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Kentucky CIO Receives NASCIO Service Award

Aldona Valicenti takes top honor at national conference.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Kentucky CIO Aldona Valicenti received NASCIO's top honor Tuesday at the organization's national conference.

Valicenti, CIO of Kentucky since 1997 and former NASCIO president, became the first recipient of the group's Meritorious Service Award, created to recognize state IT executives who exemplify outstanding service and leadership.

"It doesn't get any better than when you are recognized by your peers. This is absolutely the ultimate," Valicenti said at an awards dinner Tuesday night.

Valicenti has been a key leader within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, said Gov. Paul Patton in a statement released at the event. "Kentucky was one of the first states to hire a CIO at the executive cabinet level, and we couldn't have picked a better one," he said. "Over the past five years, Aldona Valicenti has helped us reengineer and rethink technology in the commonwealth, providing innovative leadership and direction."

Current NASCIO president Gerry Wethington credited Valicenti with "elevating the voice and mission" of the state CIOs association.

"Aldona has worked to ensure the vitality of the organization," said Wethington, CIO of Missouri. "She has brought focus to the issues and leadership to the association."

In addition, NASCIO presented its 16th annual Recognition Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology. The awards recognize state IT programs and systems that have created proven, cost-effective and innovative solutions in the operation of state government.

The 2003 winners, by category, are:

Accessibility -- The Tennessee Information Infrastructure

Communications Infrastructure -- South Dakota Statewide Radio System

Digital Government (government to business) -- Employer Filed Claims Project (Michigan)

Digital Government (government to government) -- CalPERS Automated Communication and Exchange System (California)

Digital Government (government to citizen) -- Washington INET application

Enterprise Information Architecture -- Adaptive Architecture for Criminal Justice Systems (North Carolina)

Innovative Use of Technology -- Kentucky Virtual Adult Education Portal

Security and Business Continuity -- Secure Michigan Initiative

State IT Management Initiatives -- Commonwealth of Virginia Information Technology Transformation Initiative

Special Recognition -- Use of Biometrics to Improve the Texas Welfare System