Remains committed to pouring into the community that helped groom him into the public figure he is today. Chairman Gilbert is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Upon graduating, he enrolled in law school at St. Thomas University School of Law. He later transferred to the University of Miami School of Law where he held a senate position with the Student Bar Association and was a National Board Member of the Black Law Student Association among other accolades. Upon successfully earning his Juris Doctorate with honors, Chairman Gilbert knew his calling was public service. Chairman Gilbert is a seasoned attorney, licensed to practice law in the State of Florida; the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida; and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Federal District Court.

With 20 years of legal experience, Chairman Gilbert’s vast knowledge extends to real estate law, municipal law, constitutional law, civil rights law and employment law. Throughout his tenure as a practicing attorney, he gained extensive experience working as a public policy maker in areas of education, criminal justice, and urban and economic development. Chairman Gilbert has served as an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College, teaching courses in criminology, criminal law, constitutional law, street law, drugs and violence, computer crimes and judicial policy.

In 2012, Chairman Gilbert reached what was then the pinnacle of his career when he was elected mayor of his hometown, Miami Gardens. During his tenure, he provided leadership to City Council and city employees, increased corporate expansion and was the driving force behind the exponential growth and development of new businesses within Miami Gardens. His efforts led to additional job opportunities for local residents and pumped revenue back into his beloved city. As recognition of the city’s tremendous growth, Miami Gardens was awarded All-America City in 2020, solidifying Chairman Gilbert’s city as a tri-county economic contender. Chairman Gilbert’s civic activities extended outside of Miami-Dade County as he is a former President of the African American Mayors Association and held a seat on the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Mayors, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board, as well as President of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.

His commitment to leadership has been continually recognized by his peers and he has been selected as Chairman of the International Trade Consortium (ITC), Vice-Chair of Miami-Dade County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and Chair of Southeast Florida Transportation Council (SEFTC), initiatives and organizations the commissioner is dedicated to advancing.

On December 6, 2022, he was unanimously elected to serve as Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. He is the first District 1 Commissioner to serve as Chairman since the inception of single member districts. Chairman Gilbert is a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to their cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift.

Chairman Gilbert is also a member of Leadership Florida and a Miami Fellows, Class V. He continues to be an advocate for youth and residents he represents as Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 1.