From Early Programming To Leading Data Initiatives

Eric Hayden, Director of Technology and Innovation, City of Tampa

Eric Hayden, the chief technology officer for the City of Tampa, has spent nearly 40 years shaping the city’s technological landscape. From his early days as a programmer to his current leadership role, Hayden’s career has been a testament to the power of innovation driven by purpose. His approach to technology extends far beyond systems and code. It’s rooted in understanding the heartbeat of the community, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and anticipating the city’s evolving needs.

Under his leadership, Tampa’s Technology and Innovation Department has become a cornerstone of progress. Hayden has spearheaded transformative projects that optimize operational efficiency and enhance citizen services, ensuring the city’s IT infrastructure and communication systems are equipped to meet modern challenges. For him, technology is more than a tool. It’s a bridge that connects people, empowers decision-making, and strengthens the fabric of a vibrant, growing city.

Starting My Career: From Programmer to Visionary

My journey with the City of Tampa began in 1986 when I was hired as a computer programmer. At that time, the city faced a common challenge: departments were deeply familiar with their operations, but they needed a thorough understanding of the data that could help improve decision-making. There was an opportunity to bridge that gap by assisting departments in becoming more data-literate.

To address this, I designed and led training courses introducing the concept of databases. These sessions were aimed at helping employees identify the data that was crucial to their departments and teaching them how to use simple reporting tools to create meaningful insights. Rather than waiting for specialized programmers to generate reports, departments could now take control of their data and make informed decisions themselves. This was one of my first efforts in empowering the city’s workforce, and it laid the foundation for many of the changes that followed in my career.

Career Milestones: Transformative Projects and Initiatives

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects that have shaped the technological landscape of Tampa. Some of the most significant initiatives, like system migrations and new application deployments, are important milestones in my journey, but the smaller, more practical solutions often stand out.

One of the most memorable projects I worked on was introducing digital voice notifications in fire stations. Before we made this change, 911 alerts were communicated through static tones or bells, which could be less effective during critical moments. By implementing digital voice notifications, we significantly improved the clarity and speed of emergency alerts. At the time, this was an innovation that only one other fire department in the country had implemented, and today, firefighters would consider it an essential feature.

“I designed and led training courses introducing the concept of databases. These sessions were aimed at helping employees identify the data that was crucial to their departments and teaching them how to use simple reporting tools to create meaningful insights”

Another significant achievement was developing a refuse-to-energy point-of-sale system for commercial trash collection. This system-integrated vehicle weighs scales to calculate charges based on the actual weight of the load, providing a more accurate and efficient billing process. The challenge was that the existing system was outdated and lacked documentation. Despite this, we were able to reverse-engineer the system and create a solution that met the city’s needs and offered a more sustainable approach to waste management.

While these projects might seem small compared to some of the more significant infrastructure initiatives, they profoundly impacted the daily operations of the departments they served. I’m most proud of moments like these because they reflect the real-world value that technology can bring to our community.

Leading Infrastructure and Emergency Management

My career has been about more than just programming. I’ve also contributed to building the physical and technological infrastructure that keeps Tampa running, especially in times of crisis. As the IT infrastructure services manager, I worked closely with emergency management teams to create facilities supporting city operations during emergencies.

One of the key projects I’ve been involved with is the 911 public safety center, which provides critical support to first responders across the city. In recent years, I also contributed to developing the new municipal officer center, a cutting-edge facility designed with sustainability and adaptability. The center is built to host hybrid meetings, provide training, and even house various departments in emergencies when they can’t work from their offices.

These projects reflect our commitment to creating a resilient infrastructure that can withstand challenges. Our goal has always been to provide our teams with the resources they need to keep the city running smoothly, even in unexpected situations.

A Philosophy Rooted in Listening and Learning

One key factor behind my success throughout my career has been my dedication to listening. I’ve always prioritized engaging with city leaders, department heads, operational managers, and end users to understand their needs and challenges truly. By immersing myself in their businesses, I can empathize with their pain points and develop solutions that address their most urgent concerns.

This philosophy of listening and learning has been invaluable in creating technology solutions that genuinely serve the city’s needs. It’s about implementing the latest technology, understanding the exclusive challenges we face, and finding solutions that make a tangible difference.

Shaping a Data-Driven Future

One of the most exciting aspects of my career has been helping the City of Tampa develop a data-driven culture. Early on, I recognized the importance of data in decision-making, and over time, I’ve had the opportunity to shape the city’s approach to data usage.

Tampa’s inclusion in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ City Data Alliance for 2025-2027 was a significant milestone in this journey. As the internal lead for this initiative, I’m proud to continue fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making. This project represents a significant step toward formalizing the city’s commitment to using data to drive efficiency and improve services for residents.

Closing Thoughts: A Legacy of Service and Innovation

When people ask me what has defined my time with the City of Tampa, I tell them it’s been about being both a customer and a service provider. I’ve created solutions that make a difference by understanding the needs of the departments I serve and constantly seeking to improve processes.

I’m deeply grateful for my opportunities and for being part of a city that values innovation, community, and progress. My career has empowered others, fostered collaboration, and left behind a legacy prioritizing sustainable and impactful change. As I look toward the future, I remain committed to shaping a Tampa that continues to lead in technology and innovation.

IT Infrastructure