Workforce and People

New state funding will help replace aging infrastructure for mechatronics and advanced manufacturing training at State University of New York Delhi and prepare graduates for the workforce.

Daniel Rister, a 26-year veteran of Cumberland County government, has been named its permanent chief innovation and technology services director after serving on an interim basis for about four months.

Pamela McKnight will serve as the city’s inaugural chief AI officer. Officials first announced plans to hire a CAIO and build out an AI team earlier this year, powered by a $2 million budget expansion.

State leadership has been working on key IT initiatives in 2025, from a digital ID project to a customer experience initiative to bolstering their cybersecurity approach. That work is expected to advance in 2026.

The Teradyne plant in Wixom is expected to house manufacturing for Universal Robots’ collaborative robots. It will serve as the company’s new U.S. Operations Hub, with support from a $2.7 million grant.

Martha Norrick left her job earlier this year and has since joined the incoming mayor’s transition team on technology. She was an advocate of open data and data literacy.

One Arizona school district's career and technical education program exposes student to the semiconductor industry's manufacturing process, from the principles to the processes and the tools that underpin it.

The “2025 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study” was just released, and eye-opening cybersecurity trends are developing that are worth close attention. Let’s explore.

The state will join others in establishing a C-level artificial intelligence leadership role, as officials look to expand the use of AI tools under clear governance expectations, while ensuring that work follows state priorities.

The Washington State Broadband Office has a new director, Jordan Arnold, who previously served as a senior policy adviser on broadband within the Biden administration. She will start in January.

The cyber corps is mobilizing volunteers as the state continues to fortify its overall cybersecurity posture and work toward filling its coverage gaps, officials have announced.

Dinkler’s prior experience includes leadership of a software supplier for the energy industry. He replaces Robert Bonavito as the government technology company moves deeper into the cloud and AI.

Jeffrey Stovall, who served as CIO for Charlotte, N.C., for more than 10 years will head up Dallas IT operations starting in January. The longtime technologist has said he places a high value on cyber infrastructure.

A cybersecurity review by the Virginia Army National Guard Cyber Brigade praised Henry County’s work but recommended it expand IT staffing. The examination included an audit of county computer networks.

Agencies report that critical IT positions remain hard to fill, but finding the right people takes more than job postings. States are expanding intern and apprentice programs to train and retain talent.

Officials are working with InnovateUS to train public employees statewide on working with AI. Empowering people, CIO Shawnzia Thomas said, is a significant part of achieving digital transformation.

Lawson, who has cybersecurity experience in municipal, state and federal roles, has previously served as CISO and chief technology officer for Alaska, and as assistant CIO and CISO for the city of Phoenix.

The state’s acting CIO Bryanna Pardoe helmed its digital experience office until October. She has since been selected to lead technology efforts and serve as deputy secretary for information technology.