MIAMI – The director and chief executive officer of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Dr. Emilio Gonzalez, submitted his resignation Tuesday, county officials said.
"It has been my high honor to serve as director the Miami-Dade Aviation Department over the last 4.5 years," Gonzalez said. "There is no higher professional calling than serving our fellow citizens, and I am thankful to have been able to lead the Aviation Department and Miami International Airport."
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Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he reluctantly accepted the resignation, which is effective Feb. 1.
Gonzalez, who was appointed by Gimenez in April 2013, has helped to grow the department across all levels of its operations, including welcoming 44.6 million passengers to Miami International Airport in 2016, the largest number of passengers in its 89-year history, officials said.
Gonzalez additionally oversaw four aviation airports in the Miami area, which supported more than 280,000 jobs and generated $33.7 billion in business revenue.
"I am extremely proud of all the incredible work Emilio has achieved in the 4.5 years he has been a part of the Miami-Dade County family," Gimenez said. "Although I am saddened by Emilio's resignation, I understand he is eager to spend more time with his family and move forward in his professional career. In his years with Miami-Dade County, he has accomplished all his major objectives, and I thank him for that and wish him, his wife Gloria, and his family nothing but the best."