THE FRIENDS OF THE UNDERLINE WELCOME ITS NEW CEO, EULOIS CHECKLEY.
On January 9, 2025, Friends of The Underline announced that Eulois Cleckley had begun his tenure as Chief Executive Officer. Cleckley to is champion the mission of advancing Miami’s multimodal urban corridor destination while working alongside founder Meg Daly as Chair of the Board.
As CEO, Cleckley is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the organization’s finances, fundraising, programming and advocacy. He will also drive strategic partnerships by working with public and private stakeholders to ensure The Underline’s continued growth and lasting impact on Miami’s urban landscape.
“I am excited to begin the year with Friends of The Underline at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” said Cleckley. “This project embodies the very spirit of Miami—resilience, innovation, diversity, and a dedication to community. I look forward to collaborating with partners to ensure that The Underline not only strengthens neighborhood connections but also stands as a global model for how public spaces can inspire and reshape cities.”
“Eulois Cleckley is a visionary leader with an impressive record of delivering large-scale transportation projects that enhance mobility and connectivity,” said Meg Daly, Founder and Executive Chair of the Friends of The Underline Board of Directors and Chair of The Underline Conservancy. “His experience and ingenuity are instrumental as we strive to meet our ambitious fundraising goals, develop The Underline into a global destination, and a national blueprint for community building and multimodal innovation.”
Cleckley’s appointment marks the transition of Meg Daly’s transformative legacy at Friends of The Underline, as he works alongside her in her role as Board Chair to further build upon the organization’s vision. Together, they will elevate The Underline beyond a linear park, transforming it into a global destination that serves as a catalyst for community revitalization and connectivity. Committed to advancing The Underline as a model for urban resilience, Cleckley aims to establish The Underline as the premier place for residents and visitors, promote multimodal transportation and economic development, and enhance Miami’s sustainability efforts. By integrating unique programming that supports business and community, technology, green infrastructure, and community-driven design, he envisions The Underline as a hub for innovation that not only serves local neighborhoods but also sets a global standard for the future of urban public spaces.
Eulois Cleckley brings extensive leadership experience to his new position. In his prior role as the Director and CEO of DTPW, Cleckley led one of Miami-Dade’s largest departments, managing a $1B budget and 4,300 employees. His tenure saw the department secure significant federal and state funding, initiate major projects to expand mass transit, implement bus system improvements, deliver major capital programs and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects. He brings 20 years of leadership and expertise in the transportation industry, holding numerous executive positions in major metropolitan areas throughout the country.
PHASE III UPDATE
As the last 7.6 miles of The Underline is now in the design and build stage.
Pictured here is the work being done directly south of the South Miami municipal boundary at 80th Street. Recent photos taken in mid-March show the initial landscaping at 80th Street, including a butterfly garden.
In our summer edition, our readers will learn of the plans for the one-mile South Miami leg of Phase Three.
Who will take care of the Underline landscaping?