Brandon Opiela is the Chief Data and AI Officer for the City of McKinney, where he leads the development and implementation of the city’s data and AI strategy. Since joining the city in 2006, Brandon has served in various roles, including Planner, Planning Manager, and Business and Data Analytics Manager, before transitioning to the City Manager’s Office in January 2025. Over his nearly 19-year tenure in the Development Services Division, he held key leadership positions across planning and development, business process improvement, and data analytics.

Brandon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Washington, a Master of Science in Data Science from Eastern University and is a Certified Public Manager through Arizona State University. He also holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Human-Centered Design from the LUMA Institute. Additionally, he is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s LEAD program and a proud member of Leadership McKinney’s Class of 2017. Brandon is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, and the International City/County Management Association.