During the “Tomorrow Lives Here” conversation, Dean Quelch asked Hudak how her experience at MBS helped to prepare her for the 35-years she has dedicated to public service.
“All of the skills that I learned while I was in Undergrad here as a Finance major have assisted me in every aspect, whether it’s in contract negotiations, in financial analysis, and in all of the work that I do,” said Hudak (BBA ’82, MPA ’84).
Hudak was the first and only woman to serve as the county manager of Miami-Dade County, before it became a strong mayor form of government, presided by current Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Giménez.
Eight years later, Hudak is still a prominent leader in county government and works with Mayor Giménez, as one of four deputy mayors of Miami-Dade County.
“(Mayor Giménez) likes to tell me that he’s never had anybody so elegantly tell him exactly what he needed to hear, and I’m proud of that,” said Hudak.
“We just heard a lecture in which the professor spoke about ‘speaking truth to power with grace,’ and I’m sure that’s the way you do it,” said Dean Quelch.
Hudak continued on to discuss the future of Miami-Dade County and its issues with transportation and traffic. She also recognized how Miami is an “international gateway” and the importance of keeping our students in Miami after they graduate.
“Quality of life, making sure that traffic and that transportation solutions come about, and that we’re able to provide affordable housing to young professionals, as well as to families and people who live here,” are all challenges that Hudak and her fellow Miami-Dade County leaders take on every day.
Watch the entire interview between Deputy Mayor Hudak and Dean Quelch here:
