miami Beach’s response to the coronavirus and its resilience efforts.

“I believe very strongly that whenever you start a new job, it doesn’t matter what you’ve accomplished prior to that,” Hudak said. “You have to prove yourself all over again.”

As assistant city manager, Hudak oversaw six key services for Miami Beach: Capital Improvement Projects, Environment & Sustainability, Housing & Community Development, Marketing & Communications, Public Works as well as Transportation & Mobility.

Former City Attorney Raul J. Aguila has been serving as interim city manager since Morales left. The City Commission considered both internal as well as external candidates in searching for a permanent city manager. Hudak will take office immediately and be sworn in on May 12.

Hudak is married to Coral Cables Police Chief Ed Hudak. The couple has two daughters.

“I’m extremely proud of my daughters, my husband and the team that we are as a family unit,” Hudak added. “I think anybody who knows me, knows that my family comes first despite all of my professional dedication and accomplishments.”