"When it comes to information technology, state government must function more like a business, and Edward Driesse has the background and expertise to help lead that transformation," said Davis. "As CIO, Ed will assist our goals to improve service while cutting costs to our customers -- the taxpayers -- and will serve as a lead change agent implementing this administration's vision to improve state government information sharing, integration, efficiency and transparency."
The state's CIO heads the Office of Information Technology in the Division of Administration (DOA) within the Office of the Governor. The CIO is the state's point person for matters related to IT and IT resources, including setting policies, standards, hardware and software deployment, strategic and tactical planning, acquisition, management, and operations in keeping with industry trends, both private and public. The CIO oversees several IT organizations within the DOA, acting as architect and primary executor of technical and business strategy for IT in Louisiana state government.
As a member of the Commissioner of Administration's management team, the CIO is principal adviser to the governor and executive cabinet on IT policy, including acquisition and management of IT resources. The CIO monitors one of the most active e-government operations among the states as well as being a vital partner in implementing the Commissioner's initiatives to increase government transparency.
Driesse has served as CIO for DHH since 2007. Prior to that, he served as CIO for AECOM Technology Corp., a global design and management services company in Los Angeles, where he managed a budget of over $50 million and a staff of 260.
His previous experience also includes serving as CIO for Foster Wheeler Ltd., a global engineering and construction company in Clinton, New Jersey, where he oversaw the global deployment of the JD Edwards integrated applications system. Driesse has also served as vice president and CIO for Zimmer Inc., in Warsaw, Indiana, and for HealthTrust Inc., in Nashville.
Driesse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a Master of Science degree in computer science, both from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
