Passionate about innovation, teamwork and helping others

Recently honored as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Miami for 2023, Mariaelena Salazar is the Information Technology Department’s (ITD’s) assistant director for administration, customer and strategic management services.
 
Salazar oversees finance and administration. She plays a critical role in technology initiatives and has been key in the negotiations of vital technology and communication contracts. Salazar promotes IT customer engagement at the strategic level setting standards and data quality providing for transparency and partnership, which are critical during this era of digital transformation because it puts the customer at the center of everything. 

As a young girl, Salazar was fueled by an interest in robotics and always intrigued about the future of technology. “When I started my career in computer science, I was of one of two or three women in my computer classes,” Salazar shared.  She soon realized that the field was male dominated and quickly learned the importance of developing self-confidence in a very competitive industry. She aims to be a role model for current and future women in tech.

“I believe that digital technology helps to solve business challenges. So I am committed to building a brighter future and create solutions, one block at a time through teamwork, collaboration, communication and building authentic relationships,” she said.
 
Since starting with the County in 1990 with the department of transportation, Salazar honed her skills and worked on computer systems that support many essential County services. She left for a few years to start her own consulting firm and served as Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Miami Lakes for several years. Returning to Miami-Dade County in 2009, she has continued fostering her skills to develop special projects driving business strategy, strengthening collaboration and championing a culture of creativity and innovation.
 
“Mariaelena is a valued member of our ITD leadership team,” said Margaret Brisbane, Miami-Dade chief information officer.” She has a strong focus on process improvement and works to elevate our service delivery to County staff and residents alike.”
 
Salazar is passionate about promoting innovation, teamwork and teaching others. “I really enjoy working with everybody and believe there is always a better way that we can find together,” she said.

“Whatever obstacles we encounter, if we stay focused and work hard, we succeed. I love my job and the day-to-day challenges it brings. There is a saying that if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” she added.

Salazar graduated from Florida International University with an undergraduate degree in computer science. Together with her husband, Hugo, they have raised three successful adult children: Cristina, Marielena, and David.