Back in 2010, Juan Florez started his journey with Miami-Dade County’s Information Technology Department (ITD) as an intern, unsure of the path ahead but determined to make an impact. 

Fast forward to today and Florez is not only a Senior Security Systems Engineer, but also an integral part of the ITD team, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues across the County. 

His dedication and expertise have recently earned him a nomination for Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s inaugural Sean McCrackine Above and Beyond Award, a testament to his outstanding contributions.

Florez’s journey is one of perseverance, growth and an unwavering commitment to excellence. What began as a two-year unpaid internship turned into a defining career when he was hired as a part-time computer technician in 2013. His drive and technical skill led to a full-time position as a System Administrator II, followed by a promotion to a senior role.

By 2018, Florez’s efforts and talents were recognized with a promotion to Senior Operating System Programmer. Today, he wears many hats, balancing dual roles in both the Security Office and the Citrix Team, as needed.

"His ability to balance the demands of cybersecurity while enabling seamless access to essential tools for County employees is exemplary," said Lars Schmekel, Miami-Dade County Chief Information Security Officer. "His contributions ensure that our systems not only remain secure but also support the daily operations that serve our community. Juan’s nomination for Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s inaugural Sean McCrackine Above and Beyond Award speaks volumes about his impact and dedication. He is a role model for innovation, reliability and public service excellence."

As part of the Identity team under the Security division, Florez is responsible for critical systems that keep the County running smoothly, managing active directory, overseeing the Azure environment, ensuring secure access through Single Sign-On (SSO) cyber architecture and working on high-level security projects that are, for good reason, kept confidential. 

“As someone who wears dual hats in both the Security Office and the Citrix Team, I take great pride in ensuring that our systems remain secure while also providing seamless access to the tools our County employees need," Florez said. "It’s a balance between safeguarding sensitive data and enabling efficient workflows, and every day presents new challenges that push me to problem-solve in ways that directly impact our community. It’s about making sure that the technology works for everyone, without compromise."

"From an intern with a vision to a leader who prioritizes the needs of the community, we are immensely proud of his accomplishments," added Margaret Brisbane, ITD Director and CIO. "His journey exemplifies passion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence in public service. As a long-standing member of ITD, he stands as a true model of reliability and what it means to serve the public with integrity and purpose."

Florez holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Florida International University. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing and watching soccer, and spending time with his family.

“Even during my time off, I’m always connected, ready to support when needed,” Florez added.

His journey is just beginning, and with every milestone, he continues to make a lasting impact on Miami-Dade County.