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Brian Rawson Named Texas Chief Technology Officer

"Texas has a wonderful technology vision, and our focus now must be to deliver on that vision."

In today's board meeting of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), Board Chair Cliff Mountain announced the selection of Brian Rawson as the new chief technology officer for the state of Texas and executive director of DIR.  He replaces Larry Olson who resigned from the position in December, 2006.

In announcing the appointment, Mountain stated, "We have set a clear strategic direction for information technology in Texas and, although we looked at a number of strong candidates for this position, Brian clearly possesses both the skills and the deep experience to execute on that plan."

"As a native Texan, and as someone who is passionate about public service, I can think of no better way to serve this state than as its chief technology officer. I am both excited and humbled by this opportunity," Rawson stated. "Texas has a wonderful technology vision, and our focus now must be to deliver on that vision."

Rawson has served as the interim chief technology officer for the state as well as the interim executive director for the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), the agency responsible for overseeing value-driven technology management in the state, since December 2006.  He has 23 years of progressive experience in a variety of information technology management, executive-level management, and leadership positions, most notably with the state of Texas and a global information technology consulting firm.

Rawson's executive experience includes his most recent service as the director of DIR's Service Delivery Division. In this role, he provided leadership for major information technology sourcing, negotiations and contracting throughout Texas, managing the most prolific public-sector technology cooperative contract program in the country. Rawson also oversaw the public-private partnership for TexasOnline, the official Web site of the state of Texas, and directed all internal business services operations for the agency. Rawson has held executive positions with the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board, as well as service with the Texas Education Agency as its chief information officer. 

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Data Processing and Analysis from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from St. Edward's University.