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Margaret Brisbane is a seasoned IT executive and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Department Director for Miami-Dade County, bringing nearly two decades of leadership in the public sector. With a strong background in strategic planning, contract negotiations and business process improvements, she has been instrumental in advancing the county’s technological infrastructure. Margaret is recognized for her ability to drive cost efficiencies, improve operations and enhance customer service through innovative IT solutions. She previously served as Deputy Director and Assistant IT Director, overseeing enterprise resource planning, geospatial technologies and critical county systems.
Margaret Brisbane, CIO/Department Director of Miami-Dade County
Through this article, Brisbane highlights the importance of innovation and technology in government to improve services, ensure equity and enhance efficiency. It focuses on the transformative potential of AI and machine learning while emphasizing the need to address digital equity challenges.
As the first woman appointed as Miami-Dade County’s Chief Information Officer and the Director of the Information Technology Department in 2021, I recognize the incredible opportunity to blend innovation, equity and representation to drive meaningful change for the 2.8 million residents we serve.
“Innovation is more than just the introduction of new technologies— it’s a mindset, a culture and a commitment to solving challenges in ways that drive meaningful progress”
Under the visionary leadership of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, technology has been a driving force behind a compassionate, human-centered government. By embracing collaboration and harnessing the potential of innovation, we are committed to engaging with the business, understanding their needs and using technology to continuously improve the lives of those we serve in our community.
The term “innovation” is everywhere, but what does it mean? Innovation is more than just the introduction of new technologies—it’s a mindset, a culture and a commitment to solving challenges in ways that drive meaningful progress. It is about recognizing opportunities where others might see obstacles, turning bold ideas into practical solutions, and ensuring technology serves all residents equitably and effectively.
The opportunities to serve our residents equitably and effectively are limitless. One of the most transformative opportunities lies in enhancing the quality and accessibility of government services. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of this trend because they can automate repetitive tasks, analyze large datasets for actionable insights, provide informed decision making and deliver predictive services. This allows governments to allocate resources more efficiently and respond proactively, improving the level of service offered to our residents. When harnessed at scale, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize service delivery, improve operational efficiency and provide residents with greater access to essential information and services. For employees, AI and ML tools can boost productivity, streamline workflows and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Like any new or emerging technology, there are always challenges to overcome for effective and efficient deployment. One of those challenges is ensuring digital equity. While advanced technologies have the potential to bridge gaps, they can also deepen disparities if specific populations lack access to devices, connectivity or digital literacy resources. To address this, we must invest in digital inclusion initiatives that enable all residents and employees to fully participate in and benefit from technological advancements and a more excellent economy. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has made remarkable progress in advancing digital equity through the Digital Equity Plan. This initiative is dedicated to closing the digital divide and ensuring every resident can access affordable, high-speed internet and essential digital resources.
Another challenge is managing cybersecurity risks. As technology access expands, so does the potential for cyber threats. Protecting the security of our systems, data, and critical infrastructure is imperative, demanding continuous vigilance and proactive investment in defensive and offensive security measures to safeguard against evolving risks.
Miami-Dade County prioritizes strategic investments in emerging technologies, balancing fiscal responsibility with a deep understanding of our resident’s needs. We focus on delivering value to the community, ensuring our investments align with our broader mission of improving service delivery, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering equity.
We evaluate technologies based on their ability to address specific challenges and create meaningful improvements. We also consider their scalability and long-term viability. By selecting technologies that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure and have broad applications across multiple departments, we maximize the return on our investments and avoid siloed solutions.
While the adoption of emerging technologies has the potential to be transformative, it requires thoughtful planning and execution. It’s important to define clear goals and ensure that each adoption is purpose-driven—always asking: How will this benefit our residents? And as Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has stated throughout Miami-Dade County’s AI adoption journey, don’t be afraid to be bold and visionary. This approach has deeply resonated with me.
When considering the adoption of emerging technologies, begin by clearly defining your objectives to ensure the adoption is aligned with your goals rather than pursuing a trend. Start with small pilot projects to test effectiveness and scalability before rolling out at a larger scale. Focus on research and development and start small with pilot projects to test the efficacy and scalability before more extensive deployment. Engage stakeholders early, including technical teams and endusers, to gather insights, build buy-in and ensure a successful implementation that ultimately benefits the community.
Prioritize cybersecurity from the outset to mitigate risks and maintain compliance with regulations. Equally important is investing in your team: provide the necessary training, communication and change management to help them adapt to new tools and workflows.
Avoid common pitfalls such as neglecting user adoption, rushing implementation, disregarding governance, or falling into vendor lock-in. By taking a strategic, user-centric, and iterative approach, emerging technologies can become a powerful driver for growth, efficiency, and innovation— benefiting your organization and, most importantly, the residents and workforce who rely on these advancements.
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