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Former CIOs Offer Sage Advice

CIO SAGE initiative launched to match IT experience with critical needs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Council for Excellence in Government -- a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to improve government performance -- announced Wednesday the formation of the Chief Information Officers -- Senior Advisors to Government Executives (CIO SAGE).

This first-of-its-kind network comprises more than 25 former federal, state and local CIO all-stars. The group's distinctive knowledge and expertise of technology management issues will be leveraged and shared to assist incoming and new government CIOs.

"Former government CIOs -- the folks who have 'been there and done that' -- are an incredible and too often underutilized resource," said Patricia McGinnis, president and CEO of the Council for Excellence in Government. "That is exactly why we created a smart way to match their unique experience to government's current critical needs. At the center of e-government innovation are the CIOs, the frontline soldiers of the e-government revolution. To help them do their job more effectively, and to help them serve the public more efficiently, they need the wise counsel and benefit of experience of professionals who know the ropes. That's what CIO SAGE is all about."

The concept for CIO SAGE was conceived by Council Principal Steve Kolodney, who served as the CIO for the state of Washington, and is now a vice president with American Management Systems and David McClure, vice president for e-government at the Council.

"Members of CIO SAGE have distinguished themselves in public-sector leadership by advancing innovative technology-management approaches essential to improving the performance of government," noted McClure.

"They also share a common identity and purpose with new government CIOs: to leave government service knowing they have been successful in implementing technology solutions that not only improve the economy and efficiency of government programs, but also recast the connection between citizens and their government," McClure added.

Members of CIO SAGE all have a successful IT leadership track record, and have held a CIO title (or equivalent) in the public-sector. They are also all principals (members of) the Council for Excellence in Government. Members attend as individual professionals, not as officials representing their existing companies or organizational affiliations. An upcoming meeting is being planned between the CIO SAGE and several, state and local CIOs.

Some members of CIO SAGE have already begun. A group of CIO SAGE members is currently advising the Massachusetts Governor's Commission on Information Technology.

A list of the current CIO SAGE members, can be found on the Council's website.

-- The Council for Excellence in Government