Vince C. Lago was elected Mayor of the City of Coral Gables in April 2021 in a decisive victory. Mayor Lago is one of the youngest persons in the city’s history to hold this office.
Prior to his election, he served as City Commissioner for eight years holding the post of Vice Mayor from 2019 to 2021.
Throughout the years, the Mayor has dedicated his time to South Florida civic and philanthropic causes where he has held various leadership roles. A former member of the Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board, he brings a reasonable and creative approach to land use remaining committed to preserving Coral Gables’ unique character and history while placing the interests of residents first. During his tenures, Mayor Lago has spearheaded numerous legislative initiatives and has led the City’s sustainability efforts.
Previously, he served on the Board of Directors of the Coral Gables Community Foundation where he worked to promote and enhance the quality of life for residents. He also assisted in raising funds to help the elderly, youth, and disabled population in the community.
A strong proponent of arts and culture, he has served on the board of Locust Projects for more than 10-years, a non-profit contemporary art organization that supports emerging and mid-career artists. He also served on the City of Miami’s Arts and Entertainment Council. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors of the Coral Gables Museum.
He holds a Master’s in Construction Management from the School of Engineering at Florida International University (FIU) as well as a bachelor’s in Business Administration. Committed to advancing higher education, he serves on FIU’s President’s Council and has raised scholarship funds for his alma mater.
He began his community involvement at an early age when as a college student he was appointed to the board of La Liga Contra el Cancer, a local organization that provides no-cost cancer treatment to those in need.
An advocate of advancing the region’s planning and transportation needs and enhancing energy conservation, in 2017 he was appointed to represent Coral Gables on the board of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization. Since 2019 he has served on the Junior League of Miami Community Advisory Board where he provides insight and expertise on important community advocacy projects.
In December 2021, Mayor Vince Lago was elected Vice Chair of the Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board. The Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board provides advice on the long-term management of Biscayne Bay, health of the marine community, run-off and other effects to water quality, marine debris, education and outreach, and economic development while ensuring the vitality of Biscayne Bay and taking note of how conditions in Biscayne Bay may affect residents and property owners.
In 2021, the City Commission appointed Mayor Lago as the City's liaison to the Business Improvement District.
He is an executive at a renowned management and design firm focused on commercial construction projects specializing in medical and educational facilities.
He resides in Coral Gables with his wife Olga Mari Saizarbitoria and daughters Mirentxu and Catalin.