Workforce and People

Why so many layoffs? Are technology jobs plentiful or lacking? With unemployment relatively low, why are many cyber pros and tech experts struggling to get an interview?

The state has been an early adopter of artificial intelligence, and is now equipping staff with the skills and knowledge they need to leverage AI securely. Training is free and voluntary.

Most recently the executive director of the nonprofit Transform Hawaii Government, she will replace Doug Murdock as CIO and lead the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services starting Aug. 5.

The nine-year state CIO and leader of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, who stepped down in 2020, will return in both roles starting Monday.

Jeffrey Wann, the former CIO of Missouri, has returned to the public sector as leader of the IT department for the city of Des Moines, Iowa. Wann has more than 30 years of IT experience in the public and private sectors.

What are the top mistakes that I see new security leaders continue to make in 2024 as they start their CISO careers or take on new roles? How can these challenges be addressed?

Howard's past experience includes years of working in public-sector technology for several local governments throughout Arizona, including stints in Goodyear, Mesa and Gilbert.

A franchise of online K-12 schools is working with a nonprofit to offer students scholarships, internships, digital credentials and other opportunities to get a head start in the semiconductor industry.

North Carolina's new "Propel NC" initiative will allocate funding to community college programs based on how much they drive economic growth, prioritizing fields such as information technology and advanced manufacturing.

TechBuffalo's summer program aims to keep tech-focused college students and graduates in the region by helping them develop professional skills and network with employers in Western New York's tech community.

Roberto Lopez has been with the city more than 20 years, much of that as a computer operations manager. He replaces Rosa Akhtarkhavari, who stepped down earlier this month after more than a decade as CIO.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has named Jason Lally, deputy director of Data Services and Engineering at the state Office of Data and Innovation, to the role. Joy Bonaguro, the previous state CDO, stepped down in June 2023.

Many employers are reporting their youngest hires lack essential “soft” skills such as communication, leadership and adaptability. Robotics clubs and other digital education environments can help teach these skills.

AI-generated cyber attacks and deepfakes mean new risks and new ways to fight them. "Human risk management" is a term to describe how organizations train their staff to detect these evolving threats.

The state, working with Google, has launched a course providing foundational AI skills training to residents. The offering, open to 10,000 people at a time, is designed to create an agile workforce.

Legislation awaiting Gov. Josh Green’s signature would have the state chief information officer no longer report directly to the governor. Critics say this could diminish the role and have a chilling effect on innovation.

Andrew Winters III is Wallingford's new director of information technology, a position the mayor created to overhaul the systems town employees use to work and residents use to access information.

City Council members voted unanimously to make the career Florida executive permanent in both roles. Hayden, who was previously infrastructure services manager, has served as interim CIO and CTO since January.