​Recognition highlights leadership in strengthening IT operations, improving efficiency and advancing technology innovation​​

BRAMPTON, ON (October 16, 2026) – The City of Brampton is proud to announce that Medhanie Tekeste, Chief Information Officer, has received the 2026 IT Excellence Award from Info-Tech Research Group​, a global leader in IT research and advisory services.

 ​Medhanie Tekeste, Chief Information Officer, City of Brampton, recipient of the 2026 Info-Tech IT Excellence Award, recognizing leadership in advancing IT operations and innovation. Credit: City of Brampton

Tekeste was recognized in the North America – Large and Enterprise Division as one of this year's Canadian recipients. The award recognizes IT leaders who have demonstrated measurable improvements in core IT capabilities through stronger strategic processes, optimized operations and alignment with organizational priorities.

The recognition highlights Tekeste's leadership in advancing the City's information technology capabilities and supporting continuous improvement in municipal operations and service delivery.

Advancing technology and innovation in Brampton

The City's Corporate Strategic Plan identifies advancing technology for service delivery as a key priority, recognizing the role of digital innovation in improving municipal operations and services for residents and businesses.​

Under Tekeste's leadership, the City's IT team is supporting this priority by moving beyond day-to-day technology operations to drive digital transformation across the organization. This work focuses on modernizing processes, strengthening accountability and ensuring technology investments align with the City's strategic goals.

Key achievements include:

• Strengthening financial accountability: Identifying opportunities to reduce software costs and maximize the value of technology investments.
• Improving project delivery: Enhancing how technology projects are evaluated, prioritized and managed to support timely delivery and alignment with City priorities.
• Advancing responsible AI adoption: In October 2025, Brampton City Council approved a two-year Artificial Intelligence Proof of Concept (PoC) Program to explore how AI can improve municipal services, internal operations and decision-making.
• Enhancing cybersecurity: Strengthening cybersecurity capabilities and risk management practices to better protect City systems, information and digital services.
• Improving collaboration across departments: Building stronger partnerships between IT and City departments to ensure technology solutions respond to operational needs and support effective service delivery.
  

These improvements are part of the City's ongoing efforts to build a more efficient, secure and innovative organization while delivering greater value to residents and businesses.​

About the Info-Tech IT Excellence Award

The Info-Tech Awards​ celebrate outstanding achievements in information technology, recognizing individuals and organizations that demonstrate leadership, innovation and measurable impact.

The IT Excellence Award recognizes leaders who have strengthened core IT capabilities through improvements in strategic processes, operational effectiveness and organizational alignment.

Recipients were selected from hundreds of nominees, with achievements evaluated through progress demonstrated in Info-Tech's IT Management and Governance Diagnostic.​

Quotes

“Congratulations to our Chief Information Officer, Medhanie Tekeste, on this well-deserved recognition. Technology plays an important role in how we deliver services, support our growing city and meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses. This award reflects the strong leadership and dedication behind Brampton's ongoing efforts to modernize municipal services, improve efficiency and embrace innovation.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“​This recognition is a testament to Medhanie's leadership and the City of Brampton's commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. By strengthening our technology capabilities and aligning IT priorities with the City's broader goals, we are building a more efficient, responsive and innovative organization. Congratulations to Medhanie and the entire IT team on this achievement.” - Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton​

“I'm honoured to receive this recognition from Info-Tech Research Group. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our Technology Services team, colleagues across the organization and our valuable collaboration with Info-Tech Research Group, which has been instrumental in advancing our IT transformation journey. With the support of Council and the City's leadership team, we have made meaningful progress in modernizing technology operations, strengthening governance and improving how we deliver services. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together and look forward to continuing this work to build a more innovative, efficient and digitally enabled Brampton.” - Medhanie Tekeste, Chief Information Officer, City of Brampton