Workforce and People

To get more people prepared for careers in cybersecurity, Maryland is betting on a state-backed, employer-driven apprenticeship model, not unlike traditional skilled trade apprenticeships.

The director of the California Department of Technology and state CIO since June 2022 will be stepping down after a 38-year career. That included guiding CDT’s on-the-ground response to the 2025 wildfires.

The state is offering AI training developed with InnovateUS, to help employees increase their skill levels and use AI responsibly. The curriculum is available via its online learning platform.

New funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation will support the Computer Science Teachers Association in training thousands of teachers from across nine states on core computer science concepts and AI.

Nate Denny, former deputy secretary for the Department of Information Technology, will lead it starting next month. In his earlier role, he guided the state’s broadband expansion.

The state has put out a new call for applicants to help state agencies with AI, data analytics, emergency technologies and other areas. The push reflects similar programs from other governments.

County IT leader Rose Mustain, a former NASA cybersecurity manager, has moved on, its chief administrator said last week. Chief Information Security Officer Russ Hauser will serve as interim IT director.

The longtime Minnesota IT Services executive, who was previously its deputy commissioner, succeeds Tarek Tomes as permanent state CIO and MNIT commissioner after the latter’s departure.

T.J. Mayotte will step in as the city’s new CIO beginning Monday, bringing private- and public-sector experience from two nearby counties to the role. The incoming tech leader has also worked in security governance.

The Department of Information Resources board approved his appointment Friday as DIR executive director and CIO, after an in-depth search. Sauerhoff had been serving in an interim capacity since January.

The PowerDetails platform helps law enforcement agencies manage off-duty shifts and special event assignments. The deal marks the latest move in the public safety space for NEOGOV, which offers HR tech for government.

A public community college in New York will put a state grant toward training programs in advanced manufacturing and electrical technology in the Hudson Valley's growing clean energy and manufacturing sectors.

Phase 1 of a two-part implementation is underway. Phase 2 in a two- to three-year transformation will group tech staff under Austin Technology Services. Union leaders have indicated their opposition.

As the county prepares to launch its 2026-2028 strategic plan for tech advancement, the CIO examined progress on improving digital services and what “AI” means for the local government.

Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is gathering emerging tech experts as part of an Economic Security Advisory Group. It will explore making the city competitive in AI, quantum tech and related sectors.

In answer to budgetary and enrollment woes, Louisiana is looking at whether to consolidate some of its universities or refocus their programs on industry-aligned programs in fields like cybersecurity and pharmaceuticals.

A partnership between the North Carolina Department of IT and the Carolina Cyber Network is giving students real-world cyber defense experience while helping the state build up its workforce.

Shawn Smith will step down this month as IT director for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to join the Tennessee consolidated city-county as its permanent CIO. He replaces an interim CIO who has been in place since mid-2024.