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1. Is yours an appointed position, civil service, etc.?
Appointed position.
My career as chief of staff for congressman Frank Horton and the Government Operations Committee, which addressed IT issues at the dawn of the Information Age.
3. What are the biggest IT issues currently facing your jurisdiction?
The biggest IT issues are rapid procurement of hardware, software and services; and building a "best practices," cooperative and collective government, by and between state agencies, local government and higher education by institutionalizing the IT management structure created by Gov. Gilmore and the Legislature.
4. What IT program are you most proud of?
Creation of the stakeholder-comprised Council on Technology Services.
5. What has been your most difficult challenge?
IT procurement for hardware, software and services.
6. How will information technology change in five years?
In the next five years, practically every service of government will be Web-enabled, offering citizens easier access to the government services they require.
7. What do you wish vendors would do or not do?
I would like vendors to come to meetings with a knowledge of Virginia government and specific initiatives to address our problems as opposed to asking how they can help us and giving company commercials.
8. When did you decide to enter government and what was the reason?
I have been in and out of government most of my career. I decided to take this job when Gov. Gilmore asked me in April 1998.
9. How do you stay ahead of your e-mail?
My staff assists me in getting through the incredible amount of e-mail.
10. How do you use the Internet? What sites are most useful to you?
Primarily for information. Favorite sites:
11. What book are you currently reading?
Wizards & Glass, Stephen King.
12. What's your favorite recreational activity?
Spending time with my daughter.
13. What's your favorite quote?
"Nothing is written." -- Lawrence of Arabia.
14. Who's the person you most admire?
President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
