Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Kraft is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Frisco, Texas, where she leads technology strategy and innovation to support effective public services and community outcomes. With more than 20 years of experience in information technology and local government, Melissa has built a career spanning cybersecurity, enterprise technology, public safety systems, data modernization, and digital transformation. Before joining the City of Frisco in 2023, she served as Chief Information Officer for Dallas County and Chief Technology Officer for the City of Denton, where she led major technology initiatives, strengthened IT governance, modernized infrastructure, and supported data-driven decision-making.
Throughout her career, Melissa has focused on using technology strategically to improve government operations while maintaining strong standards for security, compliance, and responsible innovation. Her accomplishments include leading enterprise technology transformations, modernizing 911 dispatch operations, strengthening information security and risk management programs, improving project portfolio management, and delivering significant technology cost reductions. She has also developed leadership and career-development programs designed to help technology professionals grow their skills and advance within public service organizations.
Melissa holds an MBA in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University and a B.S. from Troy University. Her professional credentials include the Harvard Kennedy School Public Leadership Credential, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), ITIL Foundation, and Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals, along with additional cybersecurity and technology certifications. A U.S. Army veteran and advocate for responsible technology, Melissa is actively involved in professional and community initiatives, including mentoring, veterans-in-technology conversations, and North Texas InfraGard. Her leadership reflects a commitment to collaboration, accountability, innovation, cybersecurity, and using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence thoughtfully in service of communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my values and commitment to service. I believe collaboration is one of my strengths, and my passion for serving others motivates me every day. That calling ultimately led me back to public service after working in consulting and telecommunications.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that feeling uncomfortable or nervous often means I’m growing. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take risks, embrace new opportunities, and use each role as a chance to expand my skills and areas for growth rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to start networking while they are still in school. Volunteer with groups, build meaningful connections, and join professional organizations such as ISACA. There are more opportunities than ever to connect with others, learn from professionals, and build a strong network.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see tremendous opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and collaborative technology communities. At the same time, attracting and retaining diverse talent remains a challenge, particularly for students and emerging professionals who may struggle to find entry-level opportunities. For women, I believe there is an opportunity to increase visibility, build strong networks, mentor one another, and use emerging fields like AI as pathways to leadership and innovation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, public service, collaboration, innovation, accountability, respect, and responsible technology. I believe technology should be used thoughtfully to improve services, build trust, protect people, and create meaningful community impact. Through mentoring and community involvement, I strive to help others grow and believe that true success is measured by the positive difference we make in the lives of others.
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