Miami Beach Appoints New Public Works Director

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Miami Beach Commissioners unanimously promoted Assistant Director of Public Works Roy Coley to the role of director.

“Whether it’s collaborating with the Environmental Department to deliver a complex security lighting system in a delicate environment or leading the city in its effort to remove over 150,000 cubic yards of debris following Hurricane Irma, Mr. Coley has proved himself to be an innovative and transformational leader,” explained City Manager Jimmy L. Morales. “I’m confident he’ll take the city to even greater heights in his new role as he oversees one of our largest service departments.”

Coley pledged to “use good judgement” and treat all stakeholders equitably in his new role.

Since joining the city in 2015, Coley has excelled in a variety of operational disciplines. His most notable achievements include developing a strategy for temporary pumps in response to historical King Tides in low-lying areas and implementing an employee incentive plan that resulted in more than 32 licensed and certified staff.

"He’s been recognized for consistently exceeding regulatory requirements in the operation of wastewater treatment plants by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and was published in the American Water Works Association for his work in Key West where he pioneered a new water quality management technique for the drinking water systems and implemented the U.S. Navy’s first water utility privatization," said the city's Melissa Berthier.

Former director Eric Carpenter now serves as an assistant city manager.

City officials have not yet found a permanent replacement for fired building director Mariano Fernandez, who was charged with corruption-related offenses for allegedly trading favors with a South Beach hotel.

Ana Salgueiro has been serving as interim director.

Photo of Roy Coley courtesy Miami Beach