PortMiami Director Hydi Webb is set to retire after more than 30 years of service with Miami-Dade County, marking the end of a lengthy public sector career that helped oversee the growth of one of the world’s busiest cruise and cargo ports.
According to the South Florida Business Journal, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced Webb’s retirement on June 4 as part of a broader reorganization of the county’s leadership team. The shakeup also includes the immediate retirement of Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales and the promotion of Chief Roy Coley to deputy mayor.
In announcing the changes, Levine Cava praised Webb’s contributions to the county, describing her as a dedicated public servant who played an important role in strengthening PortMiami’s position as a global leader in the cruise and cargo industries.
Webb’s departure comes as PortMiami continues to experience significant growth. The port welcomed a record 8.2 million cruise passengers in 2024 and remains a major economic engine for South Florida, supporting billions of dollars in commerce, tourism, and trade activity each year.
Deputy Port Director Frederick Wong will serve as interim director while county officials search for a permanent replacement. Wong joined PortMiami’s leadership team after serving as chief operating officer of the Jacksonville Port Authority and was appointed deputy port director in 2022.
The county’s leadership restructuring extends beyond PortMiami. Morales retired effective immediately after more than five years as chief operating officer, a role that involved overseeing the daily operations of Miami-Dade County government.
As deputy mayor, Coley will now supervise several of the county’s largest departments, including PortMiami, Miami International Airport, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Water and Sewer Department, the Department of Solid Waste Management, the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, the Department of Environmental Resources Management, and the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources.
The reorganization also expands the role of Chief of Staff Christopher Hudtwalcker, whose office will now oversee both the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
Meanwhile, Chief of Public Safety Arnold Palmer will assume responsibility for the Department of Housing and Community Development in addition to his current public safety duties. Chief Carladenise Edwards will continue overseeing the county’s administrative departments as county leaders pursue efforts aimed at improving efficiency and streamlining government services.
