4/26/2016 0:00:00
Miami Springs` City Finance Director and former Assistant City Manager, William Alonso, received a promotion to become the new City Manager for the City of Miami Springs during Monday night`s Council Meeting.
According to an article published in the Miami Herald by Theo Karantsalis, it was not a unanimous decision. Councilman Jaime Petralanda voted no. He wanted to allow outsiders the opportunity to apply for the position which will not be vacant until July 31st. Click here to read Theo`s full story.
Here`s the news release as posted on William Alonso` Facebook page:
WILLIAM ALONSO NAMED MIAMI SPRINGS CITY MANAGER
MIAMI SPRINGS, FL With the impending retirement of sitting City Manager Ron Gorland set for July 31st, last night the Miami Springs City Council named Assistant City Manager/Finance Director William Alonso to the position. Although Alonsos official start date is August 1st, the transition will be taking place over the next few months to ensure a seamless changeover.
Serving as Finance Director since 2004 and Assistant City Manager/Finance Director since 2012, he was instrumental in setting the City on firm financial footing, improving the credit ratings and increasing the Citys cash reserves to historic levels. Alonsos budget skills and operational understanding of City services will continue to be a great asset to Miami Springs. His use of technology to reduce workflow, increase efficiency, and contribute to a green economy by going paperless have already provided substantial savings to the City. He is well respected among his staff for his fair and compassionate management style; this will also be of utmost importance to the City as it moves forward.
Alonso states My goals as City Manager are to continue to provide transparency in all areas of City operations as we have done with the City finances, and to expand our communications with residents, Council and our great employees in order to provide them with all the information they need to make informed decisions. I will work each day to maintain the quality of life our residents deserve and expect from our great City.
Alonso holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Jersey City State College and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO). Before coming to Miami Springs, he was the audit manager for the accounting firm of Grau and Company for three years. His duties there included performing the Citys annual audit of the financial statements. Prior to that, he had also worked in the private sector as controller for a motorcycle and boat dealership, and in the banking industry as an auditor and accountant.
Alonso served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1980 with the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his accounting work while in the service. He has been married to his wife Ida for over 39 years. They have two daughters, Susanna, who is a special education teacher in Broward County, and Jennifer, who is an emergency room doctor in Seattle, WA.
http://www.miamisprings-fl.gov/sites/default/files/styles/full_node_primary/public/imageattachments/citymanager/page/19492/wm_portrait_for_web3.jpg?itok=BEjd6y8E
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-springs/article73924542.html
