Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Deena Ruth Bell-Llewellyn

Miami

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience as Assistant Public Works Director at the City of Coral Gables, excelling in landscape and urban forest management, sustainability, development review, and community engagement. Experienced professional with strong focus on private- public team collaboration and achieving community-driven results. Proven track record in award-winning design, construction project management, urban infrastructure design and development, and regulatory municipal code compliance.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Public Works Director

City of Coral Gables
10.2017 - Current


  • Enhanced department efficiency through streamlining processes and optimizing resource allocation in the Greenspace Management division of Public Works.
  • Improved community infrastructure by developing and implementing innovative public works projects.
  • Facilitated communication between multiple stakeholders including contractors, vendors, agencies and citizens ensuring transparency during project initiation and execution phases.
  • Promoted environmental sustainability by incorporating green initiatives into public works projects and daily operations.
  • Established positive relationships with local government officials, fostering collaboration on various community initiatives.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing citizen concerns promptly and professionally while finding practical resolutions to issues encountered in the field or office setting.
  • Provided expert guidance on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of various public facilities within the community.
  • Coordinated emergency response efforts during natural disasters to minimize damage and expedite recovery efforts.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

President

Bell Landscape Architecture, Inc.
10.1991 - Current
  • Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities while building an award-winning Landscape Architecture firm over three decades.
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training design and construction staff on best practices and safety protocols.
  • Increased client satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives, creative design solutions , and excellent customer service fostering long term relationships.
  • Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
  • Navigated complex regulatory environments while maintaining municipal code compliance across all stages of concept, design, permitting, and construction of projects.
  • Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations with efficiency in mind.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.

Utility Substation Designer

Oglethorpe Power Corporation
06.1990 - 06.1991
  • Developed custom solutions for complex utility company substation sites, delivering environmentally- responsible civil and landscape designs for existing and new projects.
  • Evaluated existing substation infrastructure for potential upgrades or modifications to improve aesthetics and functionality of the surrounding landscape.
  • Achieved timely completion of projects by efficiently managing workload and meeting deadlines.
  • Conducted site visits to verify construction progress aligned with project specifications and timelines.
  • Collaborated with engineers and architects to develop high-quality designs for utility substations.


Education

Landscape Architecture

University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
06-1991

Skills

  • Facilities maintenance and management
  • Landscape design and operations management
  • Urban forestry management
  • Emergency operations management
  • Budget analysis and administration
  • Construction oversight
  • Team leadership and professionalism
  • Conflict resolution
  • Performance evaluation and monitoring
  • Community engagement
  • Customer service management
  • Problem-solving abilities

Accomplishments

  • American Society of Landscape Architects (FASLA), Council of Fellows, 2025.
  • Licensed Landscape Architect Florida #0001620, 1998.
  • International Society of Arboriculture ( ISA) Certified Arborist, 2019; TRAQ certified 2025.
  • National Dance Council of America (NDCA), Pro-Am dancesport medalist 2016-Present.
  • ASLA Design Awards, residential and commercial design categories, 2006-2017.
  • Rotary International Distinguished Service Citation, for excellence in community service, 2012.

Certification

  • International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Certified Arborist 2019 + Tree Risk Assessment Certified, 2025.
  • All Hazards Incident Management (AHIMT Type III) for emergency operations, 2024.
  • United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Building Design + Construction, 2008.


Timeline

Assistant Public Works Director

City of Coral Gables
10.2017 - Current

President

Bell Landscape Architecture, Inc.
10.1991 - Current

Utility Substation Designer

Oglethorpe Power Corporation
06.1990 - 06.1991

Landscape Architecture

University of Georgia

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Deena Ruth Bell-Llewellyn