Ethical Leadership Lecture Series

Hosted by: Institute for Ethical Leadership & Benjamin L. Crump College of Law

Don't miss the chance to connect, learn, and discover. A conversation on education, law, and ethical leadership with the Honorable Alex Penelas (former Miami-Dade Mayor).

As the former Chief Executive of one of the most diverse communities and fourth largest county in the United States, Alex Penelas is recognized as a reformer and consensus builder. In 1987, at the age of 25, he launched his public service career when elected Councilman in the City of Hialeah. In 1990, he was the youngest person ever elected to the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners and six years later, he was elected Miami-Dade’s first Executive Mayor. Throughout the next eight years (1996-2004), Alex Penelas guided a community of 2.3 million people and oversaw a $6 Billion budget. As Mayor of one of the most diverse communities in the United States, Alex Penelas’ governmental responsibilities extended across a broad range of issues such as education, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure, crime and ethics in government, jobs and economic development, sports, arts, and entertainment, human rights and homelessness. Key to his success was bringing people together; giving all stake-holders a voice; and building consensus to address the myriad of issues faced by the community he led.

Throughout Alex Penelas’ political career he faced a broad range of local, state, federal, and international issues. As a result, he has amassed a vast network of relationships that include key politicians, business people, dignitaries, and international figures.

After leaving public service, Alex Penelas became a Senior Fellow and Professor of Government at St. Thomas University in Miami and today enjoys a successful business consulting and real estate investment practice; Penelas also serves as political analyst for Telemundo51/NBC6 where he provides insight on a wide variety of political and governmental topics. Alex Penelas has maintained his strong community service; he currently serves on the Finance Committee of his parish, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, is a former President of the Miami Lakes Optimist Club, and served as a member of the Board of Trustees, St. Thomas University for over a decade.

Alex Penelas in the principal of AP Consulting, LLC, a business development and public affairs consulting practice built on the professional and political experience as the former Miami-Dade County Mayor. Alex Penelas’ 17 years in public office includes eight years as the Chief Executive of a county rich with a multitude of companies including entrepreneurial start-ups, well-established local businesses, and Fortune 500 corporations. The Mayor’s extensive experience in economic development, public affairs and problem-solving through consensus building has positioned him as a commodity to a wide range of corporate entities who desire to develop and expand market share, launch new concepts, or attain accurate and effective professional advice with respect to a constantly evolving political and governmental landscape.

Alex Penelas is a 1981 graduate of Biscayne College in Miami and a 1985 graduate of the University of Miami School of Law.

Host or Publisher Institute for Ethical Leadership