Executive director abruptly departs Joe Carollo-led city agency in Miami
The executive director of a downtown city agency chaired by Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo has departed from the job “effective immediately,” leaving the organization without leadership ahead of its upcoming million-dollar New Year’s Eve bash.
On Tuesday night, José Suárez announced via email that he is stepping down from the Bayfront Park Management Trust, a city agency that he has helmed since March. Suárez previously served as Carollo’s chief of staff in City Hall.
“As some of you may be aware, recent decisions beyond my control have undermined my ability to lead the day-to-day management of the Trust and have made it impossible for me to continue faithfully fulfilling the duties required of the Executive Director position,” Suárez wrote in an email that was sent to Trust board members, as well as to Carollo and an assistant city attorney, shortly before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“Accordingly, and regrettably, this letter is to inform you that, effective immediately, I am no longer the Executive Director of the Bayfront Park Management Trust,” Suárez continued.
Suárez also asked that, within two business days, the Trust provide “a timeline for when I will receive the remaining financial benefits owed to me [pursuant] to the agreed upon terms of my employment.”
Reached for comment Wednesday, Suárez declined to elaborate on the email or specify what he meant when he said his ability to lead day-to-day operations at the Trust had been “undermined.”
The email did not make clear whether Suárez resigned or was terminated. Asked for clarity, Suárez referred back to the email.
But according to Carollo, Suárez resigned from his post. He told the Herald that he didn’t have further details about what led to Suárez’s departure.
“Let me know what you find out,” Carollo said Wednesday, adding: “He didn’t discuss anything with me.”
The Trust has scheduled a special meeting for Friday, when Carollo said the board is expected to appoint an interim executive director. He declined to name a specific person who might take on that role.
Suárez was the sixth director or interim director in seven years, after Timothy Schmand resigned in 2017.
Suárez’s announcement landed exactly two weeks before the Trust’s annual New Year’s Eve bash, which will take place in Bayfront Park. The agency has budgeted over $1 million for the party, according to its operating budget.
The event, which is billed as a “spectacular open-air celebration in the heart of downtown Miami,” is free to attend, but VIP tickets are selling for $165, and $300 for couples.
“Set amidst the vibrant energy of Bayfront Park, this free event offers live entertainment, dazzling fireworks, and an unforgettable atmosphere under the city’s iconic skyline,” the online description says.
This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 3:56 PM.
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