The Department of Technology Services was established by Governor Schwarzenegger in July 2005 to consolidate the Stephen P. Teale and Health and Human Services Data Centers with the Department of General Services Office of Network Services under the jurisdiction of the State and Consumer Services Agency. DTS serves the common technology needs of executive branch agencies throughout the State of California.
"P.K.'s understanding of California's information technology systems and experience in state government, combined with his expertise in state and local government technology infrastructure, provide him with a fantastic foundation to lead this new department and its unique challenges," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "He shares my dedication to ensuring state government is efficient, effective and responsive to the people of California. I am confident that under his direction, the Department of Technology Services will successfully consolidate and modernize California's information technology system for the future of our state."
Agarwal has more than 15 years of experience as a chief information officer in both the public and private sectors. He has been vice president of ACS, Inc. since 2003 where he works with state and local governments to help transform information technology. Previously, he served as executive vice president and chief information officer for NIC, Inc. for three years. From 1996 to 2000 Agarwal was chief information officer for the Franchise Tax Board and from 1984 to 1996 he was chief of the Office of Information Services within the Department of General Services. His state government experience also includes three years as manager of the Database Development Bureau for the Department of Social Services and one year as a technical project manager for the Department of Health Services. Agarwal began his career as a management consultant and customer manager for EDS Corporation from 1975 to 1978.
Agarwal has also been active in the information technology community serving as president of the National Association of State Information Resource Executives from 1995 to 1996, president of the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council in 1999, a member and past chair of the California Psychological Health Plan from 1980 to 1993, a member of the Government Technology Conference Advisory Committee from 1985 to 2000, co-chair of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO)/ITAA Electronic Commerce Committee from 1995 to 1997, co-chair of the NASCIO/NASPO/ITAA Government Procurement Reform Committee from 1994 to 1997, and he currently serves as a member of the National Electronic Coordinating Council Board. He has received many awards and honors for his work including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the California Information Technology Manager Academy, the Federal Technology Leadership Putting Technology to Work for Government and the Citizen Award and the NASCIO Internet Use for Citizens Award.
"I am honored Governor Schwarzenegger has asked me to return to state service to lead the new Department of Technology Services, designed to streamline and coordinate California's information technology services," said Agarwal. "I look forward to working with the Governor to solve the complex information technology tasks facing our state."
Agarwal, 58, of Fair Oaks, earned a Master of Science degree in operations research from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Science degree from IIT New Delhi, India. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $123,255. Agarwal is registered decline-to-state.
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Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Establishment of the California Department of Technology Services
