Ricardo Alvarez
Miami, FL | +1 (786) 449-1180 | Rav37.ra@gmail.com | LinkedIn.com/in/ricky23
Professional Summary
Experienced sustainability and strategy leader with expertise in sustainability initiatives, regulatory compliance, land conservation, and government affairs. Proven ability in strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, public speaking, and team leadership. Dedicated to advancing social and environmental betterment through multicultural engagement and community development.
Work Experience
Portfolio Manager | Agritrace Institute | Jan 2023 – Present
Lead the design and implementation of a SaaS platform for the New York State Department of Agriculture, streamlining funding oversight and compliance for a state pilot program.
Drive government relations and regulatory engagement, ensuring technology solutions align with state policy frameworks.
Manage stakeholder engagement and interagency coordination to align program objectives with state and local government priorities.
South Florida Regional Director | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, FL | Jan 2019 – Dec 2022
Headed external affairs for the Office of the Commissioner across five counties, managing a team of 10 staff.
Served as the primary Spanish-language communicator for broadcast and digital media.
Acted as a liaison for state legislative and federal affairs, specializing in cannabis policy, farm worker safety, and water management.
Supported the Director of Cannabis in developing cultivation rules and implementing compliance for hemp/CBD imports.
Spearheaded the development of the department’s first dedicated Spanish-language website for cannabis and hemp.
Organized the inaugural Cannabis Equity Summit with the Urban League of Broward County, fostering public-private partnerships.
USDA Florida Hispanic Farmer Outreach Specialist | Nolo Consulting, FL | Feb 2017 – Jan 2019
Developed outreach strategies that engaged over 400 agricultural producers in sustainable practices and conservation programs.
Led training programs in collaboration with USDA, University of Florida, and Florida A&M University.
Collected and analyzed demographic data to measure impact and guide outreach objectives.
Implemented education workshops and represented the Southeast Hispanic Farmer’s Outreach Program at regional and national conferences.
Operations & Outreach Manager | Community Health of South Florida, FL | Aug 2013 – Dec 2016
Optimized patient flow and tracked KPIs for two medical centers, presenting findings and recommendations to executive leadership.
Managed a team of over 30 staff, increasing access to health services by 20%.
Implemented processes to connect participants to state-funded health programs, improving healthcare access for underserved populations.
Organized large-scale regional resource fairs and secured corporate partnerships.
Outreach Specialist | Phoenix Organics, OR | Jan 2009 – Feb 2011
Oversaw a team of 12 field agents in canvassing efforts to promote permaculture and sustainable growing solutions.
Developed economic strategies to address challenges faced by local growers and tracked cost-saving outcomes.
Project Consultant | Action et Initiatives aux Programmes de Développement, BN | Jun 2005 – May 2007
Deployed to West Africa to support bio-intensive market gardening and income-generating initiatives.
Developed projects with urban gardening cooperatives, connecting farmers with local retailers.
Natural Resource Manager | United States Peace Corps, TG | Mar 2001 – Apr 2005
Facilitated bio-intensive market gardening projects and promoted permaculture tactics.
Led income-generating projects for local growers and conducted educational workshops in French and Kaybe.
Education
Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, FL |
Miami Dade College | Miami, FL |
Skills
Strategic: Strategic Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Expertise, International Development, Program Development
Management: Team Leadership, Public Speaking, Education and Training, Community Outreach, Multi-cultural Engagement
Industry Knowledge: Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture, Compliance, Land Conservation, Government Affairs, Cannabis & Hemp Policy
We are glad that you preferred to contact us. Please fill our short form and one of our friendly team members will contact you back.