On Thursday afternoon, the City Commission ratified our new City of Miami Mayor, Francis X. Suarez, appointment of Emilio as City Manager. 

As City Manager, Emilio will work closely with Mayor Suarez and Commissioners in overseeing the more than 4,000 employees, the launch of a $400 million general obligation bond program and manage Miami's $1.7 Billion dollar budget.  

Marile and I have known Emilio, Gloria -- his loving wife of 39 years, and two daughters, for over 20 years and can attest to Emilio's integrity, leadership skills, professional experience and undisputed work ethics.  

In fact, Emilio has spent most of his life in service to our County -- in numerous leadership and strategic roles, both foreign and domestic.  

Most recently Emilio was the Aviation Director and Chief Executive Officer of Miami-Dade Aviation Department for nearly 5 years.  He oversaw all operations at Miami International Airport -- Miami-Dade's chief economic engine and one of the busiest airports in the world. 

After a 26-year career in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Colonel, Emilio served as Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House and was later appointed -- and subsequently confirmed by the U.S. Senate -- as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the Department of Homeland Security.  

As the new City Manager, Emilio brings both public and private sector experience.  He has held several executive-level positions in the private sector, including President & CEO of a leading multinational IT company.   

Please join Marile and me in congratulating Mayor Francis X. Suarez in appointing Emilio and wishing both the very best in their new endeavors.   

Godspeed!

Warmest regards, 

Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.