Alexandra C. Cook has been named the new finance director for Broward County's Port Everglades Department in southeast Florida.
Cook formerly worked at the Palm Beach County Office of the Clerk and Comptroller, where she was deputy comptroller and finance manager, overseeing operations in excess of $3 billion.
She replaced former port finance director Mary Spiegel Meynarez, who retired at the end of June.
Before working for Palm Beach County, Cook's career included positions in internal audit and as chief financial officer for a commercial real estate and marina developer.
Cook has also been a finance commentator for local television and a continuing professional education presenter for the American Accounting Association, the Florida Institute of CPAs, the American Society of Women Accountants, and the Florida Government Finance Officers Association.
Cook received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and her doctorate of business administration from Nova Southeastern University.
In addition to her CPA license, Cook is certified in financial forensics by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Port Everglades is the second-busiest cruise port in the world, a leading container port and South Florida's main seaport for receiving petroleum products such as gasoline, jet fuel and alternative fuels.
The department is a self-supporting enterprise fund of Broward County with operating revenues of $139 million.
