The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) named Michael Leavitt, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as the association's 2006 National Technology Champion Award recipient in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of information technology (IT) public policy and practice.

"Secretary Leavitt's passion for enabling the use of technology has advanced citizen service, information sharing and good government," said Wisconsin CIO and NASCIO President Matthew Miszewski. "We applaud his dedication to implementing widespread deployment of health information technology in order to provide safer, timelier, more efficient, effective, equitable and less costly, patient-centered health care."

As the 20th secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Leavitt manages the largest civilian department in the federal government, with more than 66,000 employees. Prior to his current service, Leavitt served as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and as the three-time governor of Utah. During his 11-year tenure as governor, Leavitt was chosen by his peers to serve as chair of the National Governors Association and Utah was recognized six times as one of America's best-managed states.

NASCIO presents the National Technology Champion Award on an annual basis to acknowledge pioneers who promote excellence in both technology and good government. Nominees may be federal, state or local officials or staff, such as a legislator, academician or an individual in the private sector. State chief information officers (CIOs) are not eligible for this award. KW