The Government Technology Conference (GTC) East Expo, the largest technology expo in New York's Tech Valley, celebrated its 20th anniversary this week, with Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York state CIO and director of the Office for Technology (CIO/OFT), praising the conference as a valuable event that helps advance technology innovation in state and local government.
The four-day event which concluded Thursday in Albany, N.Y., offered enhanced training academies and seminars to highlight 21st Century New York trends, policies and management, for operating a 21st Century government and an exhibition floor with over 150 technology providers.
"This year marks the 20th anniversary of GTC East," Mayberry-Stewart told the attendees. "Each year, GTC East offers opportunities to learn about new cutting-edge technologies and strategies that help solve today's business challenges, which ultimately help us advance our goal to drive New York state's technology."
GTC East brought together technology, policy and business decision makers to learn about new technology and network with peers and industry leaders. A number of key leaders from the private and public sectors including Kristin Proud, deputy director for state operations in the New York State Executive Chamber, participated in the event.
During her introduction of keynote speaker, Neil Howe -- a renowned authority on generations in America who presented his views of America's changing workforce, Kristin Proud stated, " As the workforce is changing, leaders need to ask -- What motivates and inspires each generation of workers to produce in the workplace?"
At this week's conference, Mayberry-Stewart also presented Dr. Daniel Chan, CIO of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), with the 2008 CIO of the Year Award. In its second year, the CIO of the Year Award is given to the CIO that demonstrates exemplary leadership and vision.
"We were fortunate to have several outstanding CIOs nominated this year. It was extremely difficult to determine this year's CIO of the Year," said Mayberry-Stewart. "Dr. Chan's leadership has guided OTDA staff toward a customer service vision, where the business/program needs drive the system design and development portfolio."
