Resilience drives success and innovation

In the heart of a bustling city where dreams intertwine with determination, stands the Information Technology Department’s (ITD) Geospatial Division Director, Jose R. Rodriguez. A proud immigrant, his journey epitomizes resilience and ambition.

Graduating from the Technology University in Havana with a degree in Information Technology (IT), Rodriguez arrived in the United States in 2002 with hope and a relentless work ethic. Facing numerous challenges, he transformed obstacles into opportunities. While working full-time and supporting his family, he earned a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Florida International University, graduating at the top of his class in 2012.

With over 20 years of experience, Rodriguez joined the ITD family in 2017 as an operating system programmer and was promoted to IT manager in 2019. By 2022, he was appointed division director for the Geospatial Technology Division. “My work is a product of the combined knowledge and collaboration of a talented team,” said Rodriguez. “I am grateful to work with like-minded individuals who help make the division and department a success.”

One of Rodriguez’s early notable projects in Miami-Dade County was the creation of the 3D building model for every building in the County. “This is a huge asset to the community as it helped assess the impacts of sea level rise, among other issues and allows us to plan for the best interests of our residents,” he explained.

Globally recognized for his commitment to GIS, Rodriguez recently took the plenary stage at the 2024 Esri User Conference, where ITD’s well-architected ArcGIS platform presentation received praise from industry leaders. “Our success is rooted in how we address everyday problems, engage with customers and involve residents in problem-solving,” Rodriguez said.

“Jose Rodriguez’s journey is a shining example of how dedication, resilience and a passion for innovation can drive exceptional success. His contributions to our Geospatial Technology Division have significantly advanced our capabilities and set a new standard for excellence. We are immensely proud to have him as part of our ITD family,” added ITD Director and CIO Margaret Brisbane.

Outside of work, Rodriguez enjoys spending time with his family. “I want to show my family that there are no limits to what you can achieve. I want them to surpass my accomplishments,” he said. “Do not tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”

His 24-year-old daughter has obtained her doctorate in psychology and his son plans to follow in his footsteps in GIS.