Cardenas announced the move in a LinkedIn post Monday.“I’m excited to share that today I’m starting a new chapter as deputy chief information officer for the city of Austin,” he wrote.
He added that he plans to begin by “meeting the team, listening, learning and finding ways to make an impact.”
He comes to Austin after more than four years with Brownsville, including serving as its first CIO, where he led enterprise technology strategy, digital transformation, infrastructure modernization and cybersecurity initiatives. During his tenure, the city installed more than 100 miles of fiber infrastructure and expanded its use of artificial intelligence, private 5G and other emerging technologies.
In an Industry Insider — Texas interview earlier this year, Cardenas said Brownsville had faced aging infrastructure and limited connectivity when he took the CIO role. Under his leadership, the city pursued a broader technology modernization strategy that included digital services, broadband expansion and smart city infrastructure.
His work in Brownsville also earned him recognition as one of Government Technology’s* 2026 Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers for his work involving broadband expansion, digital inclusion and smart city infrastructure.
Before joining Brownsville, Cardenas held technology and project management roles with OSC Edge, Spellman High Voltage Electronics, NES Associates and other organizations. He also served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Cardenas holds a Master of Business Administration from the Jack Welch Management Institute and a master’s degree in sports and health sciences from American Military University.
