"I am thrilled with Ellis' decision to serve as chief information officer," said Ehrlich. "He has proven an invaluable asset to the state during his tenure with the Department of Budget and Management. He shares my commitment to instilling fiscal discipline in state government and improving government services for the people of Maryland."
Kitchen recently served as chief information officer for the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, where his policy decisions have improved IT services while saving the state $21 million per year. He also served on numerous task forces, including the Homeland Security Continuity of Government Task Force, the Task Force for Affordable Broadband in Rural Maryland and the Information Technology Advisory Council.
"Ellis is the right person at the right time to implement Governor Ehrlich's vision for efficiency, effectiveness, and maximum benefit for all Maryland citizens," said Department of Budget and Management Secretary James C. DiPaula.