Miami-Dade County CIO Receives Top 25 Award

Three Florida public-sector CIOs were honored last week by Government Technology magazine* as one of the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers for 2025, its yearly examination of the CIOs, CISOs, broadband leaders, privacy experts and IT chiefs who make public-sector services work better for residents.

Among them was Margaret Brisbane, Miami-Dade County’s first female chief information officer, who has worked alongside her team to advance digital inclusivity and innovation since taking office in April 2021.

Brisbane didn’t set out to build a career in technology, but a passion for problem-solving and innovation led her to become a trailblazer in government IT.

Brisbane, who originally studied international marketing, discovered her love for technology while working in telecommunications. Over time, she realized the power of technology to transform lives and improve public services. Now, as Miami-Dade County’s chief information officer she leads a team of more than 900 IT professionals.

Her leadership is driven by a commitment to digital inclusivity and innovation. Brisbane has worked with partners to bridge the digital divide, an effort led by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s FutureReady initiative, to ensure residents have access to broadband, as well as the tools they need to fully participate in today’s digital economy.

As part of the mayor’s community-focused No Wrong Door initiative, Brisbane and her team have implemented systems that streamline resident access to government services.

Brisbane is also helping shape how Miami-Dade will use artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, improve public services and empower the workforce. Her team issued an AI report in 2024 to guide responsible innovation, and they launched AI solutions like Pawfect Match, an adoption tool that connects residents with shelter pets. Brisbane also has a strong focus on mentoring students, developing a pipeline for the next generation of technology leaders. She has worked with Florida International University to train and upskill IT staff in the latest cybersecurity risks, for example. At the heart of it all, she focuses on the problems in the community that need solutions.

“Technology is a powerful enabler,” she said. “We actively pursue opportunities to innovate and deliver solutions that enhance business operations while meeting the needs of our residents across Miami-Dade County.”

*Government Technology magazine is a publication of e.Republic, which also produces Industry Insider — Florida.

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Government Technology magazine. Click here to view the full digital edition online.