IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Katya Diaz

Staff Writer

Katya Diaz is a staff writer for Government Technology. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in global strategic communications from Florida International University.

Workforce & People

Florida CISO Jeremy Rodgers Will Head to Private Sector

Rodgers, a longtime officer in the U.S. Navy, has considerable technology experience in the private sector, including as a federal and public security architect at IBM. He is the former deputy mayor for Boca Raton, Fla.

May 14, 2025
· Katya Diaz
Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers

Tamecka McKay

Former CIO, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Spring 2025
· Katya Diaz
Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers

Michelle Taylor

CIO, Leon County, Fla.

Spring 2025
· Katya Diaz
Workforce & People

Fort Lauderdale Picks Exec for Acting CIO as McKay Departs

Officials at the Florida city have elevated its chief digital officer to acting chief information officer. Tamecka McKay, the now-former CIO and director of the IT Services Department, has stepped down.

April 23, 2025
· Katya Diaz
Policy

Florida Legislators Mull Replacing State’s Current IT Agency

The Florida State Appropriations Committee has proposed a bill that would create the Agency for State Systems and Enterprise Technology and replace the existing IT agency, the Florida Digital Service, by June 2026.

March 20, 2025
· Katya Diaz
Artificial Intelligence

Florida Lawmakers Weigh Using AI to Find Waste, Smooth Processes

Members of the House of Representatives IT Budget and Policy Subcommittee questioned artificial intelligence’s impact on the state workforce and its open records policy, expressing concern it could replace staffers.

March 12, 2025
· Katya Diaz
Policy

Florida Database Would Assist in Voting Rights Restoration

A House bill would create a database to track information on the progress of certain individuals with felony convictions. Its aim would be to help those eligible determine whether their voting rights could be restored.

February 28, 2025
· Katya Diaz
Policy

Florida DOGE Force Looks to AI to Trim Bureaucratic ‘Bloat’

Created by gubernatorial executive order, the state’s new Department of Governmental Efficiency team will work to “promote efficiency, maximize productivity and eliminate waste in state and local government.”

February 25, 2025
· Katya Diaz
Budget & Finance

Millions in Fla. Governor’s IT Budget for Law Enforcement

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fiscal year 2026 proposed budget recommendations include funding for state IT projects across criminal justice. Initiatives include hardening security, replacing infrastructure and a platform upgrade.

February 21, 2025
· Katya Diaz
Government Experience

Local Governments Work With Google.org to Design Digital Tools

City and county officials discussed partnering with community organizations and technologists from Google.org on digital tools to resolve neighborhood issues, during a “Demo Day” webinar hosted by The Opportunity Project for Cities.

November 15, 2024
· Katya Diaz