Baunie McConnell: Director of Risk Manager at Miami Dade County

When you meet Baunie, it becomes immediately clear—this is a leader who gets things done. Over a decade ago, during a collaborative project in Central Florida, her impact was unmistakable. From the start, her hands-on approach, innovative thinking, and fearless pursuit of meaningful change set her apart. Today, as the Director of Risk Management for Miami-Dade County, Baunie continues to lead with the same tenacity and heart.

A graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and holder of a Juris Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School of Law, Baunie brings both academic rigor and sharp legal insight to her work. For the past five years, she has led one of the largest risk departments on the East Coast—Miami-Dade County—with a team of 84 professionals under her guidance.

Baunie is more than a director; she’s a coach, a mentor, and a builder of people. Her leadership style encourages autonomy and critical thinking, grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity to lead and contribute meaningfully. “Coaching allows individuals to take responsibility and reason through complex situations,” she shares. “It creates ownership and strategic thinking, which are key to any high-functioning team.”

Her path to risk management began in claims, where she quickly realized her passion wasn’t in negotiating settlements but in preventing losses altogether. “Claims are absolute,” she says, “but in risk, I can find the balance—between negotiation, responsibility, and the human element. That’s where the real impact is made.”

Baunie’s work doesn’t stop at operational excellence. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity in the workforce and a champion of equity. Her dedication to inclusion has positioned her as a trusted leader for various initiatives that elevate underrepresented voices and bring awareness to African American history, rights, and contributions. Whether she’s spearheading a Black History Month event or leading county-wide safety initiatives, she does so with vision and relentless attention to detail.

Looking ahead, Baunie is working to establish a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management Program—one she hopes will set the national standard. Her vision is clear: “I want the County to rise as a world-class flagship risk management model. One that keeps people informed and safe through readiness plans that address everything from terrorism to pandemics, weather events, and technological or geopolitical disruptions.”

Baunie’s hope for the future of the workforce? Diversity—real, actionable, lived diversity. “I want a workforce where no one is judged by their skin color, religion, orientation, or ability. A place where skill and character define you.”

Above all, Baunie wants to inspire others to strive—not for recognition, but for excellence. “Do your job for the sake of becoming the best version of yourself,” she says. “Let that be your driving force.”

In both word and action, Baunie continues to shape the future of public service, risk management, and equitable leadership—setting a powerful example for others to follow.