Since being appointed director and chief executive officer of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department about three years ago, Ralph Cutié has led an unprecedented investment of $7 billion in capital improvements and $1.7 billion in maintenance upgrades. Over the next 10 years, Miami International Airport flyers will see upgraded restrooms, new passenger boarding bridges, renovated elevators, escalators and moving walkways, a 2,240-space parking facility, a four-star hotel, and terminal-wide redevelopment projects. Mr. Cutié is also overseeing the Vertically Integrated Cargo Community at MIA that will take the airport’s cargo hub to new heights.  Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other US airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County, generating business revenue of $118 billion and about 60% of all international visitors to Florida annually. “MIA leads the way, handling more than 52 million passengers and 2.7 million tons of cargo annually, placing it among America’s busiest international passenger and cargo airports,” Mr. Cutié said.  He is no stranger to serving the county, with over 34 years of experience. Previously, he was the assistant director for facilities management and engineering, overseeing the largest and most diverse division within the Aviation Department, comprised of more than 440 employees and a budget of $123 million. He has worked extensively on projects and initiatives that include the $248 million Metromover extension, the $88 million Metrorail extension to the Palmetto Expressway, and the $106 million busway extension to Florida City.  Mr. Cutié spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan. This week’s profile will appear in next year’s Book of Leaders. Miami Today publishes a Book of Leaders every year. This book is a compilation of all The Achievers profiled in every edition. The information in this book is available nowhere else – the stories of the women and men who are shaping the development of Greater Miami. If you would like to order a copy of the Book of Leaders from 1997 to 2023 or a complete set, click here to place your order. Related Posts:Three-level expansion will bolster MIA’s South TerminalMiami International Airport bonds save $117 millionRalph Cutié: Aims to build airport capacity to 77…Miami International Airport weighs private deal for…Four major Miami International Airport upgrades on runwayThe post Ralph Cutié: Piloting airport’s improvements as passenger traffic soars appeared first on Miami Today.