"As public challenges and citizen demands become more complex, we need to find the new solutions and help move them forward," said Jerry Mechling, faculty director of the HPG and Leadership for a Networked World Program, "Teri Takai has been at the forefront of leading private-sector and public-sector innovation and best practice and we are looking forward to her direction and insights."
Takai will be sworn in on March 21st during a dinner event for Harvard's "Cross-Boundary Governance through Agreements and Standards" executive practice session. Her swearing in will be preceded by a speech by William Bratton, Los Angeles chief of police, who will be speaking on the coming challenges of safety and security.
"I am excited about the opportunity to work with the Harvard Policy Group," said Takai. "Through my involvement with NASCIO, I have learned that there are many success stories across the country when it comes to networked-enabled digital services in government. I look forward to leading an effort that will share those best practices, educating our government executives, and setting the course for the future for continued improvement and efficiency in government service."
Takai is the Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT), serving as the state's Chief Information Officer. She was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm and was confirmed by the Senate in February 2003. Her broad experience includes working as a senior executive at Ford Motor Company, where she led the development of company's IT strategic plan. Takai has also held senior positions at EDS where she managed the global supply chain for General Motors and at Federal Mogul, where she was the director of process development. She has extensive experience in computer systems planning, logistics and financial lending systems.
