Issue 153 – November 2024
PRO: FILES
California JPIA Welcomes New Technology Projects Manager Ben Rodriguez
Rodriguez recalls tinkering with technology at an early age.
“As a kid, I was always taking things apart to understand how they worked,” he said. “After breaking several VCRs, stereos, and watches, I eventually figured out how to put them back together. My dad started bringing me broken equipment to repair, probably to keep me from disassembling his own!”
This curiosity followed him into his teenage years; at age 15, he learned to repair circuitry and low-voltage components at his first job at HEC Systems. He built computers from recycled parts in his free time, setting the stage for a lifelong technological journey.
Rodriguez formally entered the IT industry in 2006, working as an information systems technician at the Town of Apple Valley. He was twice named Employee of the Quarter and eventually named Employee of the Year. After eight years at Apple Valley, Rodriguez segued to a role at the City of Redlands in 2014. During his two years at the city as IT coordinator, he focused on improving system stability and implementing comprehensive technology updates.
“Good technology should make us more efficient and allow us to focus on what we do best,” said Rodriguez. “Solving complex problems through technology is deeply satisfying, especially when it enhances productivity and enables others to excel.”
After a decade in the public sector, Rodriguez became a sales engineer at a managed service provider, managing technical support for the company’s largest clients, many of which were municipalities. He then returned to the public sector and the Town of Apple Valley as an information systems supervisor, where he launched a public access channel and stabilized the town’s information infrastructure. In 2019, he joined the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department as its network and systems administrator, expanding his risk management skillset.
His unique combination of experience with municipalities, private-sector clients, cybersecurity, and risk management has prepared Rodriguez to add significant value to California JPIA members.
“I’ve always aspired to work at an organization like the California JPIA,” he said. “I’ve been consistently impressed by its structure, culture, and the professionalism of its staff.”
Rodriguez embodies the Authority’s core value of innovation. He is pursuing his certified information systems security professional (CISSP) certification while staying abreast of emerging trends in cloud security, AI-driven automation, and zero-trust architecture.
“IT is a dynamic and constantly evolving field, which requires professionals to stay up to date with shifting trends and major innovations,” said Rodriguez. “I spend a lot of time reading, networking, and participating in listservs and technology groups I’ve been involved with for years.”
Rodriguez’s commitment to technology, cybersecurity, and member success has led to an outstanding career and makes him an excellent fit for the California JPIA.
Welcome to the Authority, Ben!
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