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Incumbent CIOs Consider Leadership Changes

CIOs talk strategy in dealing with the impending turnover in the nation's governors' offices.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- In anticipation of significant turnover in the leadership of state governments in 2003, CIOs attending the National Association of State Chief Information Officers annual conference during the last week of October discussed the impact of potential political changes -- including their own ability to remain in their current positions.

Seventy percent of IT officials surveyed in one of the conference's sessions said they had already experienced a change in administrations, and 65 percent said they believed they would personally survive an impending transition.

Thirty-six governors are on the Nov. 5 ballot; poll watchers say a minimum of eight states will move from the incumbent governor's party to a different political party, and races in 12 other states are too close to call.

Given these odds, panelists said some of their colleagues in the audience were being a bit "optimistic" about their chances of surviving political change.

Charles Gerhards, Pennsylvania's deputy secretary for information technology and who has been through several gubernatorial transitions, advised his peers to "be steady on the wheel" as new governors took the helm.

"Every governor wants his own legacy," he said. "It is your job to figure out the undone business that can be part of the new governor's legacy."

Gerhards also advised against CIOs becoming "political" as changes occur.

Texas CIO Carolyn Purcell, who has served with three governors, said a new administration will appreciate a proven track record.

"They will be looking at projects as good business initiatives," she said, adding that character also counts. "It comes down to integrity and performance."

Marlene Lockard, former CIO of Nevada who is now vice president of e-government strategy for EzGov, also served on two gubernatorial transition teams. Lockard said CIO's should make sure their accomplishments are recognized by legislators.

She also said that survival in the political environment depends upon adaptability and flexibility, noting that a CIO's experience and talents can be utilized throughout government in a variety of positions.

Gerhards said proven performance is also a survival tool.

"New governors will be faced with budget challenges and looking for people who have done well," he said.

Panelist Quentin Wilson, acting commissioner for the Missouri department of Education, suggested that CIOs focus on key projects when approaching the new administration.

"Pick things with quick but significant impact," he said, advising his colleagues in vulnerable positions to "make things happen before they happen to you."

Attendees were asked to vote on a slate of "biggest mistakes" a CIO can make. Three of the choices were selected equally -- not being pro-active, failing understand the political process and not understanding how to get recognition and credit for their work.

The NASCIO conference attracted a record attendance of more than 500 participants, including 40-plus state and agency CIOs.