Transformative and positive change

At the Information Technology Department (ITD), Agile Coach JoAnna Kelly is a catalyst for change and transformation.

According to Sue Camner, division director of the Data Management and Integrations Division, "She has been instrumental in revolutionizing the way ITD delivers solutions for its customers through collaboration and engagement with our operational teams."

Implementing agile methodologies, Kelly educates and empowers teams with the knowledge to thrive in this new environment. With the support of Yunior Hernandez Andrade, the DevOps administrator, they have trained over 500 ITD employees and customers in agile, scrum and DevOps practices over the past six years.

"Agile makes you more adaptive and able to respond to change more quickly," Kelly explained. "Plans are great, but sometimes plans have to change. Recent events have shown us how important it is to be able to pivot and shift priorities. It's really a different way of thinking and looking at your work."

Multiple successful implementations have been completed months ahead of schedule since teams have completed the training adapted to this way of working. This transformation is expanding across the County as more departments participate. The ripple effect creates a more agile, responsive government for our citizens by creating a strong, collaborative environment.

 "She plays a crucial role in facilitating training events, fostering knowledge transfer and enhancing skill-building across our department," Camner said. "Her dedication to improving communication and information sharing is ensuring that ITD operates at its peak potential."

"JoAnna's journey as our agile coach is not just about changing how we work, but revolutionizing the very essence of our department," ITD's Chief Information Officer Margaret Brisbane said. "Her efforts are steering us toward a future where we embrace change and respond with agility."

Kelly also contributes to the community through the FIU SPRINTernship program and other student mentoring programs at ITD. She lectures on agile methodology and scrum to enrich and prepare the next generation of IT professionals.

A mother of two, Kelly enjoys yoga on the beach and kayaking. She came to South Florida from Philadelphia 30 years ago to attend the University of Miami and never went home.

"I love the fact that my role allows me to learn and work with other departments across the County to see how I can help them best," Kelly added. "I'm excited to see what we accomplish next."