FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susan Blexrud 407-246-3107

MAYOR BUDDY DYER NAMES 
JOSE FERNANDEZ AS NEW CITY CLERK

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 11, 2003) -- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer today announced the appointment of Jose Fernandez as the new City Clerk for the City of Orlando.

“Jose brings a wealth of experience to his new position, as well as an understanding of Orlando’s multi-cultural environment and how it relates to City elections,” said Mayor Dyer.

The Orlando Mayor pointed out that Mr. Fernandez’s history exemplifies the American Dream. Jose’s parents emigrated from Nicaragua. His father worked as a cook at McDonald’s, and his mother helped support the family as a housekeeper when the family first arrived in the United States. Through years of hard work and determination, Jose’s father became an executive at Walt Disney World and all four Fernandez children graduated from college.

“I look forward to bringing the electoral process to all our citizens through education and accessibility,” said Fernandez, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American/Caribbean Studies from Rollins College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. 

Most recently, Fernandez served as president and CEO of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, an organization that acts as a catalyst for positive community change by contributing to the growth and success of Hispanic-owned businesses.

Fernandez will preside as City Clerk at the March 17, 2003, City Council Meeting.

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