NORTH MIAMI (Le Floridien) — In a move welcomed by many and applauded across the Haitian-American community, Theresa Therilus, Esq., has officially returned as North Miami City Manager after a two-year hiatus. The City Council voted 4-1 during its Tuesday, May 13 meeting to reappoint the Harvard-educated attorney and veteran public administrator to the top post she once held with distinction.
Therilus previously made history in 2020 when she became North Miami’s first Haitian-American—and first woman—City Manager. Her initial appointment represented a landmark achievement in a city where Haitian-Americans have formed the political majority on the council for over two decades but had long struggled to see that influence reflected in key executive roles.
Her first tenure was marked by a swift turnaround of the city’s finances. Taking office in July 2020 amid a $14.7 million deficit, she helped steer the city into fiscal stability within just a year, posting a $3.9 million surplus in the 2021 fiscal year—North Miami’s first surplus in seven years. Her leadership during that critical time earned widespread respect and demonstrated her capability as a results-oriented executive.
Therilus voluntarily left the City Manager role in early 2023 to accept a higher-paying and more demanding executive position with Miami-Dade County. There, she served as Executive Director to the Board of County Commissioners under Chair Oliver G. Gilbert III, managing legislative priorities and overseeing multiple divisions. The role was a testament to her administrative acumen and her ability to navigate complex governmental structures.
Now, with her return to North Miami, the city gains not only a familiar face but one who brings even more experience and insight than before. A University of Miami alumna with a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School, Therilus boasts a distinguished resume that includes roles as Florida Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Director of Miami-Dade’s Internal Services Department, and Interim Director of Procurement in Santa Clara County, California—where she managed over $6 billion in contracts.
Her reappointment was made after a thorough selection process that included a pool of strong candidates. Yet, the City Council determined that Therilus’s proven leadership, understanding of local governance, and unmatched qualifications made her the best choice for the position she once excelled in. Council members praised her ability to lead the city with transparency, efficiency, and community engagement.
Mayor Alix Desulme made the motion to nominate Theresa Therilus to return as City Manager, emphasizing her past contributions to the city during a difficult time. The motion was seconded by District 4 Councilman Frantz Charles. Both Desulme and Charles highlighted that Therilus is a familiar face with a proven record and unmatched qualifications. According to Desulme, he and the three other Haitian-American council members [ Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, District 3 Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin, District 4 Councilman Pierre Frantz Charles ] who voted in favor of her return were in agreement that, among the more than 80 candidates who applied nationwide, she stood out as the most qualified. He also noted that the process to officially rehire her would be simple and straightforward. The only dissenting vote came from District 1 Councilman and former Mayor Kevin Burns, who did not support her reappointment.
During the May 13 meeting, Mayor Alix Desulme made it clear that Anna-Bo Emmanuel, Esq., who had been serving as Interim City Manager following the dismissal of her predecessor Rasha Cameau at the May 7, 2024 special meeting, will remain an integral part of the city’s leadership. The mayor emphasized that Emmanuel is not going anywhere and will continue to serve North Miami in a significant capacity. His remarks were aimed at reaffirming her value to the administration and assuring continuity and stability within the city’s executive operations.
Therilus’s return also carries symbolic weight for the Haitian-American community in South Florida. Her reappointment reflects both her individual excellence and the growing recognition of Haitian-American leadership within local government. It marks another step forward in the long-standing quest for equitable representation and professional excellence.
As Therilus resumes her role, expectations are high—not only because of her past success but because of the challenges that lie ahead. Residents, city staff, and the broader community are hopeful that her leadership will continue to reflect the values of integrity, inclusion, and fiscal responsibility.
In a city as diverse and dynamic as North Miami, the return of Theresa Therilus is more than a political development—it is a reaffirmation of capable leadership and a renewed opportunity to build on progress. As she takes the helm once again, all eyes will be on how she writes the next chapter of a career already defined by groundbreaking service and transformative results.
🗞️ Stay informed. Stay connected.
Le Floridien – Proudly serving South Florida’s Haitian community since 2001 as the only Haitian media bringing you trusted, accurate, and impactful local news.
