Born in Cuba, Carlos M. Hernandez arrived in the United States with his parents as a political exile at the age of 8. He grew up in South Florida and attended Archbishop Curley High School where his affinity for math and science guided him to an education in engineering. Although there was no prior family or geographic connection, his college search identified Purdue as the best fit as a highly regarded coeducational engineering university with broad offerings in academics, athletics and social opportunities. He set foot in West Lafayette for the first time in August 1972 for freshman orientation.

After leaving Purdue, he enrolled at the University of Miami Law School, graduating in 1979, and thereafter joined a Miami law firm representing contractors.

In 2007, Fluor Corporation – the largest publicly-traded engineering and construction company on the New York Stock Exchange with worldwide projects – offered him the position of chief legal officer. In 2019, he took on the role of chief executive officer retiring in December 2020. Prior to joining Fluor, he served as general counsel for ArcelorMittal Americas, a major steel producer that is part of the ArcelorMittal steel group.

Hernandez brings decades of executive leadership experience in key industries. His career has spanned engineering, procurement, manufacturing and distribution companies, and his expertise includes risk management, safety and environmental matters, governance, compliance and law.