The Fort Lauderdale City Commission voted unanimously to appoint Rickelle Williams as the new City Manager. Williams, a seasoned public administrator and economic development leader, brings a wealth of experience in municipal government and community redevelopment. She will be transitioning from her current role as Assistant City Manager for the City of Miami Beach, where she has played a pivotal role in key administrative and economic initiatives.
Williams’ impressive career spans multiple leadership positions in South Florida, demonstrating her commitment to urban development, public-private partnerships, and community enhancement. As Assistant City Manager for Miami Beach, she has overseen several major departments, including Economic Development, Housing & Community Services, Planning & Zoning, and Transportation & Mobility. She also served briefly as Acting City Manager, leading a workforce of 2,200 employees and managing a nearly $1 billion budget.
Prior to her tenure in Miami Beach, Williams held key positions in municipal government, including Executive Director at the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and Economic Development Manager at the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust. Her extensive background includes experience in infrastructure and capital projects, affordable housing, public safety, and growth management.
Williams holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a graduate certificate in Community Development from Florida International University, as well as a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Florida. She is recognized as an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager Candidate and holds certifications in economic development, sustainability, and redevelopment administration.
The City of Fort Lauderdale looks forward to welcoming Williams and finalizing her hiring in the coming weeks. Her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the city’s continued growth, innovation and community-focused initiatives.
Stay tuned for updates as she officially steps into her new role and helps shape the future of Fort Lauderdale.
