First CIO for Newton, Mass., Announced

Newton, Mass., Mayor Setti Warren announced in late June the appointment of the city’s first CIO, Robert Barrett. Barrett takes the new position following the recommendation of the city’s IT Advisory Committee, which was created by Warren’s administration more than a year ago.

“Robert will be leading my administration’s vision for a comprehensive IT strategy across city departments,” Warren said in the press release. “He brings a wide range of experience in the field of information technology, and an innovative and strategic approach to IT. I am pleased to welcome Robert to the city of Newton, and look forward to working with him.”

Barrett was CIO for A123 Systems, Inc., a lithium-ion battery developer and manufacturer, and CIO for Babcock Power. Newton’s Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux said that city is not creating additional job positions beyond this one, which was created through attrition and other efficiencies, reported Wicked Local.