Elected Coral Gables City commissioner on April 11, 2023, Ariel Fernandez’s goal is to increase engagement and be an advocate for residents.

He began his career in public service as an intern during his senior year of high school for then Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and was hired shortly thereafter. He went on to work in Congress for 13 years. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with Coral Gables residents and elected officials on issues involving the federal government.

In 2019, Fernandez co-founded Gables Insider, a digital publication focused on the City of Coral Gables, informing residents of important commission and staff actions and other local news. He also founded and leads The American Strategies Group, a boutique public relations and marketing firm.

A graduate of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, he serves as an alumni delegate. Fernandez holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in international relations from Florida International University.

Throughout the years, he has been involved in numerous community and civic organizations including the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency Board, Miami-Dade County Film & Entertainment Board, the Spanish American League Against Discrimination, and the Church of the Little Flower Parish Council. As an active Coral Gables resident committed to serving his community he served on the city’s Property Advisory Board, Emergency Management Board and chaired the School Community Relations Committee for five years.

Fernandez and his wife Monica Segura reside in Coral Gables with their son, Stephen.

Connect with Commissioner Fernandez

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