Workforce and People

At the National Association of Chief Information Officers Annual Conference in Minneapolis in October, a collection of former state CIOs in attendance came together for a group photo.

CISO Bruce Coffing on recruiting a more diverse cybersecurity workforce and the unique challenges of locking down systems in a city the size of Chicago.

AI, or artificial intelligence, grabbed the attention of every industry in 2023, creating hope for easier, more streamlined work processes and stoking fear that it could advance enough to replace employees.

The Oklahoma State University Polytech initiative will increase STEM programming across the OSU system, starting with the expansion of OSUIT in Tulsa, and solicit guidance on academic programming from industry leaders.

As Government Technology reflected on another year in the books, we asked state CIOs: What stood out for you in 2023?

Kuldip Mohanty, who has been serving as the state’s CIO since February, is using his substantial private-sector experience to guide how NDIT serves its agency customers and constituents.

Bus operators face a lot of challenges on the clock, but they say technology shouldn’t be one of them. From the reliability of newer electric buses to employee monitoring software, drivers weighed in on the demanding job.

One of the benefits platform’s newest hires — a Granicus veteran — talks about how the company is trying to improve government disbursements. Web design and agency partnerships are among the important tools.

As they’ve taken on new challenges in new jurisdictions or left for opportunities outside the public sector, chief information officers and their colleagues continue to work toward progress.

For the first time since 2007, NASCIO’s annual survey of state IT leaders was tied between two top priorities. That spot, normally dominated by cybersecurity and risk management, was joined this year by digital government and services.

For Indiana CIO Tracy Barnes, elevating cybersecurity, creating IT leadership training, enacting AI policy and laying the framework for a statewide digital ID program will take center stage in 2024.

From eliminating four-year degree requirements to major reskilling programs and a focus on building agency culture, state IT shops are looking to new ways to overcome persistent staffing concerns.

Harry Coker Jr. is now the second official national cyber director for the federal government, and he comes to the job with a resume that includes leadership stints with the CIA and the NSA.  

Marchi previously spent seven years leading the Office of Central and Information Services for nearby Dutchess County, N.Y., with both jurisdictions being located just north of New York City.

With an election that promises to usher in a new administration for North Carolina, CIO James Weaver is focusing his energy on improving the foundations of state IT while also embracing new — and unstoppable — technologies.

City and county of San Francisco CIO Linda Gerull has set her retirement for Dec. 29. Chief Information Security Officer Michael Makstman will serve as the interim director of the Department of Technology.

The Georgia Technology Authority has appointed government technology veteran Subramanian Muniasamy to serve as chief technology officer. He brings public-sector IT experience from another Georgia state agency to the role.

Jimmy Godard previously spent more than two decades with the bank, holding roles such as senior vice president of strategy and governance and senior vice president of program service delivery manager.