Workforce and People

As Nov. 5 approaches, we asked state CIOs what role they play in keeping elections fair, valid and cyber-safe.

Stephen Miller, who has served as Washington, D.C.'s acting chief technology officer since June, has been confirmed as permanent CTO. He has been with the city nearly two decades, including more than six years in the C-suite.

Steven Martin, a longtime IT executive in the southwest, will join Glendale, Ariz., later this month as its CIO. He brings public- and private-sector leadership experience to the role, where he will set the city's tech strategy and provide ongoing program analysis.

On the final day of its 2024 Annual Conference, the organization recognized tech and cyber teams and leaders in more than a dozen states for their long-term contributions, and for success in specific initiatives.

Filling cybersecurity and IT positions is, for many governments, a long-standing challenge. At NASCIO, Montana CIO Kevin Gilbertson explains his state’s successful strategy of hiring and training up applicants from other government agencies.

The organization's yearly State CIO Survey, released during its annual conference, documents perspectives on the growing role of AI and digital transformation in better serving constituents. State IT workforces, it indicates, are foundational to meeting rising demand for digital services.

State CIO Craig Orgeron said he believes many young tech professionals have the desire to do public service. At the NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference, he talked about seemingly small changes that might attract those workers.

As we head toward 2025, are the duties and goals of a chief information security officer achievable? Are CISOs set up for failure? Should position descriptions be changed? Let’s explore.

With AI-powered recruitment tools increasingly used in hiring, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced the release of its own AI and Inclusive Hiring Framework to support inclusive hiring practices.

Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are working with business leaders on a plan to help small to medium-sized automotive manufacturers transition to the electric vehicle market.

Michael Makstman first stepped into the city’s CIO job in July, and he recently discussed his experience so far with running a $140 million department that has more than 260 employees.

The Maryland Department of Information Technology is partnering with InnovateUS to offer free artificial intelligence training to state employees, joining a growing list of states to do so.

South Dakota CIO Madhu Gottumukkala has a vision of innovation for state IT that involves a strong team implementing improved data governance, cybersecurity and emerging technology for constituents.

The Neurodiversity Cyber Initiative will invite high school and college students, as well as adult learners, to dual-enroll at Mercyhurst University and the Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Center at eCenter@LindenPointe.

State officials have plucked Gene Meltser from the private sector to serve as state chief information security officer. The C-suite arrival will leverage his cybersecurity experience to mitigate risk for the government and its constituents.

The Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub has received a $27.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. The money will go to semiconductor and technology research at upstate universities and research institutions.

The state chief information security officer of nearly eight years was named one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers, in part for helping create a collaborative, risk-aware culture.

Northern New Mexico College is working with Los Alamos National Laboratory on setting up a training center for cyber careers, expected to begin in fall 2025 for four-year degrees and professional development.