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Massachusetts Hires Deputy Tech Development Czar

Governments like Massachusetts are increasingly viewing technology not only as a portal to innovation, but riches, too.

Massachusetts, home of MIT and Boston, one of the most innovative city governments in the nation, just got a little smarter. The state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development announced on April 21 the appointment of Katie Stebbins, who will serve as assistant secretary of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. In that role, Stebbins will support state technology efforts and retain jobs.

“Massachusetts’ innovation economy generates good jobs and has put us on the cutting edge of technological development,” Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash said. “Katie’s extensive experience in entrepreneurship and development … will be invaluable assets as we work to lower barriers on innovation and entrepreneurship and provide resources for growing companies across the Commonwealth.”
 
Stebbins joins the office following 20 years of experience in workforce and economic development, the office reported. Stebbins served the city of Springfield, Mass., as senior planner and then principal planner and deputy director of economic development. More recently, she ran a consulting practice and served as the primary consultant for Holyoke Innovation District on behalf of the Massachusetts Tech Collaborative, and then launched a parenting and lifestyle e-zine in 2012.
 
"I am consistently impressed with the world-class research and development coming out of our universities and startups, and I am looking forward to further fostering an environment that drives job and wage growth in Massachusetts," Stebbins said in a statement. 
Colin wrote for Government Technology and Emergency Management from 2010 through most of 2016.