Following a stint as interim director, Rafael (Ralph) Cutié has been named the director and CEO of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, operator of Miami International Airport (MIA).
Cutié served as MIA interim director since June and worked in public positions in Miami-Dade County for more than three decades, earning the support of key area stakeholders in and around the airport. He role overseeing the airport was made permanent following a nationwide search.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely alongside him to provide a safe, healthy, positive workplace for thousands of employees and contractors, and leveraging contracting opportunities to expand equitable economic development for more small and local businesses as we expand tourism and trade at one of the nation’s busiest international airports,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in announcing the appointment.
Prior to taking over as MIA interim director, Cutié was the assistant director for facilities management and engineering, overseeing the largest and most diverse division within the aviation department, comprised of more than 440 employees, an annual operating budget of nearly $123 million and a reserve maintenance budget of $30 million.
“I’ve been so proud to lead the men and women of the aviation department as interim director and look forward to building on my career driving forward major capital projects and managing teams to take the airport to new heights under the mayor’s leadership,” Cutié said in a press release.
