The 2008 CIO Academy featured an impressive lineup of sessions and speakers, including keynotes from former astronaut Sally Ride - the first American woman in space - as well as former Marine and Al-Jazeera English spokesman Josh Rushing.
However, many attendees were particularly interested in what Takai, the former Michigan CIO, had to say about her plans for California.
Takai fielded questions from Department of Technology Services Director P.K. Agarwal and the audience. Agarwal quizzed Takai regarding the half-dozen weeks she had been in California and what she had learned in that short time. Takai said she found a strong desire for change within the IT community and among state executives.
One change Takai said she'd like to help make a reality is reducing the disparity she feels still exists within California's IT infrastructure. According to Takai, the prevailing attitude is largely agency-specific.
"The silos and the chimneys in the business areas are actually much more embedded than what I had hoped. The departments are more solidified than I had thought," she said, adding it's her early impression. "I think it's up to us as technology professionals to bridge the gap and talk to the business about technology and how it makes a difference."
While serving as a showcase for California's new CIO, the CIO Academy also featured plenty of opportunities for attendees to discuss current issues in public-sector IT.
Between keynotes, event-goers attended sessions featuring topics that ran the gamut - from fundamental discussions, such as combining IT governance and portfolio management, or creating a results-oriented organization, to a practical examination of e-discovery, and more speculative concerns, including what Web 2.0 means to government.
Govtech.com Hot List
Here are the 10 most popular stories on Govtech.com from Feb. 12, 2008 to March 12, 2008.
1. DHS Announces Changes in 2008 Grant Guidelines
Fiscal 2008 funding priorities include improving preparedness planning and strengthening IED prevention, protection and recovery.
2. Shared GIS Helps Texas Cities Create Rich Online Maps
Shared service helps Texas cities create detailed online maps without busting budgets.
3. Teri Takai, California's New CIO, Meets with State Technology Leadership
Takai fields questions from agency officials about her expectations and experiences.
4. Presenting This Year's Top 25
Government Technology's annual list of "doers, dreamers and drivers."
5. Unemployment Insurance System Cuts Cost and Delays in Minnesota
Minnesota self-service Unemployment Insurance Program improves efficiency.
6. Identity Theft Steals Millions From Government Health Programs
Stolen medical identities boost health-care costs
and cause lasting pain for patients.
7. Electronic Health Records: Can Microsoft and Google Help?
As Congress and doctors dither on electronic health records, industry heavyweights unveil another - more personal - option.
8. Beyond CRM and 311: Strategies for Improving Government Services
Four myths keep government from delivering a better customer experience.
9. Universities Use Second Life to Teach Complex Concepts
The virtual world gains traction among Texas academics.
10. Wireless Sensors May Help Governments Monitor Aging Infrastructure
Minneapolis bridge collapse spurs monitoring innovations.
