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Virginia's IT Transformation Efforts Gets off the Ground

The commonwealth appoints a chief transition officer to guide IT consolidation efforts.

RICHMOND, Va. -- Secretary of Technology George Newstrom announced Cheryl Clark as the chief transition officer (CTO) for the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), effective May 1, 2003.

Legislation creating VITA was passed by the 2003 General Assembly and represents one of the nation's biggest transformations of IT in state government. House Bill 1926 and Senate Bill 1247 mandate the consolidation of IT services for 94 executive branch agencies within Virginia and paves the way for the creation of VITA on July 1, 2003.

Clark, currently the director of the Department of Information Technology (DIT), will provide leadership and direction to the operations and activities of VITA during the transition period when VITA's organization and structure is being formed.

In her role as CTO, officials said, Clark will be responsible for the recently established VITA Transition Office and will report directly to the CIO. The VITA Transition Office is responsible for ensuring the continuity and smooth transition of existing IT services, establishing the VITA leadership team, and integrating the IT divisions of executive branch agencies -- including the Department of Information Technology, the Department of Technology Planning and VIPNet when abolished on July 1, 2003.

"Facilitating continuity of services throughout state government will be a primary focus of the transition team during this time," said Secretary Newstrom. "We look forward to the new opportunities IT consolidation will provide for our state employees, improved services to our citizens, and increased efficiencies and cost savings to the Commonwealth."

Clark, who has worked for Virginia government for more than 25 years, was appointed director of the Department of Information Technology in May 2002. Previously at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), she held positions as Acting Deputy Commissioner for the department, CIO, Assistant Commissioner for Technology, Driver Services Administrator and Planning Director.

"During the build-out of VITA, we will be looking for results-oriented professionals who have a demonstrated record of teambuilding, creating an organizational culture that promotes success, working collaboratively and implementing new strategies," said Clark. "VITA will undoubtedly be the most exciting place to work in government."

Office of Gov. Mark Warner