Alina Hudak
President & CEO
Miami Connection
Hudak has dedicated her entire career to Miami's development and resilience, serving in critical government roles for over 35 years. Currently, as President & CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, she leads the strategic planning to position Miami as a global destination and showcase the city's cultural vibrancy and economic strength. Her leadership has directly shaped Miami's infrastructure, public safety, sustainability initiatives, and international standing.
About
With over 35 years of public service experience, Hudak rose through the ranks of Miami-Dade County government to become the first woman to serve as County Manager, overseeing a government of over 27,000 employees and an $8 billion budget. She made history again in 2020 as the first woman to serve as City Manager of Miami Beach, where she transformed the city into a model of resilience and sustainability. During her tenure at Miami Beach, she managed key initiatives that increased property values, reduced violent crime by double digits, and implemented a voter-approved $159 million bond for cultural venues and public safety. Her career is marked by leadership during major events and crises, including six Super Bowls, the 2016 Zika outbreak, and Hurricane Irma. Hudak holds a B.B.A. from the University of Miami (1982) and an M.P.A. from Miami Herbert School of Architecture (1984). She is widely recognized for her steady leadership during times of crisis and her vision for shaping Miami's future.